Synopsis: This study tested the effect of CurraNZ on femoral artery diameter and cardiovascular responses during 30% isometric maximal voluntary contraction of the quadriceps muscle and produced high-impact results. Muscle blood flow is critical for oxygen delivery and resulting muscle function, as well as improved performance due to reduced fatigue. Results showed:
- 20-35% increased blood flow was observed due to the vasodilatory actions (widening of blood vessels) of CurraNZ. The blackcurrant extract created a 6.9%- 8.2% increase in femoral artery diameter.
- Blood pressure was 7-12% lower during muscle contraction, indicating cardiovascular system experienced less stress.
- Muscle fibres demonstrated 11-16% less activity: indicates muscles worked to the same intensity with reduced stress.
- Cardiovascular responses include increases to cardiac output and stroke volume by 16% and 11%, and reductions of total peripheral resistance by 25%.
- Reduced fatigue was observed as a result of increased blood flow, higher total haemoglobin and enhanced uptake and utilization of oxygen in the muscle. As a result, the muscle didn't work as hard
- Subjects had higher total haemoglobin, enhanced uptake and utilization of oxygen in the muscle, which led to reduced fatigue. As a result, the muscle didn't work as hard
