Athletic PerformanceNCT07753395
Effects of New Zealand Blackcurrant on Athletic Performance and Physiological Stress in Simulated Volleyball Matches
A study testing New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) in people with Athletic Performance, run by China Medical University Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.
Trial summary
Sixteen young, healthy, and physically active male college students were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or NZBC supplement (300 mg/day) for seven days. Short-term NZBC supplementation enhanced athletic performance and effectively reversed inflammation and muscle damage induced by volleyball. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 30 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Athletic Performance
- What is being tested?
- New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC)
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 16 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTaiwan
- Study dates
- 25 Apr 2025to 31 Oct 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 30 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Male subjects aged 18-30 who regularly practice volleyball and are willing to participate in the experiment.
Who cannot join
- Smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Patients with diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, coagulation disorders, hematomas, or other medical conditions.
- Feeling unwell for other reasons during the study period.
- Taking any health supplements or medications within the past two months. A medical history questionnaire was completed to exclude any medical conditions, such as recent muscle, bone, tendon, or ligament injuries, or those with a fear of blood draws.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Sixteen young, healthy, and physically active male college students were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or NZBC supplement (300 mg/day) for seven days. Short-term NZBC supplementation enhanced athletic performance and effectively reversed inflammation and muscle damage induced by volleyball.
- Conditions
- Athletic Performance
- Being tested
- Placebo, New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC)
- Keywords
- Athletic Performance, Supplement, New Zealand Blackcurrant
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
PlaceboDietary supplement
containing edible yellow No. 4, edible yellow No. 5, sucrose, silica, talc, oxidized starch, gelatin, magnesium stearate, and palm wax.
New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC)Dietary supplement
New Zealand Blackcurrant 35% Anthocyanin Extract Powder, Capsule Shell (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose), Anti-caking Agent (Magnesium Stearate)
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) | Experimental | Participants receive 300 mg of New Zealand blackcurrant extract daily for 7 days during one of the crossover periods, separated by a 14-day washout period. Receives: Dietary Supplement: New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) |
| Placebo | Placebo comparator | Participants receive 300 mg of matching placebo daily for 7 days during one of the crossover periods, separated by a 14-day washout period. Receives: Dietary Supplement: Placebo |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Grip strength test
Handgrip strength of both hands was evaluated using a digital dynamometer (T.K.K. 5401 GRIP-D, Takei Scientific Instruments Co., Ltd., Niigata, Japan). During testing, participants maintained a standing position with the shoulder abducted at approximately 20°-30° without rotation, the forearm in a neutral position, and both the elbow and wrist in 0° extension. Participants were instructed to exert maximum effort gripping the handle for 5 seconds.
Handgrip strength tests were conducted before and after the simulated volleyball matches, as well as during the rest interval between the first and second simulated matches. At each time point, two trials were performed for each hand with a 1-minute rest interval between trials, and the maximum value was recorded in kilograms (kg).
Measured: 28 days
Counter Movement Jump, CMJ
Vertical jump performance was analyzed using the My Jump 2 application. Participants started from an upright standing position with the body straight, then performed a rapid countermovement followed immediately by a maximal vertical jump. Each participant performed two trials with a 1-minute rest interval between trials, and the best trial was recorded for analysis.
Measured: 28 days
Agility T-test
Agility was evaluated using the T-test with the BlazePod light-based reaction training system (Play Coyotta Ltd., Tel Aviv, Israel), with time recorded in seconds (s).
Course Layout:
Point A served as the start line. Point B was placed 9.14 m directly in front of Point A. Points C and D were placed 4.57 m to the left and right of Point B, respectively. Reaction pods were placed at each point.
Test Procedure:
Timing began upon departure from Point A. Participants were required to touch each pod using their outside hand throughout the trial:
Forward Sprint: Sprint forward from A to B and touch pod B. Left Shuffle: Side-shuffle left to C and touch pod C. Right Shuffle: Side-shuffle right past B to D and touch pod D. Return \& Backpedal: Side-shuffle left back to B, touch pod B, then backpedal past A and touch pod A to complete the trial and stop timing.
Measured: 28 days
Standing spike
A designated landing area measuring 1.5 m x 1.5m was set up at a distance of 5 m from the net. The participant stood on a volleyball platform approximately 80 cm high and 1.5 m from the net. The participant was required to toss the ball to an appropriate height (approximately 1 m) and spike it into the designated area. Ball velocity was analyzed and recorded using the Kinovea motion analysis software (Kinovea, open-source video analysis software). Three trials were performed for each test, with a 30-second rest interval between trials.
