Author(s): SQUIRES, E., WALSHE, I.H., KEENAN, A., HAYMAN, O., LOMAX, I., WOOD, J., BROWNSON-SMITH, R., MCHUGH, M.P., HOWATSON, G., Institution: NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY, Country: UNITED KINGDOM, Abstract-ID: 704

INTRODUCTION:
Long distance running induces marked increases in inflammation and symptoms associated with muscle damage. Tart cherries (TC) have become a popular nutritional strategy for recovery, particularly for attenuation of markers associated with muscle damage. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of a different cultivar (Vistula) TC supplement on recovery following a marathon.
METHODS:
Thirty-five recreationally active volunteers (the mean ± SD age, stature and mass were 40 ± 10 years old, 176.5 ± 10.2 cm and 78.8 ± 13.8 kg, respectively) participated in the Kielder marathon. Participants were randomised to receive either a freeze-dried TC powder or calorie-matched placebo (17 TC, 18 placebo) for 7 days, with the marathon occurring on day 5 of the supplementation period. Maximal voluntary contractions (MVC), counter movement jumps (CMJ), muscle soreness (DOMS), circulating creatine kinase (CK) and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were assessed directly following, as well as 24- and 48h post marathon. A 2 x 4 (condition x time) ANOVA was used to determine differences. MVC and CMJ were expressed as percentage change from baseline to account for individual variation.
RESULTS:
There were significant changes over time for all variables (p < 0.001) indicating the presence of muscle damage. There were no significant differences between the conditions for MVC, CMJ and DOMS (p > 0.05). However, there was a difference between the groups for hs-CRP (p < 0.05), and post-hoc analysis revealed lower levels in the group supplemented with Vistula TC at 24 (10.4 vs. 16.1 mg/L, p < 0.05) and 48 h (5.4 vs. 8.9 mg/L, p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION:
This study provides initial insights into the potential use of a powdered Vistula TC supplement following strenuous exercise. The marathon caused changes in indices of muscle damage and inflammation in both groups. Despite there being no evidence of functional changes and soreness measures, the TC group experienced lower levels of inflammation following a marathon, compared to the placebo group.