scholarly journals Effect of New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract on Physiological Responses at Rest and during Brisk Walking in Southeast Asian Men: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1732 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Willems ◽  
Nisakorn Parktin ◽  
Waree Widjaja ◽  
Amornpan Ajjimaporn

New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract affects cardiovascular and metabolic responses during rest and exercise in Caucasian men. Ethnicity and nutritional habits may affect responses to nutritional ergogenic aids. We examined the effects of NZBC extract on cardiovascular, metabolic, and physiological responses during seated rest and moderate-intensity exercise in Southeast Asian men. Seventeen healthy Thai men (age: 22 ± 3 years; body mass index (BMI): 21.8 ± 1.1 kg·m−2) participated. Resting metabolic equivalent (1-MET) was measured (Oxycon™ mobile, Germany), and an incremental walking protocol was completed to establish the relationship between walking speed and MET. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover design, cardiovascular (Physioflow, n = 12) and physiological responses (Oxycon, n = 17) were measured during both seated rest and a 30-min treadmill walk at five metabolic equivalent (5-MET), with either a seven-day intake of placebo (PL) or two capsules of NZBC extract (each 300 mg capsule contains 35% blackcurrant extract) with a 14-day washout. Paired t-tests were used with significance accepted at p < 0.05 and a trend for 0.05 > p ≤ 0.10. During 30 min of treadmill walking at 5-MET, no differences were observed for heart rate and substrate oxidation. With intake of NZBC during treadmill walking, there was a trend for increased stroke volume by 12% (PL: 83.2 ± 25.1; NZBC: 93.0 ± 24.3 mL; p = 0.072) and cardiac output increased by 12% (PL: 9.2 ± 2.6; NZBC: 10.3 ± 2.8 L·min−1; p = 0.057). Systemic vascular resistance decreased by 10% (PL: 779 ± 267; NZBC: 697 ± 245 dyn·s·cm−5; p = 0.048). NZBC extract had no effect on metabolic, physiological, and cardiovascular parameters during seated rest and exercise-induced fat oxidation in Thai men, in contrast to observations in Caucasian men. During treadmill walking, Thai men showed cardiovascular response, indicating vasodilatory effects during moderate-intensity exercise with the intake of NZBC extract. Our findings suggest that the ergogenic responses to anthocyanin intake from New Zealand blackcurrant may be ethnicity-dependent.

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmet Sahin ◽  
Pelin Bilgic ◽  
Stefano Montanari ◽  
Mark Willems

