Effects of Montmorency cherry supplementation on exercise capacity and performance when cycling

The impact of dose timing on sub-maximal exercise economy and 15km cycling time-trial performance of acute supplementation of Montmorency tart cherry juice.

This study is examining the effects of Montmorency cherry supplementation on exercise capacity and performance when cycling.

Participation in the study involves completing a VO2max test on a bike, and then on 4 other separate occasions, a 10 minutes period of cycling at about 70% of max, before a 15km cycling time trial. The supplementation periods include an supplemented test, and then supplemented tests 30 minutes, 90 minutes and 150 minutes prior to exercise. On each visit you will be provided with a standardised breakfast to have 90 minutes before exercise (this can be at home). Each visit will also have 3 venous blood samples (one at rest, one prior to exercise and one after exercise). During the submaximal exercise tests you will be required to wear a face mask to collect gaseous exchange data, a heart rate monitor to measure heart rate, and a small box on your leg which will assess how dilated your blood vessels in your leg are. Your blood [lactate] will be also be measured by a fingertip blood sample prior to exercise and after exercise.

During the TT, you will also be required to wear a heart rate monitor and a small box on your leg which will assess how dilated your blood vessels in your leg are. Your blood [lactate] will be again be measured by a fingertip blood sample prior to exercise and after exercise. 

Participant benefits:

The main benefits of the proposed research are educational and there will be limited personal benefit to you. However, the results will increase our understanding of the potential benefits of Montmorency cherry for exercise performance, which you may be interested in utilising for your own training/competition.

Participants will also receive a detailed feedback sheet with their key physiological measures including VO2max test data (normally worth $205 at UQ sport), and training recommendations.

Eligibility:

Participants should be at least recreationally active, and cannot have allergies to fruit, have had an injury or serious illness in the last 6 months, or be over-weight or obese.

Register your interest:

Email j.wangdi@uq.net.au for more information.

This study has been approved by The University of Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee [Approval No. 2019002040]