Research Centre: Australian Catholic University
Location: 115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, VIC 3065
Lead Researcher: Dr. Sophie Broome
HREC: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Australian Catholic University Human Research Ethics Committee (023-2907HC)

 Aging presents a global healthcare challenge, particularly due to the declining muscle health that comes with age. As our muscles age, they become weaker, which increases our chances of falling, causes problems with our metabolism, and makes it harder for us to move around. These things may jeopardise our independence and increase our need for care.

With the worldwide population of those aged 65 and above expected to double by 2050, it’s crucial to find solutions that promote muscle health in older adults. That’s why researchers from the Australian Catholic University are investigating whether MitoQ, a targeted antioxidant for mitochondria, can enhance muscle exercise responses in seniors. By discovering ways to improve muscle responses to exercise, we can prevent age-related decline and empower older individuals to maintain their independence.

Interested? Join us in the pursuit of healthier aging – see if you qualify for this research study.

• Participants may receive a new potential supplement that enhances muscle exercise responses in seniors at no cost.
• Participants will be reimbursed for participating in this study. Compensation will only be provided to eligible participants who complete the study.
• Participants may experience improvements in their muscle health. 
• Participants will be contributing valuable information that may benefit adults with declining muscle health in the future.
• Participants will be helping to advance muscle health research.

• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you can withdraw at any time.
• Any information that you provide will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.
• Qualified health professionals will monitor your health as it relates to the study.

• Men and women aged 65-80 who have done at most 2.5 hours of physical activity per week (i.e., 30 minutes a day on 5 or more days a week) over the last 6 months
• Must not be diagnosed with any muscle, bone, tendon, ligament or joint problems
• Must not have a neurological disorder (i.e., epilepsy and seizures, Alzheimer’s, and stroke)
• Must not have a bleeding disorder
• Must be able to attend 5 study visits at the research site over approximately 4 months

The study team will explain the research in its entirety but some details are:

• Participants will be asked to complete an initial screening: This will take place via telephone and will include questions on your medical history, age, activity levels, and the completion of the Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) exercise prescreening tool. 
  • Participants will be required to gain approval from their GP to ensure that it is safe for them to take part in this study. Specifically, their GP must provide approval that it is safe for them to take MitoQ® and complete high-intensity exercise.
• Participants will be asked to complete the following tests:
  • Urine, blood, and muscle biopsy collection
  • Maximal exercise testing (VO2 peak test)
  • High-intensity interval cycling
  • Three-day food record: Participants will be asked to record all food and fluid consumed over a three-day period during the 12-week supplementation period to establish habitual dietary intake using the ‘Easy Diet Diary’ or ‘My Fitness Pal’ phone application.
  • Anthropometric measurements: Each participant’s height and weight will be measured. All measurements will be taken in duplicates.
• Participants will be randomly assigned to consume either MitoQ® (20 mg/day) or a placebo for 12 weeks. The placebo tablets look and taste identical to the MitoQ® tablets but contain only tapioca powder. Therefore, participants who are randomly assigned to receive the placebo will not experience any benefits that are related to MitoQ® supplementation in this study. The study is a double-blinded study, meaning the participants and researchers will not know who is taking MitoQ® or the placebo. They will be sent text messages reminding them to take the supplement.

Australian Catholic University

Great leadership starts with self-knowledge. As a Catholic university, ACU is guided by a clear mission, a strong sense of identity, and a firm set of values. All three influence the decisions it makes as an institute of higher education and guide its staff and students in their day-to-day lives.

Please note:

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the researchers would like to assure the participants that ensuring their and the study staff’s safety is of utmost importance.