Abstract Objectives Seven-day intake of anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant extract affected exercise-induced cardiovascular responses by vasodilation. It is not known whether daily intake of NZBC extract is required for effectiveness. Effects of daily and intermittent NZBC extract intake on cardiovascular responses were examined during brisk walking. Methods Fifteen healthy men (mean ± SD age: 24 ± 6 yr, body mass: 79 ± 16 kg, height: 178 ± 6 cm, BMI: 24.7 ± 4.3 kg·m−2, IPAQ score: 4534 ± 1576 MET·week−1) volunteered. Resting metabolic equivalent (1-MET) was measured using Douglas bags (1-MET: 3.97 ± 0.66 ml·kg−1·min−1) and an incremental walking test to determine the relationship between walking speed and MET. A randomised, cross-over (14-day washout) experimental design was used for baseline, 14-day intermittent (14I, every other day), and 14-day continuous (14C, daily) intake. Participants consumed 2 capsules of NZBC extract (600 mg and containing 210 mg of anthocyanins, CurraNZ™ Health Currancy Ltd., Surrey, UK) with breakfast. On the morning of testing, the final 2 capsules were ingested 2-hr before the 30-min brisk walk at 4 (n = 3) or 5 (n = 12) METs (walking speed: 5.68 ± 0.67 km·hr−1). Cardiovascular responses were measured at 7–10, 17–20 and 27–30 min during the walk by Portapres Model 2, averaged and analysed (ANOVA and post-hoc t-tests). Results There were no changes in heart rate (e.g., baseline: 102 ± 18 beats·min-1), systolic blood pressure (e.g., baseline: 158 ± 18 mm Hg) and ejection time (e.g., baseline: 0.28 ± 0.03 s). Cardiac output (baseline: 11.7 ± 2.0, 14I: 12.5 ± 2.0, 14C: 12.7 ± 2.1 L·min-1, P = 0.009) and stroke volume (baseline: 114 ± 13, 14I: 123 ± 17, 14C: 126 ± 21 mL·min-1, P = 0.004) were higher, and total peripheral resistance (baseline 0.51 ± 0.11, 14I: 0.45 ± 0.09, 14C: 0.44 ± 0.12 mmHg·L-1·min-1, P = 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (baseline: 71 ± 9, 14I: 66 ± 9, 14C: 63 ± 11 mm Hg, P < 0.001) and mean arterial pressure (baseline 93 ± 10, 14I: 88 ± 9, 14C: 87 ± 11 mm Hg P = 0.006) were lower for 14I and 14C intake. Conclusions Daily intake of anthocyanin-rich NZBC extract is not required to obtain beneficial cardiovascular responses during walking. Funding Sources Health Currancy (UK) Ltd and CurraNZ (NZ) Ltd provided supplements and support for conference attendance with Blackcurrant New Zealand Inc. (NZ).


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Willems ◽  
Pelin Bilgic ◽  
Stefano Montanari ◽  
Mehmet Sahin

Abstract Objectives New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) is an anthocyanin-rich berry with potential effects on cardiovascular health (e.g., 7-day NZBC extract lowered total peripheral resistance at rest). We examined effects of 7- and 14-day intake of NZBC extract on cardiovascular responses during moderate intensity exercise. Methods Fifteen healthy men (mean ± SD, age: 24 ± 6 yr, body mass: 79 ± 16 kg, height: 178 ± 6 cm, BMI: 24.7 ± 4.3 kg·m−2, IPAQ score: 4534 ± 1576 MET·week−1) volunteered. Resting metabolic equivalent (1-MET) was measured using Douglas bags (1-MET: 3.97 ± 0.66 ml·kg−1·min−1) with an incremental walking test to determine the relationship between walking speed and MET. A randomised, cross-over experimental design was used for baseline, 7-day and 14-day intake. Participants consumed 2 capsules of NZBC extract (600 mg and containing 210 mg of anthocyanins, CurraNZ™ Health Currancy Ltd., UK) with breakfast with a 14-day washout. On the morning of testing, the final 2 capsules were ingested 2-hr before the 30-min walk at 4 (n = 3) or 5 (n = 12) METs (speed: 5.68 ± 0.67 km·hr−1). Cardiovascular responses were measured at 7–10, 17–20 and 27–30 min during the walk (Portapres Model 2), averaged and analysed (ANOVA and post-hoc t-tests). Results Intake duration had no effect on heart rate (e.g., baseline: 102 ± 18 beats·min−1), systolic blood pressure (e.g., baseline 158 ± 18 mm Hg) and ejection time (e.g., baseline: 0.28 ± 0.03 s). Cardiac output (baseline: 11.7 ± 2.0, 7-day: 12.7 ± 2.5, 14-day: 12.7 ± 2.1 L·min−1, P = 0.012) and stroke volume (baseline: 114 ± 13, 7-day: 123 ± 22, 14-day: 126 ± 21 mL·min−1, P = 0.017) were increased, and total peripheral resistance (baseline: 0.51 ± 0.11, 7-day: 0.46 ± 0.17, 14-day: 0.44 ± 0.12 mmHg·L−1·min−1, P = 0.018) and diastolic blood pressure (baseline 71 ± 9, 7-day: 66 ± 10, 14-day: 63 ± 11 mm Hg, P = 0.002) were lower for 7- and 14-day intake. Only 14-day intake resulted in lower mean arterial pressure (baseline: 93 ± 10, 7-day: 89 ± 9, 14-day: 87 ± 11 mm Hg, P = 0.034). Conclusions Beneficial effects of anthocyanin-rich NZBC extract intake on cardiovascular responses during moderate intensity exercise do not require long-duration intake. Funding Sources Health Currancy (UK) Ltd and CurraNZ (NZ) Ltd provided supplements and support for conference attendance with Blackcurrant New Zealand Inc. (NZ).


