Effects of CurraNZ, a New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract during 1 Hour of Treadmill Running in Female and Male Marathon des Sables Athletes in Hot Conditions: Two Case Studies.

Four weeks before competition in the 2023 Marathon des Sables, a 6-stage, ~250 km running event in the Sahara Desert, we examined the effects of a 7-day intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract (210 mg anthocyanins per day) on 1 h treadmill running-induced physiological and metabolic responses in the heat (~34 °C, relative humidity: ~30%) in non-acclimatized amateur female and male athletes (age: 23, 38 yrs, BMI: 24.2, 28.4 kg·m-2, body fat%: 29.2, 18.8%, V˙O2max: 50.1, 52.1 mL·kg-1·min-1). During the 1 h run at 50%V˙O2max (speed female: 7.3, male: 7.5 km·h-1), indirect calorimetry was used, and heart rate was recorded at 15 min intervals with core temperature monitoring (0.05 Hz). The 1 h runs took place 3 h after a light breakfast and 2 h after intake of the final dose of New Zealand blackcurrant extract with water allowed ad libitum during the run. The New Zealand blackcurrant extract had no effects on the female athlete. The respiratory exchange ratio (RER) of the female athlete in the non-supplement control condition was 0.77 ± 0.01, indicating an existing ~77% contribution of fat oxidation to the energy requirements. In the male athlete, during 1 h of running, fat oxidation was higher by 21% (p < 0.01), carbohydrate oxidation was 31% lower (p = 0.05), RER was 0.03 units lower (p = 0.04), and core temperature was 0.4 °C lower (p < 0.01) with no differences for heart rate, minute ventilation, oxygen uptake, and carbon dioxide production for the New Zealand blackcurrant condition compared to the non-supplement control condition. Seven-day intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract (210 mg anthocyanins per day) provided beneficial physiological and metabolic responses during exertional heat stress by 1 h of indoor (~34 °C) treadmill running in a male Marathon des Sables athlete 4 weeks before competition. Future work is required to address whether New Zealand blackcurrant provides a nutritional ergogenic effect for Marathon des Sables athletes during long-duration running in the heat combined with personalized nutrition.

New Zealand blackcurrant extract modulates the heat shock response in men during exercise in hot ambient conditions.

PURPOSE: To determine if 7d of New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract alters the heat shock, inflammatory and apoptotic response during prolonged exertional-heat stress. METHODS: Ten men (Age: 29 ± 2 years, Stature: 1.82 ± 0.02 m, Mass: 80.3 ± 2.7 kg, V̇O2max: 56 ± 2 mL·kg-1·min-1) ingested two capsules of CurraNZ™ (NZBC extract: 210 mg anthocyanins·day-1) or PLACEBO for 7d prior to 1 h treadmill run (65% V̇O2max) in hot ambient conditions (34 °C/40% RH). Blood samples were collected before (Pre), immediately after (Post), 1 h after (1-Post), and 4 h after (4-Post) exercise. Heat shock proteins (HSP90, HSP70, HSP32) were measured in plasma. HSP and protein markers of inflammatory capacity (TLR4, NF-κB) and apoptosis (BAX/BCL-2, Caspase 9) were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). RESULTS: eHSP32 was elevated at baseline in NZBC(+ 31%; p < 0.001). In PLACEBO HSP32 content in PBMC was elevated at 4-Post(+ 98%; p = 0.002), whereas in NZBC it fell at Post(- 45%; p = 0.030) and 1-Post(- 48%; p = 0.026). eHSP70 was increased at Post in PLACEBO(+ 55.6%, p = 0.001) and NZBC (+ 50.7%, p = 0.010). eHSP90 was increased at Post(+ 77.9%, p < 0.001) and 1-Post(+ 73.2%, p < 0.001) in PLACEBO, with similar increases being shown in NZBC (+ 49.0%, p = 0.006 and + 66.2%, p = 0.001; respectively). TLR4 and NF-κB were both elevated in NZBC at PRE(+ 54%, p = 0.003 and + 57%, p = 0.004; respectively). Main effects of study condition were also shown for BAX/BCL-2(p = 0.025) and Caspase 9 (p = 0.043); both were higher in NZBC. CONCLUSION: 7d of NZBC extract supplementation increased eHSP32 and PBMC HSP32 content. It also increased inflammatory and apoptotic markers in PBMC, suggesting that NZBC supports the putative inflammatory response that accompanies exertional-heat stress.

