Abstract
PURPOSE: Long-distance running induces marked increases in inflammation and muscle damage. Tart cherries (TC) have become a popular nutritional strategy for exercise recovery, particularly for attenuation of markers associated with muscle damage and inflammation. RESEARCH QUESTION: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a yet-to-be-explored cultivar (Vistula) of TC on recovery following a marathon. METHODS: Thirty-five recreationally trained marathon runners (mean ± SD age, stature, and mass were 40 ± 10 years old, 176.5 ± 10.2 cm, and 78.8 ± 13.8 kg, respectively) completed an undulating marathon course. Participants were randomised to receive either freeze-dried TC powder or calorie-matched placebo (17 TC, 18 placebo) for 7 days, with the marathon on day 5 of supplementation. Maximal voluntary contractions (MVC), counter movement jumps (CMJ), muscle soreness (DOMS), plasma creatine kinase (CK), and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were assessed before, immediately after, and at 24- and 48-h post marathon. RESULTS: There were significant changes over time for all variables (p < 0.001) indicating muscle damage. There were no treatment or interaction effects for MVC, CMJ, DOMS, and CK (p > 0.2). However, there was a treatment effect for hs-CRP, where the TC group experienced lower levels of hs-CRP (mean ± SD during recovery: TC 7.9 ± 3.5, placebo 12.5 ± 5.1 mg/L, p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: The marathon caused changes in muscle damage and inflammation indices. Despite no functional or soreness differences, the TC group showed lower inflammation levels, offering insights into Vistula tart cherries for recovery.