Effects of Polyphenol Supplementation and Exercise on Physical Performance in Older Adults

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Polyphenol Rich-Extract: Polyphenol Rich-Extract (Phyto-P) derived from Lactuca Sativa (red leaf lettuce). 12-Week daily consumption of 3g of Phyto-P (polyphenol-rich extract: chlorogenic acid (30.15 mg), chicoric acid (13.44 mg), 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid (8.43 mg), quercetin-3-O-glucoside (15.81 mg), quercetin-3-O-malonyl glucoside (33.00 mg), and anthocyanins (30.57 mg)) as capsules.

Maltodextrin (Placebo): 12-Week Daily consumption of 3g of maltodextrin consumed as capsules.

Resistance Band-Based & Aerobic Stationary Cycling Exercise: Resistance Band-Based Exercise: Participants will complete a dynamic warm up followed by eight exercises (squats, hip extensions, rows, chest press, split squats, calf raises, bicep curls, tricep extensions) each session, organized as four supersets of two exercises targeting both upper and lower body. Each exercise will be performed with a controlled three-second eccentric phase, with sets and repetitions gradually progressing from 2 × 8-12 to 3 × 12-14. Resistance will be increased using band color (thickness), and post-set Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) will guide individualized progression. Sessions will be conducted twice weekly for approximately 50 minutes. Aerobic Stationary Cycling: Participants will perform stationary cycling twice weekly for approximately 50 minutes per session at 60% of peak work rate (WRpeak). Exercise intensity will be re-prescribed after mid-point testing to ensure continued progression and alignment with participants' current fitness level

Study summary

After approximately age 40 years, individuals experience a natural loss of muscle mass, strength, and physical function that is linked to higher risks of falls, disability, loss of independence, and mortality. These losses can also be a precursor to the development of frailty, which includes factors beyond impaired physical function such as cognitive impairment, psychological disorder, increased likelihood of hospitalization, need of long term-care, and mortality. Structured exercise-encompassing both resistance and aerobic training-is widely recognized as an effective lifestyle intervention for improving muscle health, cardiovascular capacity, and overall physical function in older adults. However, aging is accompanied by chronically elevated systemic inflammation, and although exercise remains highly beneficial, older adults exhibit a heightened inflammatory response to training and a diminished capacity for post-exercise recovery.

Polyphenols, a group of naturally occurring bioactive compounds, have been shown to possess both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, positively impacting recovery and health. Polyphenol supplementation, particularly when paired with structured exercise, may elicit synergistic improvements in physical performance through combined effects on oxidative stress, inflammation, and muscle recovery, making polyphenols a compelling adjunct strategy for mitigating sarcopenia. In pursuit of refining strategies that support healthy aging and preserve functional capacity in older adults, this study aimed to determine the feasibility of implementing a 12-week resistance and aerobic exercise program combined with dietary supplementation in older adults.

Participants will either consume a polyphenol blend or a placebo control of maltodextrin daily whilst undergoing 12 weeks of supervised resistance and aerobic exercise. Additionally, this study will test the hypothesis that polyphenol supplementation will augment the exercise-induced improvements in physical function and muscle health. Further, exploratory analyses of skeletal muscle biopsy and venous plasma samples will aid in elucidating the potential geroprotective effects of polyphenols at both cellular and molecular levels.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Feasibility of Retention — 18 months, 12 weeks
  Retention is expressed as the percentage of participants who completed baseline testing, the 12-week intervention, and post-testing visits, relative to those who completed baseline testing but did not finish. Success is defined as at least 75% (≥30 of 40) completing the study while maintaining adherence above 75% for both exercise sessions and supplementation.
• Feasibility of Recruitment — 18 months
  Number of participants recruited. Success is defined as recruitment of 40 participants across 18 months.
• Leg Extensor Strength — -1 week, 6 weeks, 12 weeks
  Change in leg-extensor peak torque measured by isometric dynamometry in Newton meters (Nm).

Trial sites (1)

Other trials for the same condition