Juçara (Euterpe edulis Martius) improves time-to-exhaustion cycling performance and increased reduced glutathione: a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover, and triple-blind study.

To examine the effects of 7-days juçara powder (JP) intake on oxidative stress biomarkers and endurance and sprint cycling performances. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover, and triple-blind study, 20 male trained cyclists were assigned to intake 10 g of JP (240 mg anthocyanins) or placebo (PLA) for 7 days and performed a cycling time-to-exhaustion (TTE). A 5 s cycling sprint was performed before and after the cycling TTE. Blood oxidative stress biomarkers and lactate concentration where evaluated 1 h before (T-1), immediately after (T0), and 1 h after (T1) the cycling TTE. The mean duration time for the cycling TTE was 8.4 ± 6.0% (63 ± 17 s) longer in the JP condition (JP: 751 ± 283 s) compared to PLA (688 ± 266 s) (P < 0.019). Two-way repeated measures Analysis of variance showed an increase in the JP condition for reduced glutathione (GSH) (P = 0.049) at T0 (P = 0.039) and T1 (P = 0.029) compared to PLA with a moderate effect size at T0 (d = 0.61) and T1 (d = 0.57). Blood lactate levels increased over time in both conditions (P ≤ 0.001). No differences were observed for the post-TTE sprint fatigue index, total phenols, protein carbonyls, and glutathione peroxidase activity. Seven-day intake of JP improved cycling endurance performance and increased GSH levels but had no effect on lactate and cycling sprint-induced fatigue.

Full Familiarisation Is Not Required for the Self-Paced 1 km Treadmill Walk to Predict Peak Oxygen Uptake in Phase IV Cardiac Patients.

Exercise is a recommended part of phase IV cardiovascular rehabilitation (CR). The 1 km treadmill walk test (1-KTWT) is a submaximal continuous exercise test to predict cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with cardiovascular disease. We examined physiological, metabolic and subjective responses in patients with cardiovascular disease with self-selected, unchanging walking speed for two 1-KTWTs. Fifteen men (age: 65 ± 9 yr, height: 174 ± 5 cm, body mass: 86 ± 17 kg, BMI: 28.5 ± 5.5 kg·m-2, body fat%: 27.7 ± 7.5%, 10 on beta-blockers) were recruited from phase IV CR groups in the United Kingdom. Participants established a self-selected walking speed for the 1-KTWT and performed the 1-KTWT on separate days with recording of physiological responses to predict V˙O2peak with equations. For the two 1-KTWTs, no differences existed for walking speed, mean and maximal heart rates, oxygen uptake, predicted V˙O2peak (1st 1-KTWT (range: 41-78% V˙O2peak, 95%CI, 53-65; 2nd 1-KTWT range: 43-78% V˙O2peak, 95%CI, 52-65) and rating of perceived exertion. In phase IV cardiac patients, the 1-KTWT with self-selected, unchanging walking speed can be used for V˙O2peak prediction without the need for a full familiarisation. The self-selected constant walking speed for the first 1-KTWT can be used to support nonsupervised physical activity for phase IV CR patients.

Effect of Substitution Time on Physical, Technical and Cognitive Performance in Sub-Elite Male Field Hockey Players.

We examined the effects of substitution time (i.e., recovery time) in a simulated field hockey test on physical, technical and perceptual/cognitive performance. Nine sub-elite male field hockey players (age: 20 ± 2 yrs, height: 1.81 ± 0.06 m, body mass: 71 ± 10 kg, body fat: 10.3 ± 3.7%, V̇O2max: 67 ± 3 mL·kg-1·min-1) completed four 8-min 40-s bouts of high-intensity intermittent exercise with 2-min and 5.5-min substitution time replicating the demands of a 4-quarter field hockey match. After each bout, a 15-m maximal sprint, agility/dribbling test, passing accuracy test, and a cognitive task were completed. Heart rate (p < .001) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) (p < .001) increased with every bout. RPE was higher for the 5.5-min condition during the 2nd and 4th bout. No differences were observed between the substitution times and the number of bouts on 15-m maximal sprint time (2-min: 2.03 ± 0.14 s, 5.5-min: 2.07 ± 0.12 s), average reaction time (2-min: 347.19 ± 30.78 ms, 5.5-min: 346.69 ± 38.73 ms), cognitive error rate (2-min: 0.86 ± 0.77; 5.5-min: 0.44 ± 0.37), passing accuracy (2-min: 6 ± 1, 5.5-min: 6 ± 1) and agility/dribbling time (2-min: 7.06 ± 0.41 s, 5.5-min: 7.23 ± 0.55 s). It was concluded that a longer recovery time (i.e., substitution time 5.5-min) did not provide better physical and technical performance than 2-min during a simulated 4-quarter field hockey test. Further research with a larger sample size should address whether the shorter 2-min substitution time seemed to result in lower cognitive performance.

