Cocoa flavanols may help improve walking in older adults with peripheral artery disease.
COCOA flavanols to improve walking performance in PAD: the COCOA-PAD II Trial
This study is looking at whether cocoa flavanols can help older adults with peripheral artery disease walk better and feel more mobile, by comparing the effects of cocoa flavanols to a placebo in a friendly group of 190 participants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10909272 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of cocoa flavanols on walking performance in older adults suffering from peripheral artery disease (PAD). The study will involve a Phase III double-blinded, multi-centered randomized trial with 190 participants, where some will receive cocoa flavanols while others will receive a placebo. The goal is to determine if cocoa flavanols can enhance blood flow and reduce muscle damage, thereby improving walking ability and overall mobility. Participants will be monitored for changes in their walking distance and functional performance over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who have been diagnosed with peripheral artery disease.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 65 or do not have peripheral artery disease may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new dietary intervention that significantly improves walking ability and quality of life for patients with PAD.
How similar studies have performed: Previous pilot trials have shown promising results with cocoa flavanols improving walking distance in PAD patients, indicating potential for success in this larger study.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcdermott, Mary Mcgrae — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Mcdermott, Mary Mcgrae
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.