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

M.Sc.

Authors

  • Kessketlen Alves-Miranda Faculty of Sports at the University of Porto - CIAFEL, Research Center for Physical Activity, Health, and Leisure https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9271-8834
  • Simão Pedro-Costa Faculty of Sports at the University of Porto CIAFEL, Research Center for Physical Activity, Health, and Leisure
  • Ewertton de Souza Bezerra Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Federal University of Amazonas https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4397-1715
  • José Oliveira Faculty of Sports at the University of Porto - CIAFEL, Research Center for Physical Activity, Health, and Leisure https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1829-4196
  • Lucimere Bohn Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, Lusófona University -Faculty of Sports at the University of Porto -CIAFEL, Research Center for Physical Activity, Health, and Leisure https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7988-968X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v67.110108

Keywords:

Boxing training;, Physical fitness;, Falls prevention;, Older adults;, Methodologic innovation;

Abstract

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

Author Biographies

  • Kessketlen Alves-Miranda, Faculty of Sports at the University of Porto - CIAFEL, Research Center for Physical Activity, Health, and Leisure

    Kessketlen Alves Miranda is a professional with extensive training and experience in the fields of physical education and health. From May 2016 to May 2018, she worked as a boxing teacher at the Secretariat of Economic and Social Development in Manaus, Amazonas.

    Currently, Miranda is a PhD student at the University of Porto, where she started her studies in September 2021. Previously, she earned two master's degrees: one in Physical Activity and Health from the same university and another in Physical Activity and Sport from the University of Madeira. Additionally, she holds specializations in biomechanics and exercise assessment and prescription from the University of the State of Amazonas and Centro Universitário do Norte, respectively.

    Kessketlen is the author of several academic publications, focusing on topics such as sarcopenia, elderly health, and the influence of physical exercise on quality of life. She also participates in research projects, such as "Boxe4Ageing," approved by FCT, which investigates the impact of boxing-based training programs on older adults.

    With a solid academic and professional background, Kessketlen Miranda stands out in promoting health and researching physical activities aimed at elderly populations.

  • Simão Pedro-Costa, Faculty of Sports at the University of Porto CIAFEL, Research Center for Physical Activity, Health, and Leisure

    Simão Pedro-Costa is a professional with a solid background and experience in the fields of dance and physical education. Since October 2019, he has been working as a dance teacher at Gaiurb in Vila Nova de Gaia, where he also engages in social actions. Previously, since January 2015, he has been teaching ballroom dancing at the Centro Comunitário de Esmoriz.

    In terms of education, Simão completed the curricular part of his doctoral program at the Faculty of Sports at the University of Porto in July 2022. He holds a master's degree in Exercise and Health from the Universidade Lusófona do Porto (2020-2021) and a bachelor's degree in Physical Education and Sports from the same institution (2017-2020). He is also certified as a teacher by the International Dance Teacher Association.

    Simão is recognized for his achievements in dance, being the national vice-champion in ballroom dancing and the national champion in sports dance - Latin, both distinctions obtained in Lisbon.

  • Ewertton de Souza Bezerra, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Federal University of Amazonas

    Graduated in Physical Education from the College of Physical Education and Physiotherapy at the Federal University of Amazonas (1999), Master’s in Physical Education from the School of Physical Education and Sport at the University of São Paulo (USP), 2006. Doctorate in Physical Education from the Federal University of São Paulo (USP), 2006. Currently a faculty member at the College of Physical Education and Physiotherapy at the Federal University of Amazonas, affiliated with the Human Performance Research Group. Currently focusing research on resistance training and biomechanical analysis of exercise.

  • José Oliveira, Faculty of Sports at the University of Porto - CIAFEL, Research Center for Physical Activity, Health, and Leisure

    Full Professor
    University of Porto, Faculty of Sports
    Integrative and Translational Research Laboratory in Population Health (ITR)
    Research Center for Physical Activity, Health, and Leisure (CIAFEL)

  • Lucimere Bohn, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, Lusófona University -Faculty of Sports at the University of Porto -CIAFEL, Research Center for Physical Activity, Health, and Leisure

    Lucimere Bohn has completed her PhD in Physical Activity and Health, a Master's in Physical Activity for the Elderly (2nd Cycle), and a Bachelor's degree (1st cycle) at the Faculty of Sports, University of Porto. She is a Professor at the Faculty of Sports, University of Porto, and at Lusófona University. Additionally, she serves as the Director of the 2nd Cycle in Exercise and Health at Lusófona University. Lucimere Bohn is also a researcher at The Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure / Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Health Population (CIAFEL-ITR). She has authored more than 30 articles in international

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Published

17-04-2025

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Vol. 67 (2025)

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Original Research Article

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Copyright (c) 2025 Kessketlen Alves-Miranda, Simão Pedro-Costa, Ewetton de Souza Bezerra, José Oliveira, Lucimere Bohn

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How to Cite

Alves-Miranda, K., Pedro-Costa, S., de Souza Bezerra, E., Oliveira, J., & Bohn, L. (2025). Boxe4Ageing: Investigating the Effects of Boxing and Multicomponent Training on Health of Older Adults – A Quasi-Experimental Study Protocol: M.Sc . Retos, 67, 716-730. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v67.110108