Exercise and vitamin D supplementation in older adults (EXVITD)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Influence of combined vitamin D supplementation and resistance exercise training on musculoskeletal health in frail older men and women (EXVITD)
IRAS ID
155056
Contact name
Carolyn Greig
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Birmingham
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
ERN_14-0536, University of Birmingham Research Support Group
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Although physical activity (particularly strength training) is crucial for good muscle and bone health and physical performance, there is evidence to suggest that older people do not respond as well to strength training compared with younger people. Approaches to optimising this 'blunted' responsiveness using exercise training and nutritional supplements, such as vitamin D, may have additive effects on physical performance and therefore represent a good strategy to reduce falls and fractures as well as maintain physical independence. Although we know that rsistance exercise training (RET) may be beneficial to frail older adults, there are very few studies investigating its effect in combination with vitamin D3 supplementation. We propose a placebo controlled randomised trial of the effects of resistance exercise training combined with vitamin D supplementation on muscle and bone health in men and women aged 70 years and over living in supported housing. We will measure the effects on body composition, muscle power output, selected tasks of physical function which are important for independent living and quality of life. A finding that exercise training and vitamin D supplementation are more effective than exercise training alone would support future strategies to maintain muscle and bone health, physical independence and quality of life in older people.
REC name
West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/WM/1220
Date of REC Opinion
8 Dec 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion