Effect of New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract on Sports Climbing Performance

SYNOPSIS:RESEARCHERS from the University of Chichester performed a performance study in a group of 20 experienced graded climbers of mixed abilities.

The study found following seven days’ intake of 600mg CurraNZ blackcurrant extract capsules:

• Increased hang time 8%
• Increased climb duration 11% between climbs one and three, the point at which the control group experienced a 23% decrease in climb duration

Rock climbing creates a high workload on the forearm flexors and increases reliance on blood flow during the short recovery periods. Blackcurrant has been shown to increase forearm blood flow (Matsumoto et al, 2005) and increase femoral artery diameter during submaximal isometric contraction (Cook et al, 2017).

Researchers concluded that NZBC extract significantly improves sports climbing endurance and maintained climbing ability at periods when participants in the placebo condition were experiencing a marked decline in performance.  

To read the poster abstract, click here