Acute Effects of New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract on Cycling Time-Trial Are Performance Dependent in Endurance-Trained Cyclists: A Home-Based Study.

The intake of anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract (300 mg per day) over a week enhanced 16.1 km cycling time trial (TT) performance in endurance-trained cyclists without acute performance effects. In the present study, the acute effects of an intake of 900 mg of NZBC extract 2 h before performing the 16.1 km cycling TT were examined. A total of 34 cyclists (26 males; 8 females) (age: 38 ± 7 years, V˙O2max: 57 ± 5 mL·kg-1·min-1) completed 4 16.1 km TTs (2 familiarization and 2 experimental trials) over 4 mornings on a home turbo-trainer connected with the online training simulator ZWIFT. There was no difference in time to complete the 16.1 km TT between conditions (placebo: 1422 ± 104 s; NZBC extract: 1414 ± 93 s, p = 0.07). However, when participants were split between faster (<1400 s; 1 female; 16 males) and slower (>1400 s; 7 females; 10 males) cyclists based on average familiarization TTs, a difference in TT performance was observed only in the slower group (placebo: 1499 ± 91 s; NZBC extract: 1479 ± 83 s, p = 0.02). At 12 km (quartile analysis), power output (p = 0.04) and speed (p = 0.04) were higher compared to the placebo with no effects on heart rate and cadence. The acute effects of 900 mg of NZBC extract on a 16.1 km cycling time-trial may depend on the performance ability of male endurance-trained cyclists. More work is needed to address whether there is a sex-specific time-trial effect of NZBC extract independent of performance ability.

Effects of a Head-Cooling Cap on 5-Km Running Performance in the Heat.

Cooling the head region during exercise can enhance running performance, but this observation is limited to intermittent cooling. This study investigated the effects of continuous head cooling on 5-km running time-trial (TT) performance in hot conditions. Six male and four female triathletes completed two experimental sessions consisting of two 10-minute runs at 50% and 70% V̇O2max followed by a 5-km TT in the heat (32.0±0.3 °C, 50.1±1.2% RH). In a randomized crossover design, either an ice-filled cooling cap or no cooling cap was provided prior to the 10-minute run at 70%V̇O2max. Performance time, rectal, forehead and mean skin temperature, RPE, thermal comfort, fluid loss, blood lactate and heart rate were recorded. Performance time was faster with a cooling cap (1175±80 s) compared to no cooling cap (1189±76 s, P = 0.034; d = 0.18). The cooling cap reduced forehead temperature (P <0.001) and improved thermal comfort (P = 0.004) but had no effect on any other variable (P > 0.05). Continuously cooling the head with an ice-filled cap enhanced 5-km TT performance in the heat. Participants reported an improved thermal comfort with no change in core temperature. Continuously cooling the head may be a practical strategy to enhance running performance in hot conditions.

Notational Analysis and Physiological and Metabolic Responses of Male Junior Badminton Match Play.

