The Effect of New Zealand Blackcurrant (NZBC) Supplementation on Indices of Muscle Damage Following Strenuous Exercise
The Effect of New Zealand Blackcurrant (NZBC) Supplementation on Indices of Muscle Damage Following Strenuous Exercise
The study aims to examine the effect of a New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) supplement on markers of muscle damage and recovery following strenuous resistance exercise. The investigation will compare responses between an experimental (NZBC capsule, 300 mg/day) and placebo (PLA capsule, 300 mg sugar) group. Participants will attend a screening session where they will consent to the study, complete a pre-activity medical questionnaire and have their height, weight and resting blood pressure measured. If the participants meet the inclusion criteria they will perform a familarisation session on the muscle strength assessment. Participants will be randomized to NZBC or placebo groups, and consume one capsule in the morning (between 6-10 am) for 12 days. This is a double-blinded study, which means that the participant and the study team will not know which group the participants are assigned to until the study is over. On day 8 participants will perform a strenuous bout of upper body resistance exercise on the isokinetic dynamometer (exercise device). Muscle strength and soreness, arm circumference, and elbow range of motion will be measured, and a fasted blood sample will be collected, before and 24, 48, 72 & 96 hours after the muscle fatigue protocol (on days 9, 10, 11 & 12). A marker of muscle damage (creatine kinase [CK] concentration) will be measured in the blood samples. Participants will also be asked to complete a 6-day dietary record, beginning on day 7 and ending on the final day of testing (day 12).
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria: