Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
MA, Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
2
Razi University
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Background and Purpose
Aging is strongly associated with a decline in muscle mass, strength, and cognitive function, all of which contribute to impaired balance and an increased risk of falling, one of the leading causes of accidental death in the elderly. Enhancing balance is known to improve quality of life and reduce fall risk. Muscle endurance and power play a key role in postural stability, and nutritional interventions such as taurine supplementation have shown potential benefits for both physical and cognitive performance. Taurine, a naturally occurring amino acid, possesses antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. Its effects on physical and cognitive function have been inconsistently reported in prior studies, and limited data exist on dose-dependent responses in older adults. This study aimed to compare the acute effects of low-dose (1 g) and high-dose (6 g) taurine supplementation on balance, muscle endurance, cardiorespiratory fitness, and cognitive performance in older men.
Materials and Methods
This double-blind, randomized, crossover clinical trial involved 15 healthy men aged 60–69 years (Mean ± SD of height, weight, and body mass index: 172.4 ± 5.6 cm, 67.8 ± 5.8 kg, and 22.8 ± 1.6 kg/m2, respectively), recruited from a public fitness center in Sanandaj, Iran. Participants had no professional sports background and were deemed physically fit based on the PAR-Q and physician clearance. Each participant completed three experimental sessions separated by one-week washout periods. Before each session, participants received one of the following interventions in a randomized order: 1 g taurine, 6 g taurine, or a placebo (3 g maltodextrin), dissolved in 150 mL water. Supplements were administered one hour before testing. Taurine and placebo were delivered in identical opaque cups with straws to maintain blinding. All sessions followed a fixed schedule including the Mini-mental state examination (MMSE) for cognitive function, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test for dynamic balance, a 30-second chair stand test for muscular endurance, and a 6-minute walk test for cardiorespiratory fitness. Diet was controlled 24 hours prior to each session to reduce variability. After confirming the normal distribution of data, ANOVA repeated measurements were performed and followed by Bonferroni post hoc tests to compare the three conditions if appropriate. Analyses were performed in SPSS v26 considering an alpha level of 5% and a statistical power of 80%.
Results
Taurine dosage had a significant impact on balance, as demonstrated by repeated measures ANOVA (F (2,28) = 4.158, p = 0.026, η² = 0.23). Post-hoc analysis revealed that a 6 g dose of taurine resulted in a significant improvement in balance compared to the placebo condition (p = 0.023). In contrast, the 1 g taurine dose did not produce any statistically significant differences in balance when compared to either the placebo or the 6 g taurine condition. There was also a significant difference in muscular endurance across the different treatment conditions (F (2,28) = 5.406, p = 0.010, η² = 0.28). This indicates that taurine dosage had a measurable effect on muscular endurance, as assessed by the chair stand test. Further analysis revealed that performance on the chair stand test was significantly improved after the administration of 6 g of taurine, compared to the placebo condition (p = 0.009). However, there was no significant difference observed in chair stand test performance between the 1 g and 6 g taurine doses, suggesting that the lower dose may not be as effective in enhancing muscular endurance. Cardiorespiratory fitness, as evaluated by the 6-minute walk test, also showed a significant difference between the various conditions tested (F (2,28) = 7.268, p = 0.003, η² = 0.34). This outcome suggests that taurine supplementation can influence cardiorespiratory fitness levels. Specifically, the 6 g taurine dose resulted in significantly better cardiorespiratory fitness performance when compared to both the placebo condition (p = 0.004) and the 1 g taurine condition (p = 0.005). Conversely, no significant difference was found between the placebo and the 1 g taurine dose, indicating that the lower dose may not be sufficient to significantly impact cardiorespiratory fitness as measured by the 6-minute walk test. Finally, cognitive function, which was assessed using the MMSE, demonstrated a significant difference between the different treatment conditions (F (2,28) = 8.866, p = 0.001, η² = 0.39). This finding highlights the potential of taurine to influence cognitive performance. The results showed that cognitive performance was significantly better after the administration of 6 g of taurine when compared to both the placebo condition (p < 0.001) and the 1 g taurine condition (p = 0.020). Consistent with the other measures, there was no significant difference observed between the placebo and the 1 g of taurine, again suggesting a dose-dependent effect where the higher dose is more effective in enhancing cognitive function.
Conclusion
This study demonstrated that a single 6 g dose of taurine can significantly improve dynamic balance, muscular endurance, cardiorespiratory fitness, and cognitive performance in men aged 60–69. The 1 g dose, by contrast, did not yield significant improvements. These findings support the use of high-dose taurine supplementation as an effective short-term strategy for enhancing both physical and mental capacities in older adults. The results align with prior evidence suggesting taurine’s role in energy metabolism, antioxidant protection, and neurocognitive function. Given the prevalence of physical decline and fall-related risks in aging populations, taurine may serve as a promising adjunct to exercise and dietary interventions aimed at preserving functional ability and quality of life in the elderly. Future research should explore long-term supplementation and investigate the underlying biological mechanisms in greater detail to inform personalized approaches for geriatric health.
Key Words: Balance; Muscular Endurance; Elderly; Exercise Performance; Taurine Supplement
Article message
A 6-g dose of taurine can improve balance, endurance, aerobic capacity, and cognitive function in elderly men. While, a 1 g dose is insufficient for significant effects in these domains. Taurine may offer a non-invasive strategy to reduce fall risk and cognitive decline in elderly men. Future studies should assess long-term and population-specific outcomes
Ethical Considerations
The study protocol was approved by Razi University’s Ethics Committee (IR.RAZI.REC.1400.088) and registered with the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20170326033146N7).
Authors’ Contributions
Conceptualization: Vahid Tadibi & Reza Nasimi. Data Collection: Reza Nasimi. Data Analysis: Vahid Tadibi. Manuscript Writing: Vahid Tadibi & Reza Nasimi. Review and Editing: Vahid Tadibi. Literature Review: Vahid Tadibi & Reza Nasimi. Project Manager: Vahid Tadibi.
Conflict of Interest
The authors declared no conflict of interest.
Acknowledgments
The authors like to thank all the participants and those who helped us in this research, especially Ms. Rezvan Khairandish.
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