We examined the game characteristics of badminton and the physiological and metabolic responses in highly trained male junior players. Players from a Badminton England accredited Performance Centre (n = 10, age: 14.0 ± 1.2 y, height: 1.69 ± 0.06 m, body mass: 59.1 ± 5.0 kg) completed a 20-m shuttle run test (V˙O2max: 64 ± 7 mL·kg-1·min-1) and a simulated ability-matched competitive singles badminton game consisting of two 12-min games with a 2-min break wearing the COSMED K5 metabolic system with notational analysis. In five games, 427 points were contested with a rally time of 5.7 ± 3.7 s, a rest time of 11.2 ± 5.9 s, shots per rally of 5.6 ± 3.6, work density of 0.50 ± 0.21, an effective playing time of 32.3 ± 8.4%, and shots frequency of 1.04 ± 0.29. During badminton play, heart rate was 151 ± 12 b·min-1 (82 ± 10% of maximum heart rate), oxygen uptake was 39.2 ± 3.9 mL·kg-1·min-1 (62 ± 7% of V˙O2max), and energy expenditure was 11.2 ± 1.1 kcal·min-1 with a post-game blood lactate of 3.33 ± 0.83 mmol·L-1. Compared to adult badminton play, the physiological responses of junior badminton are lower and may be due to the shorter rally durations. Male junior badminton players should be exposed to training methodologies which include rally durations in excess of what they encounter during match play so as to develop greater consistency. Our observations on game characteristics and physiological responses during junior badminton can be used to inform training practice.

Intake Duration of Anthocyanin-Rich New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract Affects Cardiovascular Responses during Moderate-Intensity Walking But Not at Rest.

We examined effects of intake duration of New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract on cardiovascular responses during supine rest and moderate-intensity walking. Recreationally active men (n = 15, age: 24 ± 6 yr, BMI: 24.7 ± 4.3 kg·m-2) volunteered in a randomized, cross-over design. One metabolic equivalent (1-MET) was measured (3.97 ± 0.66 mL·kg-1·min-1) and an incremental walking test was performed to individualize speed at 4 (n = 3) or 5 (n = 12) METs for the 30-min walk (5.7 ± 0.7 km·hr-1). NZBC extract (210 mg of anthocyanins) was taken with breakfast for 7 and 14 days, with a 14-days washout. The final dose was ingested 2-hr before recording of the cardiovascular responses (Portapres Model-2). At rest, %changes at 7- and 14-days intake were observed for stroke volume (+6.8% (trend), p = 0.065; +8.5%, p = 0.012), cardiac output (+10.1%, p = 0.007; +8.5%, p = 0.013), total peripheral resistance (-12.0%, p = 0.004; -13.1%, p = 0.011), diastolic (-5.7%, p = 0.045; -9.7%, p = 0.015) and mean arterial pressure (-4.4%, p = 0.040; -7.2%, p = 0.029), but without intake duration effect. During walking, %changes at 7- and 14-days intake were observed for stroke volume (+7.7% (trend), p = 0.063; +9.9%, p = 0.006), cardiac output (+8.7%, p = 0.037; +10.1%, p = 0.007), diastolic blood pressure (-6.2%, p = 0.042; -10.6%, p = 0.001), and total peripheral resistance (-9.6%, p = 0.042; -13.5%, p = 0.005) but without intake duration effect. During walking, %changes at 14-days were observed only for mean arterial pressure (-6.4%, p = 0.018) and arterio-venous oxygen difference (-7.9%, p = 0.019). NZBC extract affects cardiovascular responses at rest and during moderate-intensity exercise with 7- and 14-day intake. Only during moderate-intensity exercise, a longer intake of NZBC extract was required for an effect on some cardiovascular responses.

Effect of Intake Duration of Anthocyanin-Rich New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract on Cardiovascular Responses and Femoral Artery Diameter during Sustained Submaximal Isometric Contraction.

Seven-day intake of anthocyanins from New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract increased cardiac output and femoral artery diameter during a sustained submaximal isometric contraction. It is not known if there are intake duration effects by NZBC extract on the isometric contraction-induced cardiovascular responses. In a repeated measures design, male participants (n = 19, age: 26 ± 4 years) performed a 120-second submaximal (30%) isometric contraction of the knee extensors at baseline and following 1, 4 and 7-days intake of 600 mg·day-1 NZBC extract. During the 120-second submaximal isometric contraction, femoral artery diameter and cardiovascular responses were measured with ultrasound and beat-to-beat hemodynamic monitoring. Femoral artery was larger following 4-days (mean difference = 0.046 cm, 95% CI [0.012, 0.080], p = 0.005) and 7-days (mean difference = 0.078 cm, 95% CI [0.034, 0.123], p < 0.001) in comparison to baseline with no increase with 1-day intake. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and total peripheral resistance were not changed by NZBC extract at 1, 4 and 7-days intake. However, mean arterial pressure, stroke volume, cardiac output and total peripheral resistance were changed at time points during the isometric contraction following 7-days intake in comparison to 1-day intake of NZBC extract (p < 0.05). Alterations in femoral artery diameter and some cardiovascular responses during a submaximal sustained isometric contraction of the knee extensors are affected by the intake duration of New Zealand blackcurrant extract, with no effects by 1-day intake. Our observations suggest that the bioavailability of blackcurrant anthocyanins and anthocyanin-derived metabolites is required for days to alter the mechanisms for isometric-contraction induced cardiovascular responses.

