Impact of Cocoa Flavanols on Pulmonary Oxygen Uptake Kinetics and Exercise Tolerance in Sedentary Middle-aged Adults

Investigating the Impact of Cocoa Flavanol Supplementation on Pulmonary Oxygen Uptake Kinetics and Exercise Tolerance in Sedentary Middle-aged Adults

In recent years, there has been significant interest in dietary flavonoids (biologically active plant-derived compounds) as potential therapeutics. This is due to the capacity of flavonoids to enhance processes related to energy metabolism and cardiovascular health. We are interested in implementing a short-term supplementation regime (daily cocoa-flavanoid ingestion), in order to explore the possible beneficial effects of flavonoid-based interventions on responses to exercise. Hence, the objective of our study is to examine the impact of short term cocoa-flavanoid supplementation on processes related to energy use (oxygen utilisation). Our aim is to develop a novel intervention which improves cardiovascular health and enhances exercise tolerance.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 35-55 years
• Healthy (no known cardiovascular or metabolic disorders e.g. diabetes)
• Do not engage in regular structured physical training (i.e. less than two sessions for 60 minutes per week, for at least 1 year

Exclusion Criteria:

• Smokers
• Medical history of cardiovascular and/or metabolic disease, including diabetes and abnormal blood pressure
• Family history of cardiovascular disease
• Currently taking any medication
• Asthmatic
• Currently suffering from musculoskeletal injury
• Younger than 35 or older than 55 years old
• Known food allergies or special dietary requirements
• Currently taking any dietary supplements
• Currently engaging in >2 hours structured training per week