The effects of tart cherry juice with whey protein on the signs and symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage following plyometric exercise

- EIMD and DOMS are induced from repeated drop jump exercise.
- 10 days of tart cherry juice supplementation decreases perceived soreness.
- ORAC is increased after 5 days of TCW supplementation up to 48 h post-exercise.

Exercise induced muscle damage can increase perceived pain which may decrease adherence to an exercise program. Purpose: To determine the effects of tart cherry juice with whey protein (TCW) on recovery from plyometric exercise. Methods: Sixteen participants (10 male, 6 female, Age: 23 ± 5 years, Height: 171 ± 13 cm, Weight: 79 ± 16 kg) ingested two 240 mL bottles of TCW or placebo beverage (PLA) twice daily for 10 days. Participants completed 5 × 20 drop jumps on day 6. Results: Both groups experienced muscle soreness (TCW: 21 mm vs. PLA: 33 mm), elevated CK (305 ± 176 UL) and LDH (196 ± 19 UL) 24 h post exercise. ORAC was significantly higher in TWC post supplementation (126 ± 48 μM vs. PLA: 58 ± 46 μM) and 48 h post exercise (641 ± 114 μM vs. PLA: 314 ± 113 μM). Conclusion: TCW can increase ORAC and may attenuate perceived soreness.