Measured: 28 days
Clinical Biochemistry of muscle damage biomarkers and blood glucose
Blood samples were collected at four different time points (one and a half hours before the start of the volleyball special (B), immediately after the simulated volleyball game (E), after the experiment (24 hours), and after the experiment (48 hours). Changes in blood glucose levels were estimated using blood from the fingertips via an Accu-Chek® Guide blood glucose glucometer (Roche, Mannheim, Germany). Muscle damage biomarkers, including creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and uric acid (UA), were measured in the serum. The CK (EC2.7.3.2), LDH (EC 1.1.1.27), and UA (C97792) concentrations were estimated using commercial analytical reagents (Beckman Coulter). An automated clinical chemistry analyzer was used to measure CK and LDH levels on a Beckman Coulter AU5800 (Beckman Coulter Inc., CA, USA).
Measured: 28 days
Clinical Biochemistry of the inflammatory response
Blood samples were collected at four different time points (one and a half hours before the start of the volleyball special (B), immediately after the simulated volleyball game (E), after the experiment (24 hours), and after the experiment (48 hours). According to the manufacturer's instructions, the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α was analyzed with a commercial ELISA kit (BioLegend, San Diego, CA). An enzyme immunoassay read The absorbance at 450 nm within 15 minutes (Tecan GENios, A-5082, Austria). Concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured using a human ELISA kit (E-80CRP, Immunology Consultants Laboratory, Inc., Newberg, OR, USA). The sample absorbance was read at 450 nm within 30 min.
Measured: 28 days
Secondary outcomes (3)
Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Activity
biomarker used to evaluate total antioxidant capacity. Serum SOD activity is measured using a commercial colorimetric assay kit and read with an ELISA plate reader.Unit of Measure: Units per milliliter (U/mL).
Measured: 28 days
Rating of Perceived Exertion, RPE
This experiment used a version developed by Swedish psychologist Gunnar Borg, using a scale ranging from 6 to 20. During breaks and after each round of a simulated volleyball match, participants were asked to clearly indicate their RPE (Rate of Perceived Effort) on a paper-based scale. The corresponding level was used to determine the participant's current level of exertion and to record this number.
Measured: 28 days
Visual analogue scale, VAS
The VAS is a pain scale developed by Donna Wong and Connie Baker. Six cartoon faces are drawn on a piece of paper. From left to right, they are: no pain (0), a little pain (2), some pain (4), pain (6), very painful (8), and severe pain (10). Scales from 0 to 10 are marked below the faces, as shown in Figure 6. This scale will be used at three time points: immediately after the simulated volleyball match, and 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours after the match. Please clearly indicate the corresponding face and record it according to the number.
Measured: At the end of the simulated volleyball match, and 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours after the match, please clearly indicate the corresponding facial expression and record it by number.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted7 Aug 2026
- Study start25 Apr 2025
- Primary completion18 Sep 2025
- Study completion31 Oct 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Athletic PerformanceStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by China Medical University HospitalThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Model description
- Sixteen young healthy physically active male college students. Participants were crossed over for NZBC or placebo supplements, which was completed in seven days. Between the crossover trials, participants had a two-week washout period to nullify the effects of the supplement
- Masking
- Triple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Care provider, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 16 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- China Medical University Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07753395
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- CMUH113-REC3-100
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 4 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 25 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 25 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of New Zealand Blackcurrant on Athletic Performance and Physiological Stress in Simulated Volleyball Matches
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07753395
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- CMUH113-REC3-100
- Conditions
- Athletic Performance
- Keywords
- Athletic Performance, Supplement, New Zealand Blackcurrant
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 16 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- China Medical University HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 25 Apr 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 18 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 Oct 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 7 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Sixteen young, healthy, and physically active male college students were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or NZBC supplement (300 mg/day) for seven days. Short-term NZBC supplementation enhanced athletic performance and effectively reversed inflammation and muscle damage induced by volleyball.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Triple blind (participant, care provider, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Sixteen young healthy physically active male college students. Participants were crossed over for NZBC or placebo supplements, which was completed in seven days. Between the crossover trials, participants had a two-week washout period to nullify the effects of the supplement
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) | Experimental | Dietary Supplement: New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC)Participants receive 300 mg of New Zealand blackcurrant extract daily for 7 days during one of the crossover periods, separated by a 14-day washout period. |
| Placebo | Placebo comparator | Dietary Supplement: PlaceboParticipants receive 300 mg of matching placebo daily for 7 days during one of the crossover periods, separated by a 14-day washout period. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 30 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Male subjects aged 18-30 who regularly practice volleyball and are willing to participate in the experiment.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Patients with diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, coagulation disorders, hematomas, or other medical conditions.
- Feeling unwell for other reasons during the study period.
