Effects of Concurrent Training plus Cricket Protein Hydrolysate Supplementation on Blood Pressure, Arterial Stiffness, and Heart Rate Variability in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Arterial stiffness and impaired cardiac autonomic regulation contribute to cardiovascular risk in older adults with elevated blood pressure (BP). However, the cardiovascular effects of combining concurrent training with insect-derived protein supplementation remain unclear. This study examined the effects of concurrent training and hydrolyzed house cricket protein supplementation on BP, arterial stiffness, and heart rate variability (HRV) in older adults with elevated BP. Methods: Forty-five older adults (64.7±5.8 years) were randomized to placebo control (PLA), hydrolyzed house cricket protein supplementation alone (PRO), concurrent training with placebo supplementation (CT), or concurrent training plus hydrolyzed house cricket protein supplementation (PRO+CT). Exercise groups performed concurrent training three times weekly for 12 weeks, whereas supplementation groups consumed 30 g/day of hydrolyzed house cricket protein. Results: Systolic BP decreased significantly in the CT, PRO, and PRO+CT groups but not in PLA. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and rate-pressure product (RPP) demonstrated significant time × group interactions, with lower post-intervention values in PRO+CT than in PLA. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity decreased significantly over time, although no significant time × group interaction was observed. Resting heart rate decreased and RR interval increased, particularly in the exercise groups. Several HRV indices demonstrated significant time effects, whereas group-specific responses were generally absent. Conclusion: Concurrent training combined with hydrolyzed house cricket protein supplementation was associated with lower MAP and RPP compared with placebo. In contrast, changes in arterial stiffness and most HRV indices appeared primarily time-related rather than intervention-specific.