Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Mark E. T. Willems, Milena Banic, Roseanna Cadden, Lara Barnett
Summary: The study found that New Zealand blackcurrant extract can enhance fat oxidation in female endurance athletes during cycling, but has no significant impact on other physiological and metabolic responses. Changes in fat oxidation are significantly correlated with individual body composition parameters, especially for young women with higher body fat percentages in the legs, arms, and trunk.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Samantha L. Moss, Edward Brindley, Kevin Enright, Jamie Highton, Richard Bott
Summary: This study found that ingestion of 900 mg of New Zealand Blackcurrant extract as an acute dose can improve performance in trained male runners without altering physiological or metabolic responses to exercise.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORT NUTRITION AND EXERCISE METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Yusen Shan, Matthew David Cook
Summary: Previous studies have shown that New Zealand blackcurrant extract can alter cardiovascular responses at rest, but its prolonged effects on blood pressure and heart rate variability following exercise are unclear. This study found that a 7-day intake of NZBC resulted in a larger post-exercise hypotension response in young, physically active men and women after 1 hour of treadmill exercise at 50% maximal oxygen uptake.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORT NUTRITION AND EXERCISE METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Matthew David Cook, Aaron Dunne, Michael Bosworth, Mark Elisabeth Theodorus Willems
Summary: Intake of anthocyanins from New Zealand blackcurrant extract can increase cardiac output and femoral artery diameter during sustained submaximal isometric contractions. The duration of intake affects the cardiovascular responses to isometric contractions, with no significant effects observed after one day of intake.
JOURNAL OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Briana M. Nosal, Junichi R. Sakaki, Manije Darooghegi Mofrad, Zachary Macdonald, Kyle J. Mahoney, Staci N. Thornton, Dave Patel, Joseph Drossman, Elaine Choung-Hee Lee, Ock K. Chun
Summary: This study found that daily consumption of blackcurrants for six months improved dyslipidemia, inflammation, and lipid peroxidation, potentially reducing the risk of postmenopausal cardiovascular disease.
Article
Sport Sciences
N. Benjanuvatra, D. Bradbury, G. Landers, P. S. R. Goods, O. Girard
Summary: This study examined the effects of hypoxia on neuromuscular responses during multi-set, high-load resistance exercise. The results showed that hypoxia increased metabolic stress, but had only subtle effects on neuromuscular function.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SPORT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yongwoo Jang, Ji Hwan Moon, Chanho Lee, Sung Min Lee, Heesoo Kim, Gyu Hyeon Song, Geoffrey M. Spinks, Gordon G. Wallace, Seon Jeong Kim
Summary: This article introduces a surface electromyogram (sEMG) device that utilizes nanotechnology to recognize the strength, direction, and degree of muscle movement. By combining sEMG with nanoelectrodes, complementary information can be provided for monitoring human motion.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xiaohan Wang, Zichong Luo, Mingxia Zhang, Weihua Zhao, Songyun Xie, Seng Fat Wong, Huijing Hu, Le Li
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between muscle activation and cerebral cortical activity during motor tasks. The results showed that effective connectivity between brain regions was higher in the dominant side compared to the non-dominant side. Graph theory analysis revealed significant differences in clustering coefficient and node-local efficiency of the contralateral motor cortex under different contractions. The non-linear characteristics of the muscle activation signals were also found to be correlated with brain activity. These findings provide valuable insights into the interaction between brain activity and motor task execution.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Nipaporn Wannaprom, Gwendolen Jull, Julia Treleaven, Martin B. Warner, Sureeporn Uthaikhup
Summary: Patients with neck pain often exhibit scapular downward rotation (SDR) and altered muscle behavior during isometric shoulder tasks. Specifically, patients with scapular dysfunction and SDR show increased upper trapezius (UT) activity and UT/ lower trapezius (LT) and UT/serratus anterior (SA) ratios during low force tasks. Neck pain patients also demonstrate higher activity of neck extensor (NE) muscles. Therefore, it is important to consider changes in NE and UT behavior when managing neck pain patients with observable SDR.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Robin Rohlen, Marco Carbonaro, Giacinto L. Cerone, Kristen M. Meiburger, Alberto Botter, Christer Gronlund
Summary: This study examined the repeatability of ultrasound images in distinguishing muscle motor units (MUs) from noise in low-force isometric contractions. It was found that the repeatable components accounted for about one-third of the MUs and can be used for data reduction.
