The Effect of Chocolate on Vascular Function of Endurance Runners

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Vascular Function
• Interventions: Other: Dark chocolate Intervention; Other: White chocolate Intervention

• Registration Number: NCT06440512
• Lead Sponsor: Aristotle University Of Thessaloniki

Brief Summary

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.

Detailed Description

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 Timeline

• Status Verified: 2024-05
• Study First Submitted: 2024-05-22
• Study First Submitted QC: 2024-05-31
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-05-31
• Study First Posted: 2024-06-04
• Last Update Posted: 2024-06-04
• Study Start: 2024-06-10
• Primary Completion: 2024-09-01
• Study Completion: 2024-11-20

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: Male
• Target Recruitment: 50

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.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: CROSSOVER

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
A Chocolate Arm	White chocolate Intervention	Intervention period 1:The group will consume 50 grams of dark chocolate daily for two weeks. Washout period: Two-weeks Intervention period 2: The group will consume 40 grams of white chocolate daily for two weeks.
A Chocolate Arm	Dark chocolate Intervention	Intervention period 1:The group will consume 50 grams of dark chocolate daily for two weeks. Washout period: Two-weeks Intervention period 2: The group will consume 40 grams of white chocolate daily for two weeks.
B Chocolate Arm	Dark chocolate Intervention	Intervention period 1:The group will consume 40 grams of white chocolate daily for two weeks. Washout period: Two-weeks Intervention period 2: The group will consume 50 grams of dark chocolate daily for two weeks
B Chocolate Arm	White chocolate Intervention	Intervention period 1:The group will consume 40 grams of white chocolate daily for two weeks. Washout period: Two-weeks Intervention period 2: The group will consume 50 grams of dark chocolate daily for two weeks

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
AIx (Augmentation Index)	Baseline and at the end of each 2-week intervention period (after consumption of dark chocolate and after consumption of white chocolate).	Measurement of arterial stiffness, calculated as the difference between the first and second systolic peaks of the arterial waveform, expressed as a percentage (%)
5km Time	Baseline and at the end of each 2-week intervention period (after consumption of dark chocolate and after consumption of white chocolate).	Total time taken to complete a 5-kilometer run, measured in minutes and seconds.
Exercise Time in Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing	Baseline and at the end of each 2-week intervention period (after consumption of dark chocolate and after consumption of white chocolate).	Total duration of exercise during cardiopulmonary exercise testing, measured in minutes.
5km Speed	Baseline and at the end of each 2-week intervention period (after consumption of dark chocolate and after consumption of white chocolate).	Average speed during a 5-kilometer run, expressed in kilometers per hour (km/h).
CF-PWV (Carotid-Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity)	Baseline and at the end of each 2-week intervention period (after consumption of dark chocolate and after consumption of white chocolate).	Measurement of the velocity of the pressure wave between the carotid and femoral arteries, expressed in meters per second (m/s)
VO2max (Maximal Oxygen Uptake)	Baseline and at the end of each 2-week intervention period (after consumption of dark chocolate and after consumption of white chocolate).	Maximum amount of oxygen consumed per minute during incremental exercise, expressed in milliliters per kilogram per minute (mL/kg/min)

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Laboratory of Sports Medicine; 🇬🇷 Thessaloniki, Greece