Evaluation of the Potential of Grape Consumption to Improve Muscle Strength and Cognitive Function

The goal of this project is to perform a translational study to evaluate the potential of grape consumption to improve muscle and cognitive function with female human volunteers. The study will examine the impact of grape consumption on the functional strength and cognition of females over the age of 65. We will recruit 35 women who are in good overall health. On Day 1, consented participants will undergo baseline screening and assessments and will receive education on dietary restrictions for the following two weeks. After the two-week run-in diet period, on Day 14 participants will complete functional strength and cognitive testing, provide blood samples, and receive pouches of grape powder to be ingested daily. During the grape consumption phase of the trial, participants will ingest two 36 g pouches of grape powder daily for 30 days - equivalent to three servings of fresh grapes per day. Additional blood work, strength and cognitive testing will be performed on Day 28 and again on Day 42. Results will help to inform future studies on the effectiveness of regular grape intake on functional muscle strength and cognition in women over the age of 65, along with serum markers that are indicative of underlying mechanisms of action.