Effects of tart cherry juice on exercise-induced muscle soreness and recovery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Exercise-induced muscle damage is expected to cause delayed onset muscle soreness, inflammation, and decreased muscle function. Tart cherry juice supplementation has been explored for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which are believed to assist in recovery as well as enhance muscle function.

Objective. Integrate the evidence from published research to ascertain the effects of tart cherry juice supplementation on muscle function, recovery, and reduction of muscle damage, with specific reference to the key outcomes such as delayed onset muscle soreness, muscle strength, range of motion, and inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers.

Methods. This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of tart cherry juice supplementation on muscle soreness and recovery based on studies employing varied exercise protocols. A random-effects model was used to estimate MD with 95% CI between various outcomes, such as delayed onset muscle soreness, maximal voluntary isometric contraction, range of motion, inflammation (IL-6), and creatine kinase levels.

Results. Tart cherry juice supplementation improved range of motion significantly (MD = 0.33, 95% CI [0.02, 0.65], p = 0.04) and decreased IL-6 levels significantly (MD = -0.34, 95% CI [-0.56, -0.12], p = 0.003) without heterogeneity (I² = 0%). The impact on delayed onset muscle soreness was non-significant (MD = -0.47, 95% CI [-1.12, 0.18], p = 0.16) with minimal heterogeneity (I² = 0%). Maximal voluntary isometric contraction and creatine kinase also had no significant improvements (MD = 0.64, p = 0.33; MD = -33.40, p = 0.38, respectively). Heterogeneity of outcomes was observed in subgroup analyses based on intervention protocols and recovery measures.

Conclusion. Tart cherry juice improvement was moderate in enhancing range of motion and decreasing IL-6 levels, but its effectiveness on delayed onset muscle soreness, maximal voluntary isometric contraction, and creatine kinase was uncertain. Standardized dosing and extended follow-up durations are required in future research to revalidate these outcomes.

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