Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
This study aims to determine the mechanisms via which krill oil supplementation increases muscle strength and whether this translates to improvements in gait and functional characteristics in older adults. The studies we will carry out will establish, in healthy older adults, the effects of 6 months of supplementation with krill oil Objective 1) Muscle structure and function Hypothesis: Krill oil supplementation will increase muscle size and strength alongside positive changes in muscle architecture (pennation angle and fascicle length). Objective 2) Neuromuscular control and central nervous system (CNS) function Hypothesis: Krill oil supplementation will improve Neuromuscular Junction (NMJ) transmission stability and increase central drive and intramuscular coherence, as a measure of muscle synergy. Objective 3) Gait and functional characteristics Hypothesis: Krill oil supplementation will improve gait and functional characteristics.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * body mass index (BMI) \</= 30 kg/m2 * Age \>/= 65 years * Capacity to consent * Living within the Glasgow area Exclusion Criteria: * Diabetes mellitus * Severe cardiovascular disease * Seizure disorders * Uncontrolled hypertension (\>150/90mmHg) * Active cancer or cancer that has been in remission \<5 years * Participation in any resistance exercise training within the last 6 months * Impairments which may limit ability to perform assessments of muscle function * Dementia * Fish/shellfish allergy * Taking medication known to affect muscle (e.g. steroids, Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) or anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin) * Taking omega-3 supplements in the last 3 months * Regularly consuming 1 or more portions of oily fish per week * Not able to understand English