According to a new study published in the European Journal of Sport Science, UK researchers have found that when consumed twice a day for eight days, Montmorency tart cherry concentrate reduced muscle-soreness and impacted aspects of muscle function after exercise, in comparison to a placebo.
These latest findings add to a growing body of evidence supporting Montmorency tart cherries as an effective exercise recovery aid.
Previous studies have demonstrated the positive impact of Montmorency tart cherries on reducing strength loss and diminishing reported muscle soreness and markers of inflammation – primarily in male marathon runners, cyclists, and soccer players. This study, conducted at the Department of Sport Exercise and Rehabilitation at Northumbria University, is the first to explore the potential benefits among a female only population.
"The recovery process in females is likely different from the recovery process in males due to the role of estrogen, which may influence the muscles' response to exercise," said co-author Meghan A. Brown. "Our results suggest female athletes may benefit from incorporating Montmorency tart cherry concentrate into their training regimen."
In this group of physically active women, Montmorency tart cherry concentrate reduced self-reported muscle soreness in the days following exercise and improved the recovery of muscle function as evidenced by a series of countermovement jumps (vertical jumps from a squat position). Additional measures of muscle function including maximum voluntary isometric contraction (strength of contraction at the right knee), a series of drop jumps (vertical jumps after dropping from a height of 30 cm) and 30-meter sprint time did not show a difference between groups.
Indicators of inflammation were not affected by the series of sprints these athletes completed, which suggests this type of exercise elicited only a moderate muscle damage response. This could explain the absence of between-group differences in inflammatory markers, as the degree of muscle damage may have been insufficient to detect significant differences throughout the recovery process. Previous research involving more strenuous exercise, such as high-intensity cycling, has found Montmorency tart cherry concentrate to decrease certain markers of inflammation.
How to take – Mix 30ml CherryActive Concentrate with water (250-500ml) and drink within 30 minutes after workout. Can take another 30ml at another time of day for optimum recovery results (try mixing with smoothies or natural yoghurts).
