Impact of Haskap Berries on Recovery From High Intensity Resistance Training

The main goal of the clinical trial is to learn more about how the haskap berry impacts the recovery process form intense resistance training. Haskap berries are very high in several compounds that function as antioxidants, such as polyphenols and vitamin C, which have many health promoting effects. For example, antioxidants lower inflammation and oxidative stress, which is known to cause damage to cells, proteins, and DNA. Oxidative stress is a result of excess free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can be created, along with inflammation, during intense exercise. This combination of excessive harmful byproducts in the body can cause soreness and decrease muscle performance experienced after a workout. However, the antioxidants in foods have the ability to neutralize free radicals that are produced and may reduce the time to recover from exercise.

To do this, a parallel, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial of Haskap versus a placebo on resistance trained individuals will be completed. Participants will complete an intense workout consisting of barbell back squats and leg extension. Participants will drink either Haskap juice or placebo and follow a low polyphenolic diet for a total of 11 days. Participants will have their blood drawn before supplementation, before, immediately after and 8, 24, 48, and 72 hours after the workout to track recovery of blood markers. Performance will be analyzed via vertical jumps on force plates, maximal voluntary contraction of the quadriceps on a biodex, and speed of the squat at 24, 48, and 72 hours post workout.

Inclusion criteria

• 2+ years of barbell squat experience
• Currently squatting at least once a week

Exclusion criteria

• BMI <18 or > 40 kg/m^2
• potential allergy to Haskap or placebo ingredients
• anti-inflammatory, weight loss, anabolic steroids, testosterone, or other drugs that may interfere with the measures of the study or any other medications that may interfere with study measures
• pregnant or lactating woman
• diagnosis with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, hypo-/hyperthyroidism or any other condition that may interfere with study measures
• smoke cigarettes
• lower extremity injury within the last year
• currently following a special diet including vegan, vegetarian, low carbohydrate, or ketogenic.
• currently consuming any of the following products: tart cherry juice, pomegranate juice, or 1 or more cups of acai or other berries per day.