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Abstract

Supplementation with polyphenol-rich cranberry extract (CE), noted for its antioxidant properties, can improve running times in elite athletes by approximately 1.5% in 1500 m races, while also enhancing muscle oxygenation. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of consuming a polyphenol-rich cranberry extract (CE) on the effect of anaerobic performance in female rugby players. A quasi-experimental design was used on female varsity rugby players (n=13) who were divided into 2 groups based on their playing position – forward or back. Each group was then split into 2 groups: intervention (n=8) and control (n=5). Intervention participants were provided with 42 daily servings of CE, measured at 0.3g/kg of body mass. The CE for the intervention group contains between 7.2%-10% type-A PACs. The athletes underwent maximal fitness assessments at 0, 3, and 6 weeks. Fitness tests included 1-repetition max (RM) bench press (BP) and maximal chin ups (CU) conducted over 2 days. A Friedman test revealed a significant effect of time in the CE group for the chin-up (CU) test (p = .039), with mean CE scores increasing (pre CE: 2.2±1.17; mid: 2.33±1.37; post: 3.0±1.27), while no significant changes were observed in the CON group (pre CON: 3.6±2.41; mid: 3.6±3.05; post: 4.0±2.65). The BP scores showed trends towards significance between groups and time (p=0.069) (pre CE: 120lbs±19.2; mid: 123lbs±19.7; post: 123lbs±20.4), (pre CON: 123lbs±25.9; mid: 125lbs±28.5; post: 121lbs±24.1). It is of significance to note that this project remains ongoing with a second intervention phase planned to increase sample size. In BP performance, there is insufficient evidence to confirm a group x time interaction. Greater improvements have been shown in the CU test, suggesting the CE was effective in delaying muscle fatigue after chronic consumption. Should the intervention result in superior improvements in physical performance, it could support its use as a safer and healthier supplementation approach in female rugby players.

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