Abstract
PURPOSE: The population of older adults is growing, with increasing prevalence of detrimental geriatric risks, particularly sedentariness and downstream risks of cardiovascular disease, disability, and frailty. Nitrate therapy may enable physiological efficiency such that oxygen demands for submaximal workloads are reduced, and daily activity more easily tolerated. We explored the impact of chronic oral nitrite therapy in a cohort of older healthy adults. Nitrites (40 mg) were administered as capsules 3 times daily over one month. Changes in oxygen uptake (VO2) during steady state walking in association with rate of perceived exertion (RPE [10-20 scale]) were analyzed. METHODS: 9 adults (5 male, 4 female) aged ≥70 (mean 77.7±6.3 years, range 70-88) were studied. Functional capacity was assessed at baseline and 4 weeks based on steady state VO2 and RPE during a 5 minute treadmill walk (1.5 mph). RESULTS: Steady state VO2 decreased significantly in the older adults using nitrite therapy (Table 1). RPE also trended downward.Table: No title available.CONCLUSION: This promising pilot work in older adults showed that chronic nitrite was well-tolerated and was associated with increased walking efficiency. Further study is needed to better understand the impact on physical activity and health in this large and growing patient demographic.
Published Version
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