Assessing the Effects of Increased Mitochondrial Function Exercise Training on Muscle Performance

Assessing the Effects of Increased Mitochondrial Function and Chronic Aerobic or Resistance Exercise Training on Skeletal Muscle Performance in Older Men; a Pilot Study

As people grow older skeletal muscle gradually becomes smaller and weaker, causing reduced mobility and quality of life. To understand and reverse this negative process investigators need to find new ways of improving the ability of muscle to perform physical activity. There is some evidence that supplements may improve how the mitochondria work, and investigators want to explore this idea in more detail. This is possible by measuring how the muscles work and respond to exercise before and after taking the supplement alongside an aerobic (i.e. cycling) and resistance (i.e. weight lifting) exercise programme. This will give us the basic information investigators would need to see if this is a useful idea.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male
• Age between 65-75 years
• Body mass index between 19-29
• No active cardiovascular or metabolic disease
• No active respiratory disease
• No current musculoskeletal injuries
• A sedentary lifestyle (i.e. does not engage in strenuous, planned physical activity)
• The ability to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Currently taking a statin drug or NSAIDs
• Have a current peptic ulcer
• Have any renal impairment
• Have a known hypersensitivity to Acipimox
• Suffer from vertigo
• Smoker