Effects of cocoa supplements and multivitamins on falls and physical performance in older adults
COcoa Supplement and Multivitamins Outcomes Study (COSMOS): Effects on Falls and Physical Performance
This study is looking at whether cocoa flavanol supplements and multivitamins can help older adults, aged 60 and up, stay strong and avoid falls, by testing their grip strength and walking speed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10793510 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how cocoa flavanol supplements and multivitamins can help prevent falls and improve physical performance in older adults. The study will involve a large group of participants aged 60 and above, who will receive either the cocoa supplement, the multivitamin, both, or a placebo. Researchers will measure outcomes such as grip strength and walking speed to assess the effectiveness of these supplements in enhancing musculoskeletal health and reducing fall-related injuries. The goal is to provide safe and cost-effective strategies to improve the quality of life for aging individuals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 60 and above, particularly women aged 65 and older.
Not a fit: Patients under the age of 60 or those with specific contraindications to cocoa or multivitamin supplementation may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective dietary interventions that significantly reduce falls and enhance physical performance in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown potential benefits of cocoa flavanols on physical performance, but this is the first large-scale trial specifically targeting falls and musculoskeletal health in older adults.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leboff, Meryl Susan — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Leboff, Meryl Susan
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.