Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Age-related loss of muscle functions and obesity increases metabolic risk and mobility limitations and thus the risk of developing life-threatening cardiovascular events, falls, and fractures and consequently loss of autonomy and quality of life in the elderly. In addition, people who are obese and present low muscle functions, representing 25% of Canadian seniors, seems to have lower functional capacity than those with either low muscle functions or obesity alone. Therefore, it is essential to investigate and implement effective non-pharmacological strategies to counter the development of cardiometabolic disorders and physical disability among a growing aging population in Canada, where life expectancy is very high compared to other countries worldwide. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the effect of a novel dietary supplement (non proteinogenic aminoacid citrulline, CIT) combined to an aerobic exercise training (high-intensity interval training, HIIT) on muscle function and functional capacity. Our findings indicated that HIIT induces beneficial effects on body composition, functional capacity, relative muscle strength and power (muscle quality) in obese older adults with muscle weakness. Moreover, CIT appears to increase further muscle strength and gait speed.