Pilot-testing the Effect of Magnetic Mitohormesis Therapy for Treating Frailty in Older Adults

Thirty (30) adults with limited physical function will be recruited to participate in a double-blind pilot randomized controlled crossover trial in which all participants will receive 12-weeks of twice weekly MMT treatment in the first (Phase 1) or second half (Phase 2) of the study period; during the control period, participants will receive sham treatment and will be blinded to the randomization.

The MMT device that will be used in the trial will be the QuantumTx BIXEPS Fitness and Wellness. The apparatus will provide pulsed electromagnetic fields at flux densities 1.5 mT. During the treatment period, participants will receive PEMF therapy during two ten-minute sessions each week for a total of 12 weeks. The treatment period will be preceded or followed by 12 weeks of twice-weekly sham treatments depending on randomization.

Study recruitment, intervention, and data collection will be conducted at independent and assisted living facilities. Thus, reaching target accrual requires successful recruitment of these facilities. This outcome measures the actual number of study sites/facilities agreeing to and providing physical access and support to conduct the study.

Study staff assessment of device usability and assessment protocol. Two questions with likert scale responses ranging from 1-5, with a higher score meaning a better outcome.

Participant Satisfaction Survey. Eight questions with likert scale responses ranging from 1-5, with a higher score meaning a better outcome.

Repeated Chair stand, balance test, and 4-meter walk composite score (0-12), with higher scores indicating a better outcome

Research ANd Development (RAND) Short Form-12 will assess mental and physical quality of life, with higher scores indicating a better outcome

Inclusion Criteria: physical frailty or pre-frailty, indicated by Short Physical Performance Battery Score <10; intact cognition indicated by a Mini-Cog Screening Test Score > 2; able to read and write in English; and access to a telephone. Exclusion Criteria: active malignancy; neuro-degenerative disease active electronic implants; any health conditions that would prevent performing the testing and intervention procedures; major surgical procedures within the last 6 months; major change in prescription medications within the last 3 months

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