Protein, blueberries, and exercise to improve heart health and frailty in older Nova Scotians
The STudy on bluebeRries, prOteiN, and Exercise for improvinG Frailty and Cardiovascular Disease (STRONG)
This program will test whether adding protein supplements, daily blueberries, and a combined resistance-plus-aerobic exercise plan can improve heart health and reduce frailty in people aged 65–85 in Nova Scotia.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 240 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Nova Scotia Health Authority Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Halifax, Nova Scotia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06693271 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a pragmatic randomized controlled trial that randomizes older adults to a packaged intervention called STRONG (protein supplements, blueberries, and supervised resistance plus aerobic training) or to continue their usual medical care. The intervention combines three components chosen for complementary biological effects on muscle, inflammation, and cardiovascular function. The main comparison will examine changes in frailty and cardiovascular health over a one-year intervention with an additional year of follow-up. Participants are enrolled at the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax and must be able to participate in moderate-intensity exercise.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are community-dwelling adults aged 65–85 in Nova Scotia who can safely do moderate-intensity exercise and are willing to take protein supplements and eat blueberries.
Not a fit: People who cannot safely exercise because of medical or cognitive limitations, or who are allergic to or refuse blueberries or protein powder, are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the packaged intervention could reduce frailty and improve cardiovascular markers, potentially lowering complications and preserving independence in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies show exercise, protein supplementation, and blueberries can each help muscle health or inflammation individually, but combining them into a single packaged intervention targeting both frailty and cardiovascular health is novel and largely untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Must be between 65 and 85 years of age * Must be able to participate moderate intensity exercise program Exclusion Criteria: * Medical and cognitive conditions that prevent participation in the intervention * Allergies and or dislike of blueberries and/or protein powder
Where this trial is running
Halifax, Nova Scotia
- QEII Health Sciences Centre, Dickson Building — Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Scott A Grandy, PhD
- Email: Scott.Grandy@Dal.Ca
- Phone: 902-494-4303
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.