Body composition and physical fitness improve after 8 weeks of high-intensity circuit training using body weight in obese women.

BACKGROUND: We examined the effects of an 8-week modified high-intensity circuit training using body weight as resistance (HICTBW) on health-related physical fitness in sedentary obese women. METHODS: Twenty-four sedentary obese women were allocated into the HICTBW or a non-training control group (CG). The modified HICTBW was performed for eight weeks (three times per week). Training consisted of a 30-second workout and 10-second rest for 12 exercise poses per one circuit (one circuit in the first week), with an increase of one circuit every two weeks. Body weight and body composition included skeletal muscle mass (SMM), body fat mass (BFM), body fat percentage (BF%), visceral fat area (VFA), and skeletal muscle mass to visceral fat area ratio (MFR) were measured. Physical fitness included flexibility of the lower back and hamstrings (FlexLH), and leg and handgrip muscle strength (StrengthLeg, StrengthHG). Cardiovascular endurance included the Åstrand-Rhyming heart rate (HRÅstrand), relative maximum oxygen uptake (relative V̇O2max), and workload. RESULTS: All variables were obtained at baseline, week 4, and week 8. The HICTBW improved FlexLH, StrengthLeg, and relative V̇O2max from baseline to week 4 (All P<0.05). Improvements from baseline to week 8 were observed for SMM, BFM, BF%, VFA and MFR, FlexLH, StrengthLeg, HRÅstrand, relative V̇O2max, and workload (All P<0.05). Furthermore, the HICTBW elicited a higher change in SMM (+2.9%), BFM (-3.4%), BF% (-3.2%), MFR (+9.5%), FlexLH (+145.7%) and relative V̇O2max (+32.3%) than the CG at week-8 (All P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: An eight-week modified HICTBW program thrice a week is an effective training modality to influence health-related physical fitness in sedentary obese women.

Recovery Effects of Foam Rolling on Psychophysiological Responses in Thai National Male Ice Hockey Players.

We examined the short-term effects of foam rolling (FR), dynamic stretching (DS), and passive rest (PR) following simulated ice hockey exercise (IHE) on heart rate (HR), blood lactate (BL), leg choice reaction time (CRTleg), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and global rating of change (GRC) in elite ice hockey players. The study followed a randomized cross-over design. Fifteen national male ice hockey players were assigned to the FR, DS, or PR interventions for 10 mins following 35- min of simulated IHE. HR and BL were obtained at 0-, 5- and 10-min post-intervention. CRTleg and RPE were assessed pre-and post-intervention. GRC was evaluated post-intervention. The PR decreased HR faster than the DS at 5-min of post-treatment. Whereas the FR and DS reduced BL levels faster than the PR at 5- and 10-min post-treatment. There was no difference in CRTleg among the FR, DS, and PR. The FR had lower RPE scores compared to the DS and PR post-treatment. As perceptual aspects, the FR was the most preferred treatment by ice hockey athletes. The FR and DS exerted more beneficial effects on BL but not on HR by the passive rest. The FR showed the most effective treatment on the psychological demands by improving RPE and perceptual responses over the DS and PR. Thus, the FR could be used as a choice for post-game recovery treatment on improving physiological and perceptual responses following an intense match-play in ice hockey players.

Running-Induced Metabolic and Physiological Responses Using New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract in a Male Ultra-Endurance Runner: A Case Study.

