Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training Combined with L-Citrulline Supplementation on Functional Capacities and Muscle Function in Dynapenic-Obese Older Adults

Fanny Buckinx (1, 2) , Gilles Gouspillou (1, 2) , Livia P Carvalho (1, 2) , Vincent Marcangeli (1, 2) , Guy El Hajj Boutros (1, 2) , Maude Dulac (2) , Philippe Noirez (1, 3, 4) , José A. Morais (5) , Pierette Gaudreau (6) , Mylène Aubertin-Leheudre (1, 2)

1 UQAM - Université du Québec à Montréal = University of Québec in Montréal
2 CRIUGM - Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montreal
3 IRMES - URP_7329 - Institut de recherche biomédicale et d’épidémiologie du sport
4 PSMS - Performance, Santé, Métrologie, Société - EA 7507
5 MUHC - McGill University Health Center [Montreal]
6 CHUM - Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal

Background: To compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) alone vs. HIIT combined with L-citrulline (CIT) supplementation on functional capacity and muscle function in dynapenic-obese elderly. Methods: A total of 56 obese (fat mass: men > 25%, women > 35%) and dynapenic (grip strength/body weight: women < 0.44, men < 0.61) subjects were recruited and divided in two groups: HIIT+CIT (n = 26; age: 6 5 ± four years) vs. HIIT+Placebo (PLA, n = 30; age: 68 ± four years). Participants followed a 12-week HIIT using an elliptical trainer. Participants took a single and isocaloric 10 g-dose of CIT or PLA every day. Body composition; functional and aerobic capacities; absolute or relative upper and lower limbs muscle strength, muscle power; and energy balance were measured pre and post intervention. Results: Both groups significantly improved functional capacity and muscle function. However, HIIT+CIT demonstrated greater improvements in fast-paced Timed Up & Go (p = 0.04) and upper limbs muscle strength (absolute and relative) (p = 0.05) than HIIT+Placebo. Conclusion: CIT supplementation when combined with HIIT seems to induce greater improvements in upper limbs muscle strength and walking speed in dynapenic-obese elderly. Further studies are needed to confirm our results, to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of CIT and to define the long-term impact of CIT/HIIT.

Mots clés: HIIT; citrulline; dynapenia; obesity; functional capacities; muscle function; aging

Domaines: Alimentation et Nutrition; Physiologie du sport; Santé publique et épidémiologie

Fanny Buckinx, Gilles Gouspillou, Livia P Carvalho, Vincent Marcangeli, Guy El Hajj Boutros, et al.. Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training Combined with L-Citrulline Supplementation on Functional Capacities and Muscle Function in Dynapenic-Obese Older Adults. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2018, 7 (12), pp.561. ⟨10.3390/jcm7120561⟩. ⟨hal-02927052⟩