Vascular Function
Conditions
Keywords
arterial stiffness, aerobic fitness, chocolate, polyphenols, endurance runners
Brief summary
The aim of this study is to examine the effects of chocolate on the vascular function of endurance runners through a crossover study involving male runners consuming both dark and white chocolate.
Detailed description
Participants will be male endurance runners who will receive both black and white chocolate interventions. Arterial stiffness, cardiovascular parameters, respiratory parameters, and running performance will be assessed before and after each intervention period. The study will involve a two-week intervention period for each type of chocolate, with a washout period in between. The primary outcome measure will be arterial stiffness, while secondary outcome measures will include cardiovascular and respiratory parameters, as well as running performance. The study is expected to provide insights into the effects of chocolate consumption on vascular function in endurance athletes.
Interventions
OTHERDark chocolate Intervention
The intervention involves daily consumption of 50 grams of dark chocolate for a period of two weeks. The dark chocolate is provided in tablet form, and participants are instructed to consume it daily.
OTHERWhite chocolate Intervention
The intervention involves daily consumption of 40 grams of white chocolate for a period of two weeks. The dark chocolate is provided in tablet form, and participants are instructed to consume it daily.
Sponsors
Aristotle University Of Thessaloniki
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Masking description
Τhe study does not use the method of blind evaluation due to the nature of the interventions, which are easily identifiable by the participants
Intervention model description
This study employs a crossover design to investigate the effects of chocolate consumption on vascular function of endurance runners. Participants will undergo multiple treatment periods where they will receive either dark chocolate or white chocolate, followed by washout periods to minimize carryover effects. The order of treatment administration will be randomized to mitigate potential sequence effects. Outcome measures will be assessed at the end of each treatment period to evaluate the impact of chocolate consumption on vascular function, athletic performance and other relevant outcomes.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
25 Years to 55 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Gender: Male * Age: 25-55 years * Healthy status * Active endurance runner * Regular physical activity (at least 3 times per week) * Availability on specific days and times for research sessions * Willingness and consistency
Exclusion criteria
* Allergies or Intolerances: Participants with known allergies or intolerances to chocolate or any of its ingredients. * Cardiovascular Diseases: Participants with known cardiovascular diseases or history of cardiac episodes. * Metabolic Disorders: Individuals with diabetes or other metabolic disorders that may affect glucose and insulin metabolism. * Contradictory Diet: Individuals following specific diets that may affect the study, such as high or low flavonoid diets. * Medication Use: Individuals taking medications that affect vascular function, such as antihypertensives or anticoagulants. * Smoking: Smokers or individuals who have quit smoking within the last six months. * Substance Abuse: Individuals with a history of alcohol or substance abuse. * Patients with Chronic Diseases: Individuals with serious chronic diseases that may affect the study outcomes. * Participation in Other Studies: Individuals participating in other clinical trials or research that may affect the study outcomes. * Physical Condition: Individuals who are not regular runners or who do not exercise regularly at a level similar to other participants.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| CF-PWV (Carotid-Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity) | Baseline and at the end of each 2-week intervention period (after consumption of dark chocolate and after consumption of white chocolate). | Measurement of the velocity of the pressure wave between the carotid and femoral arteries, expressed in meters per second (m/s) |
| AIx (Augmentation Index) | Baseline and at the end of each 2-week intervention period (after consumption of dark chocolate and after consumption of white chocolate). | Measurement of arterial stiffness, calculated as the difference between the first and second systolic peaks of the arterial waveform, expressed as a percentage (%) |
| Exercise Time in Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing | Baseline and at the end of each 2-week intervention period (after consumption of dark chocolate and after consumption of white chocolate). | Total duration of exercise during cardiopulmonary exercise testing, measured in minutes. |
| VO2max (Maximal Oxygen Uptake) | Baseline and at the end of each 2-week intervention period (after consumption of dark chocolate and after consumption of white chocolate). | Maximum amount of oxygen consumed per minute during incremental exercise, expressed in milliliters per kilogram per minute (mL/kg/min) |
| 5km Time | Baseline and at the end of each 2-week intervention period (after consumption of dark chocolate and after consumption of white chocolate). | Total time taken to complete a 5-kilometer run, measured in minutes and seconds. |
| 5km Speed | Baseline and at the end of each 2-week intervention period (after consumption of dark chocolate and after consumption of white chocolate). | Average speed during a 5-kilometer run, expressed in kilometers per hour (km/h). |
Countries
Greece
Contacts
Primary ContactZacharias Vordos, PhD
Backup ContactAsterios Deligiannis, Professor
Outcome results
None listed