01.17.14
New research published in The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness demonstrated the effectiveness of Pycnogenol in improving overall fitness performance levels and recovery. A clinical trial found that the antioxidant from French maritime pine tree bark was effective in improving performance and endurance and reducing muscle cramping and soreness by controlling oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between antioxidants and pro-oxidants, in favor of the latter, that can hinder the body’s ability to repair muscle damage.
The Pycnogenol study was based on the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), which evaluates physical fitness levels through muscular strength, endurance and cardiovascular performance. Basic metrics of the APFT were applied in this research, including the number of sit-ups and push-ups a participant can complete in two minutes and the time it takes to run two miles.
Conducted in two parts at the Chieti-Pescara University in Pescara, Italy, the study followed 201 subjects ages 32-36 years old, who were each tested using either APFT standards or tracked while completing an average 100-minute triathlon.
Each of the clinical trials was divided into two groups: one group of participants that supplemented their daily routine with Pycnogenol and one group that did not. The results of both distinct trials found that with four to eight weeks of daily supplementation with Pycnogenol, the participants significantly increased their level of physical fitness and endurance and also reduced training-induced muscular pain and oxidative stress.
“This study provides evidence that daily supplementation of Pycnogenol offers a natural approach to help reduce post-workout muscular pain, increase levels of physical performance and get you training again sooner,” said Dr. Gianni Belcaro, lead researcher of the study. “Pycnogenol, along with good training and proper nutrition, may help to significantly improve physical fitness and reduce oxidative stress and muscular pain in both in those who exercise recreationally and triathletes.”
For more information: www.pycnogenol.com
The Pycnogenol study was based on the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), which evaluates physical fitness levels through muscular strength, endurance and cardiovascular performance. Basic metrics of the APFT were applied in this research, including the number of sit-ups and push-ups a participant can complete in two minutes and the time it takes to run two miles.
Conducted in two parts at the Chieti-Pescara University in Pescara, Italy, the study followed 201 subjects ages 32-36 years old, who were each tested using either APFT standards or tracked while completing an average 100-minute triathlon.
Each of the clinical trials was divided into two groups: one group of participants that supplemented their daily routine with Pycnogenol and one group that did not. The results of both distinct trials found that with four to eight weeks of daily supplementation with Pycnogenol, the participants significantly increased their level of physical fitness and endurance and also reduced training-induced muscular pain and oxidative stress.
“This study provides evidence that daily supplementation of Pycnogenol offers a natural approach to help reduce post-workout muscular pain, increase levels of physical performance and get you training again sooner,” said Dr. Gianni Belcaro, lead researcher of the study. “Pycnogenol, along with good training and proper nutrition, may help to significantly improve physical fitness and reduce oxidative stress and muscular pain in both in those who exercise recreationally and triathletes.”
For more information: www.pycnogenol.com
