Researchers publish clinical trial protocol for trial on blueberries, protein, and exercise in older adults
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Quick take
The newly published protocol for the STRONG trial outlines a 1-year randomized controlled study to determine if daily blueberry consumption, protein supplementation, and structured exercise can reduce frailty and improve cardiovascular health in adults aged 65 and older.
What happened
The clinical protocol for the STRONG trial (Study on blueberries, protein and exercise for improving frailty and cardiovascular disease) has been published in BMJ Open.
The trial is a pragmatic, parallel-group, randomized controlled superiority trial designed to run for 1 year with an additional year of post-intervention follow-up.
The study aims to recruit 240 participants (120 females and 120 males) aged 65 years or older in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Participants in the intervention group will receive 1 cup of blueberries daily, 30 grams of protein powder daily, and three weekly 60-minute multimodal exercise sessions, while the control group will receive usual care.
Primary and secondary outcomes to be measured include changes in frailty scores, cardiovascular disease risk factors (such as blood pressure, lipid profiles, and Framingham risk scores), inflammatory markers, physical fitness, and health-related quality of life.
Why it matters
Frailty and cardiovascular disease are closely linked, meaning multi-modal lifestyle interventions could provide dual therapeutic benefits with low safety risks in older populations.
The intervention utilizes blueberries, which are reported to contain bioactive compounds that improve vascular health and protect against cellular senescence.
The 1-year intervention period and subsequent 1-year follow-up will generate valuable data on the sustainability of lifestyle-based geroscience interventions.
Market impact
Clinical evaluation of accessible dietary senotherapeutic candidates, such as blueberries, could influence consumer preventative-health habits and increase interest in scientifically backed longevity foods.
Positive findings from the trial may encourage further investment in combining lifestyle programs with advanced geroscience therapies to address frailty and age-related cardiovascular decline.
What comes next
The progression of enrollment and the eventual completion of the 12-month intervention and subsequent 24-month follow-up milestones for the STRONG trial.
Sources
- NCBIPUBMED:LONGEVITY_RESEARCH