JOURNAL OF NEURAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Maria Jose Aliano Gonzalez, Ceferino Carrera, Gerardo F. Barbero, Miguel Palma
Summary: Two anthocyanin extraction methods from blackcurrant samples based on Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) and Enzyme-Assisted Extraction (EAE) have been developed and optimized. The composition of the extraction solvent and extraction time are the most influential variables for both methods. Both methods have been proven suitable for quality control analysis of blackcurrant-derived products.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Mohsen Javidi, Sajad Ahmadizad, Hassan Argani, Abdolrahman Najafi, Khosrow Ebrahim, Narges Salehi, Yasaman Javidi, Linda S. Pescatello, Alireza Jowhari, Daniel A. Hackett
Summary: This study compared the effects of lower- versus higher-intensity isometric handgrip exercise on resting blood pressure and clinical markers in adults with hypertension. The results show that handgrip exercise can effectively lower blood pressure and improve clinical markers of inflammation and oxidative stress.
JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR DEVELOPMENT AND DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Sport Sciences
Patrick J. M. Burnett, Mark E. T. Willems
Summary: The use of NZBC extract can improve performance in rugby union-specific tests that require maximal speed and agility, but it does not affect muscle strength.
Article
Biology
Jorge Alarcon-Jimenez, Jose Enrique de la Rubia Orti, Julio Martin Ruiz, Nieves de Bernardo, Belen Proano, Carlos Villaron-Casales
Summary: This study aimed to determine muscle strength and fatigue in patients with ALS performing a unilateral exercise, and according to sex and type of ALS. The results showed more accentuated fatigue in men than in women, between the first and last contractions performed and especially on the dominant side. In addition, there was evidence of a coactivation effect on the muscles around the work joint. These findings support the use of systematic and extensive resistance exercise as a non-invasive option for maintaining the functional capacity of patients with ALS.
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Anna J. Sosnowska, Aleksandra Vuckovic, Henrik Gollee
Summary: This study introduces a computationally inexpensive algorithm for ultrasound imaging biofeedback that can accurately detect muscle contractions. In offline and online experiments, the algorithm showed good consistency with EMG and force measurements, as well as reliability and efficiency in real-time applications.
MEDICAL & BIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING & COMPUTING
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Matthew David Cook, Aaron Dunne, Michael Bosworth, Mark Elisabeth Theodorus Willems
Summary: Intake of anthocyanins from New Zealand blackcurrant extract can increase cardiac output and femoral artery diameter during sustained submaximal isometric contractions. The duration of intake affects the cardiovascular responses to isometric contractions, with no significant effects observed after one day of intake.
JOURNAL OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Mehmet Akif Sahin, Pelin Bilgic, Stefano Montanari, Mark Elisabeth Theodorus Willems
Summary: This study examined the effects of intake duration of New Zealand blackcurrant extract on cardiovascular responses during rest and moderate-intensity exercise. The findings suggest that longer intake duration of the extract is required to see an effect on certain cardiovascular responses during exercise.
