The efficacy of tart cherry juice in aiding recovery following intermittent exercise

Purpose: The aim was to investigate the effects of tart cherry juice supplementation (TCJ) on markers of recovery following intermittent exercise, under habitual dietary conditions. Methods: Using a randomised, single-blind, placebo-controlled, independent groups design, 20 team sport players (n=8 male, n=12 female, age:26 ±4 years, height:175.4 ±9.6cm, body mass:70.2 ±12.6kg ) were divided equally into two groups and consumed either TCJ or placebo twice per day for eight consecutive days whilst following their normal dietary habits. Participants completed an adapted version of the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST) on day six of supplementation. Countermovement jump (CMJ), 20m-sprint, maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and muscle soreness (DOMS) were assessed at baseline, 1h, 24h and 48h post-LIST. Blood markers of muscle damage (CK) and inflammation (CRP) were taken pre-supplementation, immediately pre-LIST and 1h, 24h and 48h post-LIST. Data were analysed using a repeated measures ANOVA. Results: CMJ, 20m-sprint and MVIC showed significantly faster recovery with TCJ (p<0.05) at 24h and 48h post-LIST. A significant interaction effect (p<0.05) was observed for DOMS; however, Bonferroni post hoc analysis could not identify when the significant differences between TCJ and placebo occurred. There were no significant differences throughout recovery between TCJ and placebo for CRP and CK (p>0.05). Conclusion: The results suggest that TCJ, in addition to habitual diets, can accelerate recovery following intermittent exercise and therefore extends the efficacy of TCJ in accelerating recovery to team sports.