Boxe4Ageing: Investigating the Effects of Boxing and Multicomponent Training on Health of Older Adults – A Quasi-Experimental Study Protocol

Introduction: Physical exercise is essential for maintaining functionality and independence in later life. However, the specific benefits of boxing as a form of exercise remain unclear. Objective: To describe the protocol of Boxing4Ageing, a program designed to compare the effects of boxing (BT) and multicomponent training (MT) on cognitive performance, brain activity, physical fitness, and fall risk in community-dwelling older adults in Portugal.Methodology: This quasi-experimental study protocol will include participants aged ≥60, assigned to one of three groups: BT, MT, or a control group (CG). The exercise programs will run for 24 weeks, with two weekly sessions. CG participants will maintain their usual activities. Assessments will occur at baseline, mid-intervention (12 weeks), post-intervention (24 weeks), and after a 12-week detraining period. Results: Primary outcomes include cognition, brain activity, physical fitness, and fall risk; secondary outcomes are quality of life and exercise satisfaction. Discussion: If successful, this study could provide evidence supporting the inclusion of boxing in community health programs aimed at preventing falls, improving cognitive health, and enhancing physical fitness in older adults. It could offer a low-cost, accessible intervention with significant potential benefits for older adults.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov - Identifier NCT05826314, registered April 24, 2023