Physical training for ultra-endurance running provides physiological adaptations for exercise-induced substrate oxidation. We examined the effects of New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract on running-induced metabolic and physiological responses in a male amateur ultra-endurance runner (age: 40 years, body mass: 65.9 kg, BMI: 23.1 kg·m−2, body fat: 14.7%, V˙O2max: 55.3 mL·kg−1·min−1, resting heart rate: 45 beats·min−1, running history: 6 years, marathons: 20, ultra-marathons: 28, weekly training distance: ~80 km, weekly running time: ~9 h). Indirect calorimetry was used and heart rate recorded at 15 min intervals during 120 min of treadmill running (speed: 10.5 km·h−1, 58% V˙O2max) in an environmental chamber (temperature: ~26 °C, relative humidity: ~70%) at baseline and following 7 days intake of NZBC extract (210 mg of anthocyanins·day−1) with constant monitoring of core temperature. The male runner had unlimited access to water and consumed a 100-kcal energy gel at 40- and 80 min during the 120 min run. There were no differences (mean of 8, 15 min measurements) for minute ventilation, oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide production and core temperature. With NZBC extract, the respiratory exchange ratio was 0.02 units lower, carbohydrate oxidation was 11% lower and fat oxidation was 23% higher (control: 0.39 ± 0.08, NZBC extract: 0.48 ± 0.12 g·min−1, p < 0.01). Intake of the energy gel did not abolish the enhanced fat oxidation by NZBC extract. Seven days' intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract altered exercise-induced substrate oxidation in a male amateur ultra-endurance runner covering a half-marathon distance in 2 h. More studies are required to address whether intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract provides a nutritional ergogenic effect for ultra-endurance athletes to enhance exercise performance.

Effects of New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract on Sequential Performance Testing in Male Rugby Union Players.

Previous studies on performance effects by New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract used mainly a single exercise task. We examined the effects of NZBC extract in a battery of rugby union-specific tests including speed, agility and strength testing. University male rugby union players (n = 13, age: 21 ± 2 years, height: 182 ± 6 cm, body mass: 87 ± 13 kg) completed two full familiarisations and two experimental visits in an indoor facility. The study had a double blind, placebo-controlled, randomised, crossover design. For the experimental visits, participants consumed NZBC extract (210 mg/day of anthocyanins for 7 days) or placebo with a 7-day wash-out. Testing order was the running-based anaerobic sprint test, the Illinois agility test, seated medicine ball (3 kg) throw, and handgrip strength. With NZBC extract, there may have been an effect for average sprint time to be faster by 1.7% (placebo: 5.947 ± 0.538 s, NZBC extract: 5.846 ± 0.571 s, d = -0.18 (trivial), p = 0.06). However, with NZBC extract there may have been reduced slowing of sprint 2 (d = -0.59 (moderate), p = 0.06) and reduced slowing for sprint 6 (d = -0.56 (moderate), p = 0.03). In the Illinois agility test, there may have also been an effect for the mean time to be faster by 1.6% (placebo: 18.46 ± 1.44 s, NZBC extract: 18.15 ± 1.22 s, d = -0.24 (small), p = 0.07). The correlation between the %change in average sprint time and %change in mean agility time was not significant (Pearson R2 = 0.0698, p = 0.383). There were no differences for the seated medicine ball throw distance (p = 0.106) and handgrip strength (p = 0.709). Intake of NZBC extract in rugby union players seems to improve tasks that require maximal speed and agility but not muscle strength. NZBC blackcurrant extract may be able to enhance exercise performance in team sports that require repeated movements with high intensity and horizontal change of body position without affecting muscle strength.

Effect of New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract on Force Steadiness of the Quadriceps Femoris Muscle during Sustained Submaximal Isometric Contraction.

Intake of anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) can alter physiological responses that enhance exercise performance. In two studies, we examined the effects of NZBC extract on force steadiness during a sustained submaximal isometric contraction of the quadriceps femoris muscle. With repeated measures designs, male participants in study one (n = 13) and study two (n = 19) performed a 120 s submaximal (30%) isometric contraction of the quadriceps femoris muscle following a 7-day intake of NZBC extract and placebo (study one) and following 0 (control), 1-, 4- and 7-day intake of NZBC extract (study two). Participants for both studies were different. In study one, NZBC extract enhanced isometric force steadiness during the 120 s contraction (placebo: 6.58 ± 2.24%, NZBC extract: 6.05 ± 2.24%, p = 0.003), with differences in the third (60-89 s) and fourth quartile (90-120 s) of the contraction. In study two, isometric force steadiness was not changed following 1 and 4 days but was enhanced following 7-day intake of NZBC extract in comparison to control. In study two, the enhanced isometric force steadiness following 7-day intake did occur in the second (30-59 s), third (60-89 s) and fourth (90-120 s) quartiles. Daily supplementation of anthocyanin-rich NZBC extract can enhance force steadiness of the quadriceps femoris muscle during a sustained submaximal isometric contraction. Our observations may have implications for human tasks that require postural stability.

