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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-01-2020 | Original Article

Effects of New Zealand blackcurrant extract on sport climbing performance

Authors: J. A. Potter, C. I. Hodgson, M. Broadhurst, L. Howell, J. Gilbert, M. E. T. Willems, I. C. Perkins

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Purpose

Blood flow to skeletal muscles and removal of metabolic by-products during a sport climb are essential to optimise performance and recovery. New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract has enhanced blood flow and performance in other exercise modalities. We examined the effect of NZBC extract on sport climbing performance and recovery.

Methods

The study employed a double-blind, randomised, crossover design. Male sport climbers (n = 18, age 24 ± 6 years, height 179 ± 6 cm, mass 71.4 ± 7.8 kg, French grade 6a-8b) undertook 7 days supplementation of NZBC extract (600 mg day⁻¹ CurraNZ™ containing 210 mg anthocyanins) or a placebo (PL). Climbing ability was assessed through hang time (HT), pull-ups and total climbing time (TCT) in 3 intermittent climbing bouts on a Treadwall M6 rotating climbing wall to exhaustion with 20 min recovery between climbs. Heart rate (HR), blood lactate (BL), forearm girth (FG) and hand grip strength (HGS) were recorded.

Results

NZBC extract had no effect on pull-ups but provided a trend for higher HT and significantly improved TCT (+23%) compared to PL (-11%) over three climbs. HR, BL, FG and HGS all indicated that 20 min was insufficient for physiological recovery between the three climbing bouts indicating accumulative fatigue regardless of supplement condition.

Conclusion

Despite indices of progressive fatigue across three bouts of climbing, NZBC extract facilitated not only a maintenance of TCT but an improved climbing endurance as compared with the PL condition. Blackcurrant anthocyanin-derived metabolites seem to affect physiological responses that facilitate sport climbing performance.

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Title: Effects of New Zealand blackcurrant extract on sport climbing performance
Authors: J. A. Potter
C. I. Hodgson
M. Broadhurst
L. Howell
J. Gilbert
M. E. T. Willems
I. C. Perkins
Publication date: 01-01-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 1/2020
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-019-04226-2

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Effects of New Zealand blackcurrant extract on sport climbing performance

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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