Investigating the effect of French bark extract, Pycnogenol, as a supplement to improve exercise performance in a population of CrossFitters.

INTERVENTION: A double blind crossover trial, placebo controlled study will be conducted in which male and female subjects who actively participate in CrossFit, will supplement their normal daily lives with either Modex (100ml containing 260mg Pycnogenol, 240mg Papin, 300mg Sodium chloride, 175mg Aloe Vera, 169mg Procyanidins, once daily), or placebo (100ml of Modex formula containing everything but Pycnogenol, once daily), oral drink for 2 weeks. Following a 2‐week washout period, participants will repeat this process supplemented with the opposite intervention. Prior to and after each of the 2‐week supplement periods, participants will have a VO2 max test, 1 rep max (1RPM) back squat strength test and an anaerobic capacity Wingate test conducted at La Trobe University strength and conditioning gym (Bundoora campus), supervised by qualified exercise physiologists. These 4 sessions will involve a health screen, and the taking of blood samples. This will require a session time for each participant of 60 min, a total of 4 hours. To monitor adherence, we will be monitoring returned empty bottle counts. CONDITION: Alternative and Complementary Medicine ‐ Other alternative and complementary medicine exercise performance ; ; exercise performance ; Musculoskeletal ‐ Normal musculoskeletal and cartilage development and function PRIMARY OUTCOME: Changes in anaerobic performance as determined by peak power (Watts/kg body weight) performed on the Wingate anaerobic fitness test[1) Pre‐supplement period 1 ; 2) 2 weeks post supplement period 1; 3) Pre‐supplement period 2 (4 weeks post enrolment); 4) 2 weeks post supplement period 2 (6 weeks post enrolment) ] Change in muscle strength as determined by weight (kgs) performed on the 1 rep maximum back squat[1) Pre‐supplement period 1 ; 2) 2 weeks post supplement period 1; 3) Pre‐supplement period 2 (4 weeks post enrolment); 4) 2 weeks post supplement period 2 (6 weeks post enrolment) ] Changes in the volume of oxygen consumption (ml/kg/min) as determined by a Vo2 max test performed on a cycle ergometer [1) Pre‐supplement period 1 ; 2) 2 weeks post supplement period 1; 3) Pre‐supplement period 2 (4 weeks post enrolment); 4) 2 weeks post supplement period 2 (6 weeks post enrolment) ] SECONDARY OUTCOME: Changes in C‐reactive protein (mg/L) as determine by blood analysis following fitness tests[1) Pre‐supplement period 1 ; 2) 2 weeks post supplement period 1 ; 3) Pre‐supplement period 2 (4 weeks post enrolment) ; 4) 2 weeks post supplement period 2 (6 weeks post enrolment) ] INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Adults between the ages of 18‐60 2. Actively participate in CrossFit