An exercise science major explores the effect of blueberry consumption on post-exercise muscle soreness and inflammation.
CELEBRATE! Week offers an annual opportunity to highlight the academic and artistic achievements of Elon students and faculty. Each day this week, we’ll be putting the spotlight on a student scholar’s research — what they are seeking to find out, and who they became interested in their project.
Name: Lyndsay Lee ’18
Area of study: Exercise Science
Major: Exercise Science
Minors: Biology; Neuroscience
Faculty mentors: Takudzwa Madzima, assistant professor of exercise science, and Paul Miller, professor of exercise science
Title of research: The Effect of Blueberry Supplementation on Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage and Inflammation
Abstract:
This research examines the effect of blueberry supplementation (BB) on exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and recovery. Reduction in muscular inflammation can aid in expedited recovery after an intense bout of exercise. 17 recreationally active women participated in this randomized, double-blind, matched-pairs study. Participants were matched by lean mass (LM) and were randomly assigned to a BB group or a placebo (PLA) group.
At baseline, participants’ body composition, thigh circumference, and leg strength were measured. Participants consumed a daily dose of freeze-dried blueberry powder or an isocaloric placebo for 7 days. Following the supplementation period, they completed 6 sets of 10 repetitions at 70 percent 1RM on the leg press to induce EIMD. Thigh circumference was reassessed. Perceived muscle soreness (PMS) and pressure-pain threshold (PPT) of the right front and back thigh and gluteus were assessed using a PMS questionnaire and dolorimeter, respectively. Quadriceps average power and peak torque were measured using a Biodex dynamometer.
All these measures were taken immediately before and after (IP) induction of EIMD and 24, 48, and 72 hours post-EIMD. Saliva samples were collected during the last 4 visits and analyzed for C-reactive protein levels. There were no group x time interactions in any outcome measures. There was a time effect in PMS and PPT. PMS significantly increased IP and 24 and 72hrs post-EIMD compared to baseline. PPT significantly decreased up to 72hrs post-EIMD. Consumption of freeze-dried blueberry powder for seven days prior to an intense bout of resistance exercise does not significantly affect the rating of PMS; attenuate decreases in quadriceps PPT, average power, and peak torque; nor decrease levels of C-reactive protein compared to an isocaloric placebo for up to 72hrs post-induction of EIMD.
In other words:
My study examined the effect of blueberry consumption on post-exercise muscle soreness and inflammation. Moderately active females consumed a freeze-dried blueberry powder supplement or placebo for seven days and then completed an intense bout of leg strength exercises.
Measures of muscle soreness and inflammation were taken immediately following completion of the leg exercises and again 24, 48, and 72 hours following completion of the exercises.
Although not statistically significant, results from this study demonstrate a trend suggesting blueberry consumption may be beneficial for mitigating muscle soreness and inflammation.
Explanation of study:
This study examined the effect of blueberries on muscle soreness and inflammation following exercise. Participants first completed baseline testing in which preliminary measures of muscle soreness and inflammation were taken.
Following baseline testing, participants consumed freeze-dried blueberries or a placebo twice daily for seven days. Each supplement dose was based on the participant’s muscle mass given that muscle is the main body component damaged during exercise.
After seven days of supplementation, participants completed an intense bout of leg exercises to induce muscle soreness and an acute inflammatory response. Because muscle soreness typically lasts three days following intense activity, measures of muscle soreness and inflammation were obtained daily during the subsequent three days.
What made this research interesting to you? How did you get started?
This research study allowed me to combine my passion for nutrition and interest in human physiology. Specifically, within nutrition, superfoods have always fascinated me. With the increasing popularity of superfoods in today’s world and numerous claims made by the media regarding certain foods’ benefits, I became interested in researching whether these claims were backed by scientific research.
Through examining existing research literature on superfood health benefits, I found blueberry’s effects on human health are largely inconclusive. Therefore, with my love for blueberries, I chose to research how this superfood can affect the human body and possibly act as a natural means of reducing inflammation.