The Effect of Chocolate on Vascular Function of Endurance Runners

N/ANot Yet RecruitingNCT06440512

Aristotle University Of Thessaloniki50 enrolled

Overview

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of chocolate on the vascular function of endurance runners through a crossover study involving male runners consuming both dark and white chocolate.

Participants will be male endurance runners who will receive both black and white chocolate interventions. Arterial stiffness, cardiovascular parameters, respiratory parameters, and running performance will be assessed before and after each intervention period. The study will involve a two-week intervention period for each type of chocolate, with a washout period in between. The primary outcome measure will be arterial stiffness, while secondary outcome measures will include cardiovascular and respiratory parameters, as well as running performance. The study is expected to provide insights into the effects of chocolate consumption on vascular function in endurance athletes.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Vascular Function

Interventions

Dark chocolate InterventionOTHER

The intervention involves daily consumption of 50 grams of dark chocolate for a period of two weeks. The dark chocolate is provided in tablet form, and participants are instructed to consume it daily.

White chocolate InterventionOTHER

The intervention involves daily consumption of 40 grams of white chocolate for a period of two weeks. The dark chocolate is provided in tablet form, and participants are instructed to consume it daily.

Eligibility

Sex: MALEMin age: 25 YearsMax age: 55 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Gender: Male * Age: 25-55 years * Healthy status * Active endurance runner * Regular physical activity (at least 3 times per week) * Availability on specific days and times for research sessions * Willingness and consistency Exclusion Criteria: * Allergies or Intolerances: Participants with known allergies or intolerances to chocolate or any of its ingredients. * Cardiovascular Diseases: Participants with known cardiovascular diseases or history of cardiac episodes. * Metabolic Disorders: Individuals with diabetes or other metabolic disorders that may affect glucose and insulin metabolism. * Contradictory Diet: Individuals following specific diets that may affect the study, such as high or low flavonoid diets. * Medication Use: Individuals taking medications that affect vascular function, such as antihypertensives or anticoagulants. * Smoking: Smokers or individuals who have quit smoking within the last six months. * Substance Abuse: Individuals with a history of alcohol or substance abuse. * Patients with Chronic Diseases: Individuals with serious chronic diseases that may affect the study outcomes. * Participation in Other Studies: Individuals participating in other clinical trials or research that may affect the study outcomes. * Physical Condition: Individuals who are not regular runners or who do not exercise regularly at a level similar to other participants.

Locations (1)

Laboratory of Sports Medicine

Thessaloniki, Greece

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

CF-PWV (Carotid-Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity)

Measurement of the velocity of the pressure wave between the carotid and femoral arteries, expressed in meters per second (m/s)