Cocoa-flavanols enhance moderate-intensity pulmonary kinetics but not exercise tolerance in sedentary middle-aged
Daniel G Sadler1, Richard Draijer2, Claire E Stewart1
1School of Sport and Exercise Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK.
Introduction:
Cocoa flavanols (CF) may exert health benefits through their potent vasodilatory effects, which are perpetuated by elevations in nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. These vasodilatory effects may contribute to improved delivery of blood and oxygen (O2) to exercising muscle.
Purpose:
Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine how CF supplementation impacts pulmonary O2 uptake () kinetics and exercise tolerance in sedentary middle-aged adults.
Methods:
We employed a double-blind cross-over, placebo-controlled design whereby 17 participants (11 male, 6 female; mean ± SD, 45 ± 6 years) randomly received either 7 days of daily CF (400 mg) or placebo (PL) supplementation. On day 7, participants completed a series of 'step' moderate- and severe-intensity exercise tests for the determination of kinetics.
Results:
During moderate-intensity exercise, the time constant of the phase II kinetics () was decreased by 15% in CF as compared to PL (mean ± SD; PL 40 ± 12 s vs. CF 34 ± 9 s, P = 0.019), with no differences in the amplitude of (A; PL 0.77 ± 0.32 l min-1 vs. CF 0.79 ± 0.34 l min-1, P = 0.263). However, during severe-intensity exercise, , the amplitude of the slow component () and exercise tolerance (PL 435 ± 58 s vs. CF 424 ± 47 s, P = 0.480) were unchanged between conditions.
Conclusion:
Our data show that acute CF supplementation enhanced kinetics during moderate-, but not severe-intensity exercise in middle-aged participants. These novel effects of CFs, in this demographic, may contribute to improved tolerance of moderate-activity physical activities, which appear commonly present in daily life.
Trial Registration:
Registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier no. NCT04370353, 30/04/20 retrospectively registered.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:25Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
01:47Lung Capacity
01:26COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
01:27Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation