# Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Physical Function Adaptations to High-Intensity Interval Training in Older Adults

PMID: 41470903
Journal: Nutrients
Published: 2025 Dec 18
Authors: Bagheri N, Kargarfard M, Bagheri R, Dutheil F

## 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.

## Population

- Healthy sedentary older adults aged 65-75 years
- Sample size: 38
- Age: HIIT+Q10 69 +/- 4 years; HIIT+placebo 70 +/- 4 years
- Sex: 22 men and 16 women; each group 11 men and 8 women
- Fitness level: Sedentary; less than 1 hour structured physical activity per week over previous year
- Health status: Free from cardiovascular diseases and orthopedic disorders interfering with physical activity

## Methodology

- Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
- 8 weeks
- Supervised morning cycle-ergometer training
- Randomized and controlled study design.

## Protocol

- HIIT plus CoQ10.
- Modality: Cycle ergometer.
- Work intervals: 1 minute.
- Recovery: 1 minute low intensity.
- Sets or repetitions: 5 intervals.
- Intensity: 80-95% peak HR progression.
- Session duration: 14 minutes.
- Frequency: 3 sessions/week.
- Program length: 8 weeks.
- Progression: 80-85%, then 85-90%, then 90-95% peak HR.
- HIIT plus placebo.
- Modality: Cycle ergometer.
- Work intervals: 1 minute.
- Recovery: 1 minute low intensity.
- Sets or repetitions: 5 intervals.
- Intensity: 80-95% peak HR progression.
- Session duration: 14 minutes.
- Frequency: 3 sessions/week.
- Program length: 8 weeks.
- Progression: Same as intervention.

## Outcomes

### Chair stands
Status: improved
CoQ10 group improved more than placebo on 5XSST and 30CST.

5XSST p=0.020; 30CST p=0.014.

### Other function
Status: mixed
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
Status: no clear change
No adverse events were reported.

## Practical 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 And Adherence

- No adverse events were reported.

## Original Sources

- [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41470903/) (pubmed)
- [DOI](https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17243959) (doi)
- [PMC full text](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12736359/) (full text)

## Agent Guidance

Preserve the paper-level scope of this note. Do not generalize beyond the population, protocol, measured outcomes, and limitations above.