Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Physical Function Adaptations to High-Intensity Interval Training in Older Adults
Question
Does 100 mg/day CoQ10 supplementation enhance physical-function adaptations to supervised low-volume HIIT in older adults?
Summary
In 38 sedentary adults aged 65-75, an 8-week supervised cycling HIIT program improved several functional measures in both CoQ10 and placebo groups. CoQ10 produced larger gains for lower-body chair-stand outcomes, while grip strength, balance, mobility, and walking endurance did not differ significantly between groups. No adverse events were reported.
Methodology
- Healthy sedentary older adults aged 65-75 years
- 38 participants.
- Cycle ergometer.
- Work intervals: 1 minute.
- Recovery: 1 minute low intensity.
- Intensity: 80-95% peak HR progression.
- 14 minutes.
- 3 sessions/week.
- 8 weeks.
- Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
- Chair stands, Mobility/balance, Endurance, and Safety were tracked.
Outcomes
Chair stands
CoQ10 group improved more than placebo on 5XSST and 30CST.
5XSST p=0.020; 30CST p=0.014.
Other function
Both groups improved several functional measures, but between-group differences were not significant.
Handgrip, TUG, 25FW, SLS, and 6MWT between-group p>0.05.
Safety
No adverse events were reported.
Insights
- A 14-minute cycling HIIT session can be structured for screened older adults.
- CoQ10 evidence was specific to chair-stand lower-body outcomes.
Limitations
- Small sample
- No HIIT-free control
- Short intervention
- No long-term follow-up
Safety
- No adverse events were reported.