2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 263-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen McGuire ◽  
Mark ET Willems

AbstractRegular moderate-intensity exercise provides health benefits. The aim of this study was to examine whether the selected exercise intensity and physiological responses during exergaming in a single and multiplayer mode in the same physical space were game-dependent. Ten males (mean ±SD, age: 23 ±5 years, body mass: 84.2 ±15.6 kg, body height: 180 ±7 cm, body mass index: 26.0 ±4.0 kg·m−2) played the games Kinect football, boxing and track & field (3 × ~10 min, ~ 2 min rest periods) in similar time sequence in two sessions. Physiological responses were measured with the portable Cosmed K4b2 pulmonary gas exchange system. Single play demands were used to match with a competitive opponent in a multiplay mode. A within-subjects crossover design was used with one-way ANOVA and a post-hoc t-test for analysis (p<0.05). Minute ventilation, oxygen uptake and the heart rate were at least 18% higher during a multiplayer mode for Kinect football and boxing but not for track & field. Energy expenditure was 21% higher during multiplay football. Single play track & field had higher metabolic equivalent than single play football (5.7 ±1.6, range: 3.2-8.6 vs 4.1 ±1.0, range: 3.0-6.1, p<0.05). Exergaming in a multiplayer mode can provide higher physiological demands but the effects are game-dependent. It seems that exergaming with low intensity in a multiplayer mode may provide a greater physical challenge for participants than in a single play mode but may not consistently provide sufficient intensity to acquire health benefits when played regularly as part of a programme to promote and maintain health in young adults.


2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 1181-1186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thapanee Roengrit ◽  
Panakaporn Wannanon ◽  
Piyapong Prasertsri ◽  
Yupaporn Kanpetta ◽  
Bung-orn Sripanidkulchai ◽  
...  

2010 ◽  
Vol 103 (10) ◽  
pp. 1480-1484 ◽  
Author(s):  
Narelle M. Berry ◽  
Kade Davison ◽  
Alison M. Coates ◽  
Jonathan D. Buckley ◽  
Peter R. C. Howe

Impaired endothelial vasodilatation may contribute to the exaggerated blood pressure (BP) responses to exercise in individuals who are overweight/obese. The present study investigated whether consumption of cocoa flavanols, which improve endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), can modify BP responsiveness to exercise. Twenty-one volunteers (eight females and thirteen males, 54·9 (se2·2) years, BMI 31·6 (se0·8) kg/m2, systolic BP 134 (se2) mmHg, diastolic BP (DBP) 87 (se2) mmHg) were randomised to consume single servings of either a high-flavanol (HF, 701 mg) or a low-flavanol (LF, 22 mg) cocoa beverage in a double-blind, cross-over design with 3–7-d washout between treatments. Two hours after cocoa consumption, FMD was measured, followed by continuous beat-to-beat assessment (Finapres™) of BP before and during 10 min of cycling at 75 % of age-predicted maximum heart rate. Averaged data from two assessments on each type of beverage were compared by analysis of covariance using pre-exercise BP as the covariate. Pre-exercise BP was similar after taking LF and HF (153 (se3)/88 (se3)v. 153 (se4)/87 (se2) mmHg, respectively,P>0·05). However, the BP response to exercise (area under BP curve) was attenuated by HF compared with LF. BP increases were 68 % lower for DBP (P = 0·03) and 14 % lower for mean BP (P = 0·05). FMD measurements were higher after taking HF than after taking LF (6·1 (se0·6) %v. 3·4 (se0·5) %,P < 0·001). By facilitating vasodilation and attenuating exercise-induced increases in BP, cocoa flavanols may decrease cardiovascular risk and enhance the cardiovascular benefits of moderate intensity exercise in at-risk individuals.


