This was a double‐blinded randomized controlled trial. The researchers that enrolled participants and analysed data were blinded. Fifteen healthy elderly male individuals were included in the per‐protocol analysis and one participant withdrew consent.
Participants with hypertension (blood pressure > 140/90 mmHg), body mass index > 35 kg/m2, who performed exercise more than 2 h/week or were smokers were excluded. All the participants went through a pre‐experimental day consisting of a resting 12‐lead electrocardiogram (MAC800, GE Medical systems, Milwaukee, WI, USA), blood pressure measuring (OMRON M3, Comfort, Kyoto, Japan) and a fasting blood screening (haematology, lipids and kidney function). None of the participants were diagnosed with cardiovascular disease or demonstrated evidence of renal disease defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 based on plasma creatinine levels, sex and age.
Participants with hypertension (blood pressure > 140/90 mmHg), body mass index > 35 kg/m2, who performed exercise more than 2 h/week or were smokers were excluded. All the participants went through a pre‐experimental day consisting of a resting 12‐lead electrocardiogram (MAC800, GE Medical systems, Milwaukee, WI, USA), blood pressure measuring (OMRON M3, Comfort, Kyoto, Japan) and a fasting blood screening (haematology, lipids and kidney function). None of the participants were diagnosed with cardiovascular disease or demonstrated evidence of renal disease defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 based on plasma creatinine levels, sex and age.