Strengths and limitations
OXIDATIVE STRESS
This study was the first to analyze a mitochondrial targeted antioxidants effect on metabolic function during exercise in physically inactive females. As a result, we were able to provide potential insight behind the mechanisms associated with redox signaling that are specific to optimal mitochondrial function, particularly in a very generalizable population group. Also, this study utilized a double‐blind placebo‐controlled design to limit the amount of bias by the participants and researchers. Additionally, this study provided context for further research involving the interaction between antioxidants and mtROS in promoting redox signaling in varying populations of differing physical activity status, cardiorespiratory fitness, sex, and ethnicity.This study had some potential limitations that should be considered. To start, the entire population of the study was encompassed by non‐Hispanic White females. Racial and ethnic differences in mtROS generation and redox signaling is a relatively undiscovered area where more research is needed to elucidate potential ethnicity specific mechanisms. Additionally, the implications of age and sex differences are not fully understood related to this topic. Furthermore, our study utilized indirect calorimetry as its primary endpoint which may not be directly related to exercise performance. The use of additional measurements such as a pulse oximetry or arterial blood gas concentrations could have provided more evidence of changes in blood oxygen saturation previously eluded to in the discussion, which could support the proposed mechanisms being augmented by acute exogenous antioxidant supplementation. It should also be noted that there was not a direct measurement of circulating MitoQ or oxidative stress levels during either of the experimental trials. Finally, participants consisted of a mixed set of pre‐ and postmenopausal women which should be considered when interpreting the results.