Publication Date

2018

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Lukaszuk, Judith M.

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

School of Health Studies

Abstract

The purpose of this double-blinded, randomized control study was to assess the impact of tart cherry concentrate on pain, inflammation, and strength in resistance-trained males (n = 24). Specifically, it analyzed the impact of tart cherry supplementation following an eccentric exercise protocol without the use of NSAIDs. Participants received their supplementation of either tart cherry concentrate (TC) or the placebo (PL) to consume over 8 consecutive days. Participants supplemented twice daily with either the TC concentrate (one ounce of concentrate mixed with water) or the placebo. On day 5 of the study, participants completed an eccentric knee extension exercise with their right leg. Blood samples, maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), and pain were assessed at baseline, 48 hours and 72 hours after the eccentric exercise.

Pain was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Inflammatory markers included SAA and CRP. Strength was assessed through MVC. The results of this study indicated there were no favorable significant differences in pain, inflammation or strength between groups or over time (p > 0.05). Future research should target the mechanism of action of tart cherries in order to better understand the potential protective effect on muscle damage.

Extent

81 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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