2016 ◽  
Vol 87 (12) ◽  
pp. 1425-1434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piero Fontana ◽  
Fabio Saiani ◽  
Marc Grütter ◽  
Jean-Philippe Croset ◽  
André Capt ◽  
...  

During firefighting, thermoregulation is challenged due to a combination of harsh environmental conditions, high metabolic rates and personal protective clothing (PPC). Consequently, investigations of thermoregulation in firefighters should not only consider climate and exercise intensity, but technical properties of textiles too. Therefore, laboratory textile performance simulations may provide additional insights into textile-dependent thermoregulatory responses to exercise. In order to investigate the thermo-physiological relevance of textile properties and to test how different garments affect thermoregulation at different exercise intensities, we analyzed the results of a standard laboratory test and human subject trials by relating functional properties of textiles to thermo-physiological responses. Ten professional, healthy, male firefighters (age: 43 ± 6 y, weight: 84.3 ± 10.3kg, height: 1.79 ± 0.05m) performed low and moderate intensity exercise wearing garments previously evaluated with a sweating torso system to characterize thermal and evaporative properties. Functional properties of PPC and the control garment differed markedly. Consequently, skin temperature was higher using PPC at both exercise intensities (low: 36.27 ± 0.32 versus 36.75 ± 0.15℃, P < 0.05; moderate: 36.53 ± 0.34 versus 37.18 ± 0.23℃, P < 0.001), while core body temperature was only higher for PPC at moderate (37.54 ± 0.24 versus 37.83 ± 0.27℃, P < 0.05), but not low-intensity exercise (37.26 ± 0.21 versus 37.21 ± 0.19, P = 0.685). Differences in thermal and evaporative properties between textiles are reflected in thermo-physiological responses during human subject trials. However, an appropriate exercise intensity has to be chosen in order to challenge textile performance during exercise tests.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keir EJ Philip ◽  
Adam Lewis ◽  
Sara C Buttery ◽  
Colm McCabe ◽  
Bishman Manivannan ◽  
...  

AbstractParticipating in singing is considered to have a range of social and psychological benefits. However, the physiological demands of singing, whether it can be considered exercise, and its intensity as a physical activity are not well understood. We therefore compared cardiorespiratory parameters while completing components of Singing for Lung Health (SLH) sessions, with treadmill walking at differing speeds (2, 4, and 6km/hr). Eight healthy adults were included, none of whom reported regular participation in formal singing activities. Singing induced physiological responses that were consistent with moderate intensity activity (METS: median 4.12, IQR 2.72 - 4.78), with oxygen consumption, heart rate, and volume per breath above those seen walking at 4km/hr. Minute ventilation was higher during singing (median 22.42L/min, IQR 16.83 - 30.54) than at rest (11L/min, 9 - 13), lower than 6km/hr walking (30.35L/min, 26.94 - 41.11), but not statistically different from 2km/hr (18.77L/min, 16.89 - 21.35) or 4km/hr (23.27L/min, 20.09 - 26.37) walking. Our findings suggest the metabolic demands of singing may contribute to the health and wellbeing benefits attributed to participation. However, if physical training benefits result remains uncertain. Further research including different singing styles, singers, and physical performance impacts when used as a training modality is encouraged.


2016 ◽  
Vol 48 ◽  
pp. 977-978
Author(s):  
Matthew Cook ◽  
Victoria Edwards ◽  
Stephen Myers ◽  
Mandy Gault ◽  
Mark Willems

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