RESEARCH TITLE: Effects of pomegranate extract on anaerobic exercise performance & cardiovascular responses
COUNTRIES: United States – North Carolina
CONDUCTED BY: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
PUBLISHED ON: ProQuest
RESEACH:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of pomegranate extract on anaerobic exercise and flow mediated dilation (FMD). In a randomized, crossover design, nineteen participants completed repeated sprint ability (RSA) tests and repetitions to fatigue (RTF) on bench press and leg press with consumption of pomegranate extract or placebo. Brachial artery FMD was assessed by ultrasound to determine blood flow and vessel diameter. FMD was assessed at baseline, 30min post ingestion, immediately post exercise (IPost), and 30min post exercise (30minPostEx). With pomegranate extract, blood flow significantly increased IPost RSA (mean difference [MD]=18.49 mL min-1; p=0.05), and IPost and 30minPostEx RTF (p<0.05). Vessel diameter increased significantly 30minPostEx of RSA, and IPost and 30minPostEx RTF (p<0.05). With pomegranate extract, power output increased significantly halfway (sprint 5 of 10) through the RSA (MD=31.81 Watts; p=0.046). Supplementation of pomegranate extract augmented vessel diameter, blood flow and power, supporting ergogenic effects and enhanced vasodilation.
YEAR: 2015