Overview
The goal of this randomized counterbalanced repeated measures study is to test beet-root juice supplementation and red light therapy augment forearm muscle endurance in apparently healthy older adults over 65 years of age. The main questions seek to answer the following
- question
Does beet-root juice supplementation improve forearm muscle endurance compared to a placebo supplement?
Does red light therapy improve forearm muscle endurance compared to a sham light exposure?
Does beet-root juice supplementation in combination with red light therapy improve forearm muscle endurance compared to a placebo-sham light control?
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Self-reports performing at least 30 minutes of light to moderate intensity physical activity 3 times per week for the last three months
Exclusion Criteria:
- Currently smoke
- Have smoked within the last 6 months
- Are taking taking supplements known to increase blood nitrate levels
- Have a known kidney disease
- Have a known liver disease
- Have a known thyroid condition
- Have a known gastritis condition
- Are taking medications that are known to cause complications with nitrate supplementation
- Have known or reported joint pain within the dominant hand