Anthocyanin-Rich Supplementation: Emerging Evidence of Strong Potential for Sport and Exercise Nutrition.

Dark-colored fruits, especially berries, have abundant presence of the polyphenol anthocyanin which have been show to provide health benefits. Studies with the berry blackcurrant have provided notable observations with application for athletes and physically active individuals. Alterations in exercise-induced substrate oxidation, exercise performance of repeated high-intensity running and cycling time-trial and cardiovascular function at rest and during exercise were observed with intake of New Zealand blackcurrant. The dynamic plasma bioavailability of the blackcurrant anthocyanins and the anthocyanin-derived metabolites must have changed cell function to provide meaningful in-vivo physiological effects. This perspective will reflect on the research studies for obtaining the applied in-vivo effects by intake of anthocyanin-rich supplementation, the issue of individual responses, and the emerging strong potential of anthocyanins for sport and exercise nutrition. Future work with repeated intake of known amount and type of anthocyanins, gut microbiota handling of anthocyanins, and coinciding measurements of plasma anthocyanin and anthocyanin-derived metabolites and in-vivo cell function will be required to inform our understanding for the unique potential of anthocyanins as a nutritional ergogenic aid for delivering meaningful effects for a wide range of athletes and physically active individuals.

Enhanced Walking-Induced Fat Oxidation by New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract Is Body Composition-Dependent in Recreationally Active Adult Females.

New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract enhanced cycling-induced fat oxidation in female endurance athletes. We examined in recreationally active females the effects of NZBC extract on physiological and metabolic responses by moderate-intensity walking and the relationship of fat oxidation changes with focus on body composition parameters. Twelve females (age: 21 ± 2 y, BMI: 23.6 ± 3.1 kg·m-2) volunteered. Bioelectrical bioimpedance analysis was used for body composition measurements. Resting metabolic equivalent (1-MET) was 3.31 ± 0.66 mL·kg-1·min-1. Participants completed an incremental walking test with oxygen uptake measurements to individualize the treadmill walking speed at 5-MET. In a randomized, double-blind, cross-over design, the 30 min morning walks were in the same phase of each participant's menstrual cycle. No changes by NZBC extract were observed for walking-induced heart rate, minute ventilation, oxygen uptake, and carbon dioxide production. NZBC extract enhanced fat oxidation (10 responders, range: 10-66%). There was a significant correlation for changes in fat oxidation with body mass index; body fat% in legs, arms, and trunk; and a trend with fat oxidation at rest but not with body mass and habitual anthocyanin intake. The NZBC extract responsiveness of walking-induced fat oxidation is body composition-dependent and higher in young-adult females with higher body fat% in legs, arms, and trunk.

Anthocyanin-Rich Blackcurrant Extract Preserves Gastrointestinal Barrier Permeability and Reduces Enterocyte Damage but Has No Effect on Microbial Translocation and Inflammation After Exertional Heat Stress.