- Taking any health supplements or medications within the past two months. A medical history questionnaire was completed to exclude any medical conditions, such as recent muscle, bone, tendon, or ligament injuries, or those with a fear of blood draws.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Placebocontaining edible yellow No. 4, edible yellow No. 5, sucrose, silica, talc, oxidized starch, gelatin, magnesium stearate, and palm wax. | Dietary supplement | Placebo |
| New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC)New Zealand Blackcurrant 35% Anthocyanin Extract Powder, Capsule Shell (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose), Anti-caking Agent (Magnesium Stearate) | Dietary supplement | New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) |
Primary outcome
Grip strength test
Time frame: 28 days
Handgrip strength of both hands was evaluated using a digital dynamometer (T.K.K. 5401 GRIP-D, Takei Scientific Instruments Co., Ltd., Niigata, Japan). During testing, participants maintained a standing position with the shoulder abducted at approximately 20°-30° without rotation, the forearm in a neutral position, and both the elbow and wrist in 0° extension. Participants were instructed to exert maximum effort gripping the handle for 5 seconds. Handgrip strength tests were conducted before and after the simulated volleyball matches, as well as during the rest interval between the first and second simulated matches. At each time point, two trials were performed for each hand with a 1-minute rest interval between trials, and the maximum value was recorded in kilograms (kg).
Counter Movement Jump, CMJ
Time frame: 28 days
Vertical jump performance was analyzed using the My Jump 2 application. Participants started from an upright standing position with the body straight, then performed a rapid countermovement followed immediately by a maximal vertical jump. Each participant performed two trials with a 1-minute rest interval between trials, and the best trial was recorded for analysis.
Agility T-test
Time frame: 28 days
Agility was evaluated using the T-test with the BlazePod light-based reaction training system (Play Coyotta Ltd., Tel Aviv, Israel), with time recorded in seconds (s). Course Layout: Point A served as the start line. Point B was placed 9.14 m directly in front of Point A. Points C and D were placed 4.57 m to the left and right of Point B, respectively. Reaction pods were placed at each point. Test Procedure: Timing began upon departure from Point A. Participants were required to touch each pod using their outside hand throughout the trial: Forward Sprint: Sprint forward from A to B and touch pod B. Left Shuffle: Side-shuffle left to C and touch pod C. Right Shuffle: Side-shuffle right past B to D and touch pod D. Return \& Backpedal: Side-shuffle left back to B, touch pod B, then backpedal past A and touch pod A to complete the trial and stop timing.
Standing spike
Time frame: 28 days
A designated landing area measuring 1.5 m x 1.5m was set up at a distance of 5 m from the net. The participant stood on a volleyball platform approximately 80 cm high and 1.5 m from the net. The participant was required to toss the ball to an appropriate height (approximately 1 m) and spike it into the designated area. Ball velocity was analyzed and recorded using the Kinovea motion analysis software (Kinovea, open-source video analysis software). Three trials were performed for each test, with a 30-second rest interval between trials.
Clinical Biochemistry of muscle damage biomarkers and blood glucose
Time frame: 28 days
Blood samples were collected at four different time points (one and a half hours before the start of the volleyball special (B), immediately after the simulated volleyball game (E), after the experiment (24 hours), and after the experiment (48 hours). Changes in blood glucose levels were estimated using blood from the fingertips via an Accu-Chek® Guide blood glucose glucometer (Roche, Mannheim, Germany). Muscle damage biomarkers, including creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and uric acid (UA), were measured in the serum. The CK (EC2.7.3.2), LDH (EC 1.1.1.27), and UA (C97792) concentrations were estimated using commercial analytical reagents (Beckman Coulter). An automated clinical chemistry analyzer was used to measure CK and LDH levels on a Beckman Coulter AU5800 (Beckman Coulter Inc., CA, USA).
Clinical Biochemistry of the inflammatory response
Time frame: 28 days
Blood samples were collected at four different time points (one and a half hours before the start of the volleyball special (B), immediately after the simulated volleyball game (E), after the experiment (24 hours), and after the experiment (48 hours). According to the manufacturer's instructions, the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α was analyzed with a commercial ELISA kit (BioLegend, San Diego, CA). An enzyme immunoassay read The absorbance at 450 nm within 15 minutes (Tecan GENios, A-5082, Austria). Concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured using a human ELISA kit (E-80CRP, Immunology Consultants Laboratory, Inc., Newberg, OR, USA). The sample absorbance was read at 450 nm within 30 min.
3 secondary outcomes
Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Activity
Time frame: 28 days
Rating of Perceived Exertion, RPE
Time frame: 28 days
Visual analogue scale, VAS
Time frame: At the end of the simulated volleyball match, and 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours after the match, please clearly indicate the corresponding facial expression and record it by number.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 25 Sep 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) in people with Athletic Performance, run by China Medical University Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Taiwan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Grip strength test (time frame: 28 days). The study lists 6 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 25 Sep 2026.