The objective of this project is to determine the importance of peripheral vascular function on gait performance in older adults.

This project employed a placebo controlled, double-blind, crossover trial. Participants were randomized to oral L-citrulline (6 g/day) or placebo (maltodextrin) for 14 days, and switched to the other treatment for another 14 days after washout. Peripheral vascular function was assessed under conditions of rest, leg exercise, and cognitive engagement. Gait performance was assessed using clinical walking tests.

Inclusion Criteria:

• older adults
• women and men
• aged 60-79 yrs
• must be able to swallow capsules
• fully mobile without assistive walking devices

Exclusion Criteria:

• have physician diagnosed cardiovascular, pulmonary, or metabolic disease
• are current smokers
• currently taking medications affecting cardiovascular function
• have high blood pressure (>159/99 mmHG)
• have high fasting blood glucose (>110 mg/dL)
• are considered obese (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2)
• have orthopaedic limitations that limit walking ability
• have pacemaker or other metal objects in their body

Raw data for outcome variables will be made available on the online general repository "figshare" within 12 months of funding end date.

Within 12 months of funding end date.

Use these two URL's to access different data sets and associated published work.

https://figshare.com/s/1b382cb5e788663047e7 https://figshare.com/s/c45b46f67391b140f774

Double-blind research study