Comparing the Effects of Two Training approaches: Low-Intensity Steady-State Training versus Functional Training on Cognitive Function, Dual Task Performance and Quality of Life in Elderly Men

Comparing the effects of eight weeks of low‑intensity steady‑state and functional training on cognitive function, dual‑task performance, and quality of life in elderly men aged 60‑75 years.

Randomized controlled trial, single‑blind (outcome assessors), parallel three‑group, pre‑test/post‑test, sample size 45, simple randomization by lottery, phase not applicable.

Tarbiat Modares University. After screening and consent, randomization and 8‑week intervention in standard hall under trainer and physician supervision. Assessments by blinded assessors at pre‑test and post‑test.

Inclusion: men 60‑75 years; independent walking; no active cardiovascular, neurological or muscular disorders; no uncontrolled diabetes; controlled blood pressure; no stroke or seizures in the past year; no regular exercise in last 3 months; signed consent; negative PAR‑Q; fewer than 4 steps in turn test. Exclusion: spinal or joint surgery in last 12 months; open foot wound; plantar fasciitis; foot deformity; serious mental illness; severe visual or hearing impairment; cardiorespiratory limiting diseases.

Group 1: 8 weeks, three 45‑min sessions/week, low‑intensity aerobic exercise (walking, stationary cycling, stair stepper) at 40‑65% HRmax. Group 2: 8 weeks, three 45‑min sessions/week, functional training (balance, strength, coordination, daily activities). Group 3: control with no training.

Cognitive function (MMSE, Digit Span, Stroop, CVLT, WCST); dual‑task performance (dual‑task gait speed and dual‑task throwing accuracy); quality of life (SF‑36).

After initial screening and confirmation of participants' eligibility, the names of eligible individuals are written on separate pieces of paper. Then, through a lottery method, each participant is randomly allocated to one of three groups (Low-Intensity Steady-State Training, Functional Training, and Control Group). Randomization method: Simple Randomization Randomization unit: Individual Stratification factors: None (no stratified randomization) Randomization tool: Lottery (using separate paper slips) Sequence generation method: Using lottery method without using software or random number tables Allocation concealment: Since allocation is performed through lottery and the slips are prepared by an independent person and placed in a sealed container before selection, the allocation cannot be predicted by the researcher or participants, thus allocation concealment is ensured.

In this study, due to the nature of the exercise intervention, complete blinding for all groups is not possible. However, to reduce bias in outcome assessment, the Outcome Assessors, who are responsible for administering the cognitive tests, dual-task assessments, and quality of life questionnaires, will be blinded to the group allocation of participants. Detailed explanation by role: Participants: Not blinded. Participants are aware of the type of exercise they are performing (Low-Intensity Steady-State Training, Functional Training, or Control). Principal Investigator and Exercise Trainers: Not blinded. The researcher and exercise trainers who are responsible for conducting the training sessions are aware of the type of intervention each group receives. Personnel (Center Physician): Not blinded. The physician who monitors participants' health and conducts initial examinations is aware of the intervention type. Medical supervision is essential for participant safety. Outcome Assessors: Blinded. Individuals who administer and score the cognitive tests (MMSE, Digit Span, Stroop, CVLT, WCST), dual-task assessments, and quality of life questionnaire (SF-36) will be unaware of the participants' group allocation. These individuals are not involved in the exercise intervention process and only interact with participants during pre-test and post-test assessments. Data Analyst: Not blinded. The person analyzing the data is aware of the group allocation. Data Safety and Monitoring Committee (DSMB): Not applicable in this study. Method of blinding for Outcome Assessors: Outcome assessors will be kept blinded through participant coding and lack of access to group allocation information. After randomization, each participant receives a unique code, and the assessors only work with these codes, without knowing which code belongs to which group.

Data Dictionary and Variable Coding System: Includes variable names, data types, value ranges, measurement methods, and operational definitions of all primary and secondary outcome variables (cognitive function, dual-task performance, and quality of life).

Six months after publication of study results

Researchers affiliated with reputable academic and scientific institutions who have an approved research proposal by their institutional ethics committee.

Data may be used solely for research purposes and secondary analyses related to aging and exercise physiology. Commercial use of the data is not permitted. All users must adhere to ethical requirements and maintain data confidentiality, and must report any findings from their analyses to the primary authors.

To request data, please contact the corresponding author, Mr. Jaafar Jameel Abdolkaadim, via email at jameel.jaafar@modares.ac.ir. Requests may also be submitted through the Department of Exercise Sciences at Tarbiat Modares University.

Upon submission of a request via email, the corresponding author will review the application. After approval by the university ethics committee, the request will be forwarded to the research team. If finally approved, de-identified data will be provided within two to four weeks via email or a secure data-sharing platform.

Data will be provided solely for non-commercial purposes, with full adherence to ethical principles and confidentiality of participant information.