Journal Article

Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Physical Function Adaptations to High-Intensity Interval Training in Older Adults

Bagheri, Navid, Dutheil, Frédéric, Bagheri, Reza, Kargarfard, Mehdi

2025

Overview

Objectives: This study investigated whether CoQ10 supplementation enhances physical adaptations to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in muscular strength, power, and physical function in older adults. Method: In a double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 38 adults aged 65–75 were assigned to either a CoQ10 (Females: 8; Males: 11) or placebo (Females: 8; Males: 11) group and completed an 8-week supervised HIIT program. Lower- and upper-body strength (30s 5-repetition chair stand [5XSST], chair standing [30CST], handgrip strength [HGR/L]), balance (single-leg stand [SLS], timed up and go [TUG]), mobility (25-foot walk [25FW]), and aerobic endurance (6-minute walk [6MWT]) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results: The CoQ10 group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in 5XSST and 30CST compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). Both groups showed significant within-group improvements in right and left handgrip strength, SLS, 6MWT, and TUG (all p < 0.001), with no significant between-group differences observed for these outcomes (p > 0.05). No adverse events were reported. Conclusion: While CoQ10 supplementation enhanced improvements in lower-body strength and power, as indicated by the greater gains in 5XSST and 30CST performance compared to the placebo, no between-group differences were observed in TUG, grip strength, or other functional outcomes. This suggests that the performance-related effects of CoQ10 may be more specific to muscular power output and fatigue resistance, rather than general mobility or balance-related tasks. These findings highlight the potential of CoQ10 as a targeted adjunct in exercise for supporting lower-body function and physical performance in older adults.

• Publisher: MDPI AG
• Subject: Adaptation, Physiological - drug effects / Aged / Aging / Blood pressure / Body composition / Body fat / Dietary Supplements / Double-Blind Method / Exercise / Fatigue / Female / Hand Strength / Heart rate / High-Intensity Interval Training / Humans / Interval training / Intervention / Male / Males / Muscle Strength - drug effects / Older people / Oxidative stress / Physical Endurance - drug effects / Physical fitness / Postural Balance - drug effects / Quality of life / Ubiquinone - administration & dosage / Ubiquinone - analogs & derivatives / Ubiquinone - pharmacology