Efficacy Of Tart Cherry Juice In Reducing Muscle Pain After Strenuous Exercise

Abstract

Numerous antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents have been identified in fruit and fruit juice suggesting these foods may have a natural anti inflammatory effect in the body. A recent study demonstrated tart cherry consumption decreased post-exercise weakness and muscle pain among healthy, non-exercising individuals. Strenuous exercise increases risk of musculoskeletal pain and injuries (strains and sprains). PURPOSE: To assess the analgesic and myoprotective effects of tart cherry juice as compared to a placebo among runners participating in a vigorous running event where musculoskeletal injury occurs. METHODS: 52 healthy runners, 18-50 years old participated in the 192 mile Mt Hood To Oregon Coast relay race. The design was a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial. Subjects ingested 10.5oz bottles of a cherry juice or a placebo drink twice a day for 7 days prior to the event and the day of the race. Measures of efficacy include patients assessment of pain on a standardized Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain one week prior to the race, immediately prior to the start of the race day, and after completing the race. A Physician's Global Assessment of Pain scale was completed on same days prior and at completion of the race. RESULTS: There was no difference in VAS score between cherry and placebo groups at baseline prior to the race. Both groups increased pain after the race, however, there was a statistically significantly lower pain score (P < 0.0001) among the runners consuming tart cherry juice as compared to placebo. The cherry group demonstrated a statistically and clinically significant lower VAS score (22 mm) after the race as compared to the placebo group. There was a statistically significant decreased Physician's Global Assessment of Pain among the cherry juice as compared to placebo (P < 0.001). There were few and no differences in adverse events between tart cherry and placebo juice. CONCLUSION: The administration of tart cherry juice for one week reduced symptoms of exercise-induced muscle soreness among runners participating in a vigorous endurance event. Tart cherry juice may prevent or reduce the symptoms of muscle damage among individuals participating in strenuous exercise.