High intensity interval training combined with L-citrulline supplementation: Effects on physical performance in healthy older adults

• Published in: Experimental gerontology 2020-10, Vol.140, p.111036-111036, Article 111036
• Main Authors: F, Buckinx, L P, Carvalho, V, Marcangeli, M, Dulac, G, Hajj Boutros, G, Gouspillou, P, Gaudreau, P, Noirez, M, Aubertin-Leheudre
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Aging; Body composition; Citrulline; Dietary Supplements; Exercise; High-Intensity Interval Training; Humans; Life Sciences; Mobility; Muscle Strength; Nutrition; Physical Functional Performance; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
• ISSN: 0531-5565; 1873-6815
• DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2020.111036

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of citrulline (CIT) supplementation combined to high intensity interval training (HIIT) on physical performance in healthy older adults. This study is a secondary analysis from a double-blind, randomized trial. Among the participants (sedentary & inactive older adults aged over 65 yrs), 44 were non obese (BMI  85% of maximal heart rate (HR) and Borg scale >17/20 + 1:50 min at 65% HR and Borg scale between 13 and 16) on an elliptical device 3 times per week over a 12-week period. Body composition, muscle strength, muscle power, functional capacities (unipodal balance; self-paced and fast Timed Up and Go (nTUG; fTUG); chair test; step tests; 4-meter walking test; 6-minute walking test); dietary intake, energy expenditure and biological markers were measured pre and post-intervention. A repeated-measure analysis of variance was used to estimate time (HIIT intervention), group (PLA vs. CIT) and time*group effects. The decrease in BMI (p = 0.02) and android fat mass (p = 0.05) were significantly greater in the HIIT+CIT group than in the HIIT+PLA group. Finally, a greater increase in self-paced gait speed (nTUG) (p = 0.02) and fast-paced gait speed (fTUG) (p = 0.03) were also observed in the HIIT+CIT group than in the HIIT+PLA group. CIT supplementation combined to HIIT is more effective in improving functional capacities and body composition in healthy older adults than HIIT alone. •HIIT is an efficient intervention to improve body composition in healthy older adults•HIIT also enhance functional capacities in this population•Adding CIT supplementation to HIIT results in further improvements in fat mass and functional capacities (TUG).