JOURNAL OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Victoria C. Edwards, Stephen D. Myers, Sophie L. Wardle, Andrew G. Siddall, Steve D. Powell, Sarah Needham-Beck, Sarah Jackson, Julie P. Greeves, Sam D. Blacker
Summary: This study compared the dietary intake and guidelines of British Army Officer Cadets during training, and described the distribution of energy and macronutrient intake and estimated energy expenditure. The findings showed that both men and women had lower energy and carbohydrate intake than the guidelines, while protein intake exceeded the guidelines in some cases. During on-camp training, energy and macronutrient intake centered around mealtimes, while during field exercise, there were individual variations and high energy expenditure throughout the day.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORT NUTRITION AND EXERCISE METABOLISM
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tessa R. Flood, Matthew R. Kuennen, Sam D. Blacker, Stephen D. Myers, Ella F. Walker, Ben J. Lee
Summary: Men have lower resting intestinal barrier permeability compared to women and oral contraceptive users, while displaying higher TNFα release; Oral contraceptive users have the highest intestinal permeability, but the pill cycle does not affect permeability or TNFα release.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
C. A. Rue, S. D. Myers, S. L. Coakley, K. M. Ashdown, B. J. Lee, B. J. Hale, A. G. Siddall, S. C. Needham-Beck, K. L. Hinde, J. Osofa, F. S. Walker, A. Fieldhouse, C. A. J. Vine, J. Doherty, T. R. Flood, E. F. Walker, S. Wardle, J. P. Greeves, S. D. Blacker
Summary: This study aimed to quantify physical performance in men and women during different military training programs. The results showed that recruits with lower initial fitness levels demonstrated greater improvements in physical performance after training.
BMJ MILITARY HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Ross Green, Andrew T. West, Mark E. T. Willems
Summary: The study examined the game characteristics and physiological responses of highly trained male junior players in badminton. The results showed lower physiological responses in junior badminton compared to adult badminton, possibly due to shorter rally durations. Training methodologies should include longer rally durations to develop consistency in junior players. These findings can inform training practice in junior badminton.
Article
Sport Sciences
Steven D. D. Powell, Andrew G. G. Siddall, Sarah C. C. Needham-Beck, Victoria C. C. Edwards, Neil Light, Sarah Jackson, Julie P. P. Greeves, Sam D. D. Blacker, Stephen D. D. Myers
Summary: Military training is physically demanding and has a high risk of injury. This study found that high intensity exercise and the ratio of training to recovery have an impact on injury occurrence. Therefore, it is important to control training load in order to reduce the risk of injury in military training.
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE & SCIENCE IN SPORTS
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Stefano Montanari, Sam D. Blacker, Mark E. T. Willems
Summary: The intake of 300 mg of anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant extract for a week improved endurance-trained cyclists' performance in a 16.1 km cycling time trial. However, 900 mg of the extract taken 2 hours before the time trial did not have acute effects on overall performance, but slower cyclists showed improved performance at certain points during the trial.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Johan Ullman, David Hengst, Ola Rolfson, Stephen Myers, Yohan Robinson
Summary: This systematic review found that high-speed boat operators have a higher rate of injuries and a higher prevalence of chronic pain, particularly in the lower back, neck, and head. Further research is needed to verify these findings due to limited data.
Article
Sport Sciences
Patrick J. M. Burnett, Mark E. T. Willems
Summary: The use of NZBC extract can improve performance in rugby union-specific tests that require maximal speed and agility, but it does not affect muscle strength.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
M. E. T. Willems, M. Todaka, M. Banic, M. D. Cook, Y. Sekine
Summary: This study found that intake of New Zealand blackcurrant powder could reduce the emission of certain skin volatile organic compounds while also increasing the emission of others. Specifically, there was a significant correlation between habitual dietary anthocyanin intake and the changes in certain compounds. This suggests that dietary components, such as polyphenols, can affect the emission of VOCs in the skin and potentially impact metabolic processes and health.
JOURNAL OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Rianne Costello, Karen M. Keane, Ben J. Lee, Mark E. T. Willems, Stephen D. Myers, Fiona Myers, Nathan A. Lewis, Sam D. Blacker
Summary: The study demonstrates that supplementing with NZBC extract can increase the plasma uptake of phenolic acids GA and PCA, even when following a habitual diet in the days leading up to the trial. However, there is apparent variability between individuals in the response to the supplementation.
JOURNAL OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Mehmet Akif Sahin, Pelin Bilgic, Stefano Montanari, Mark Elisabeth Theodorus Willems
Summary: Daily intake of anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant extract enhances exercise-induced fat oxidation. This effect is related to body composition but not habitual dietary anthocyanin intake.
JOURNAL OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
(2022)