Effect of Blackcurrant consumption and physical fatigue on cognitive performance.

INTERVENTION: This is a full factorial study design that will allow us to test the effect of both physical fatigue and efficacy of blackcurrant nutritional intervention on cognitive performance as well as identify potential interactions. Participants will be randomised into one of the four treatment groups; Group 1; placebo and no exercise, Group 2; placebo and intensive “fatiguing” exercise, Group 3; blackcurrant extract and no exercise and Group 4; blackcurrant extract and intensive “fatiguing” exercise. The blackcurrant extract used in this study is made commercially by Just‐the‐Berries (Nelson, NZ), and is an anthocyanin rich (freeze‐dried) extract (30%) made entirely of New Zealand Blackcurrants. Furthermore, the dose used in this study is 1g (equivalent to 250 mg anthocyanins). On the day of the trial, participants will be asked to consume a gelatine capsule containing either a blackcurrant extract or placebo (equivalent fructose and glucose), after 1 hour they will be asked to either to relax for 10 minutes or perform Wingate cycle test (30 second cycle at maximum power [80‐100 watts] on a stationary ergometer with a 4% body weight braking torque) with a 1 min resting interval until they fatigue (usually 4‐5 repeats); indicated by a drop in power output in the last 10 seconds of the 30 second cycle or verbal indication by the participant. The participant will then be asked to repeat the cognitive performance task followed by another 30 second “Wingate” test using the same conditions described above. CONDITION: The primary aim of this study is to explore parameters (including interactions) that influence the preservation and / or enhancement of mental health (acuity and functioning) after physical fatigue (induced by repetition of a Wingate cycle test) and /or consumption of a blackcurrant extract. PRIMARY OUTCOME: Cognitive performance Physical exercise performance SECONDARY OUTCOME: Leukcoyte mitochondrial DNA fragility Oxidative stress and antioxidant paramters INCLUSION CRITERIA: Healthy individuals (male or female) 19‐50 years, who have not taken part in any formal fitness training for at least 4 months and are able to complete the physical requirements of the study will be selected; (i) complete a health and (ii) fitness (Baecke) questionnaires and (ii) perform the Wingate cycle test to the standard required. In addition, all particpants will provide written consent for this study.