This study investigated the effects of 7 days of 600 mg/day anthocyanin-rich blackcurrant extract intake on small intestinal permeability, enterocyte damage, microbial translocation, and inflammation following exertional heat stress. Twelve recreationally active men (maximal aerobic capacity = 55.6 ± 6.0 ml·kg-1·min-1) ran (70% VO2max) for 60 min in an environmental chamber (34 °C, 40% relative humidity) on two occasions (placebo/blackcurrant, randomized double-blind crossover). Permeability was assessed from a 4-hr urinary excretion of lactulose and rhamnose and expressed as a ratio of lactulose/rhamnose. Venous blood samples were taken at rest and 20, 60, and 240 min after exercise to measure enterocyte damage (intestinal fatty acid-binding protein); microbial translocation (soluble CD14, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein); and interleukins 6, interleukins 10, and interleukins 1 receptor antagonist. Exercise increased rectal temperature (by ∼2.8 °C) and heart rate (by ∼123 beats/min) in each condition. Blackcurrant supplementation led to a ∼12% reduction in lactulose/rhamnose ratio (p < .0034) and enterocyte damage (∼40% reduction in intestinal fatty acid-binding protein area under the curve; p < .0001) relative to placebo. No between-condition differences were observed immediately after exercise for lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (mean, 95% confidence interval [CI]; +80%, 95% CI [+61%, +99%]); soluble CD14 (+37%, 95% CI [+22%, +51%]); interleukins 6 (+494%, 95% CI [+394%, +690%]); interleukins 10 (+288%, 95% CI [+105%, +470%]); or interleukins 1 receptor antagonist (+47%, 95% CI [+13%, +80%]; all time main effects). No between-condition differences for these markers were observed after 60 or 240 min of recovery. Blackcurrant extract preserves the GI barrier; however, at subclinical levels, this had no effect on microbial translocation and downstream inflammatory processes.

Plasma uptake of selected phenolic acids following New Zealand blackcurrant extract supplementation in humans.

New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract is a rich source of anthocyanins and in order to exert physiological effects, the anthocyanin-derived metabolites need to be bioavailable in vivo. We examined the plasma uptake of selected phenolic acids following NZBC extract supplementation alongside maintaining a habitual diet (i.e. not restricting habitual polyphenol intake). Twenty healthy volunteers (nine females, age: 28 ± 7 years, height 1.73 ± 0.09 m, body mass 73 ± 11 kg) consumed a 300 mg NZBC extract capsule (CurraNZ®; anthocyanin content 105 mg) following an overnight fast. Venous blood samples were taken pre and 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 h post-ingestion of the capsule. Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for analysis of two dihydroxybenzoic acids [i.e. vanillic acid (VA) and protocatechuic acid (PCA)] and one trihydroxybenzoic acid [i.e. gallic acid (GA)] in plasma following NZBC extract supplementation. Habitual anthocyanin intake was 168 (95%CI:68-404) mg⋅day-1 and no associations were observed between this and VA, PCA, and GA plasma uptake by the NZBC extract intake. Plasma time-concentration curves revealed that GA, and PCA were most abundant at 4, and 1.5 h post-ingestion, representing a 261% and 320% increase above baseline, respectively, with VA remaining unchanged. This is the first study to demonstrate that an NZBC extract supplement increases the plasma uptake of phenolic acids GA, and PCA even when a habitual diet is followed in the days preceding the experimental trial, although inter-individual variability is apparent.

Effects of Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Aerobic and Anaerobic Performances of Trained Male Taekwondo Athletes: A Pilot Study.

Studies have shown that nitrate (NO3-)-rich beetroot juice (BJ) supplementation improves endurance and high-intensity intermittent exercise. The dose-response effects on taekwondo following BJ supplementation are yet to be determined. This study aimed to investigate two acute doses of 400 mg of NO3- (BJ-400) and 800 mg of NO3- (BJ-800) on taekwondo-specific performance and cognitive function tests compared with a placebo (PL) and control (CON) conditions. Eight trained male taekwondo athletes (age: 20 ± 4 years, height: 180 ± 2 cm, body mass: 64.8 ± 4.0 kg) completed four experimental trials using a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled design: BJ-400, BJ-800, PL, and CON. Participants consumed two doses of BJ-400 and BJ-800 or nitrate-depleted PL at 2.5 h prior to performing the Multiple Frequency Speed of Kick Test (FSKT). Countermovement jump (CMJ) was performed before the (FSKT) and PSTT, whereas cognitive function was assessed (via the Stroop test) before and after supplementation and 10 min following PSTT. Blood lactate was collected before the CMJ tests immediately and 3 min after the FSKT and PSST; rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded during and after both specific taekwondo tests. No significant differences (p > 0.05), with moderate and large effect sizes, between conditions were observed for PSTT and FSKT performances. In addition, blood lactate, RPE, heart rate, and CMJ height were not significantly different among conditions (p > 0.05). However, after the PSTT test, cognitive function was higher in BJ-400 compared to other treatments (p < 0.05). It was concluded that acute intake of 400 and 800 mg of NO3- rich BJ reported a moderate to large effect size in anaerobic and aerobic; however, no statistical differences were found in taekwondo-specific performance.