Effects of Root Extract Ashwagandha (KSM-66) on Physiological Stress, Perception of Recovery and Muscle Strength in Youth Elite Footballers

Sports Performance and Applied Research in Trials and Analysis

Status: Active, not recruiting

Conditions: Performance; Strength; Aerobic Endurance; Recovery

Treatments: Other: Corn Starch; Dietary Supplement: Root extract Ashwagandha

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: NETWORK; Other

Identifiers

NCT07343219

20251103

Details and patient eligibility

About

This trial examines if six weeks of taking 450 mg Ashwagandha root extract affects exercise performance and recovery in youth male elite football players.

Ashwagandha root extract is increasingly used by athletes, but controlled research in adolescent athletes is limited and the majority of evidence is in an adult population. This study will assess short-term responses in youth players.

Participants will be randomly assigned to take either Ashwagandha root extract or a placebo once daily for six weeks. Players will complete training-based tests, provide saliva samples and complete a short, validated questionnaire on perception of wellness. Any adverse events will be documented and reported.

Full description

The objective of this trial is to learn whether a short period of taking 450mg of Ashwagandha root extract affects performance, recovery, muscle strength and wellbeing in youth male elite football players.

The researchers are studying Ashwagandha root extract as it is increasingly used by athletes and the general population of varying ages for well-being, performance and recovery purposes, despite a lack of controlled research examining its effects in adolescent athletes. Most existing evidence comes from adult populations, and it remains unclear whether similar physiological and perceptual responses occur in adolescents engaged in structured training.

The main questions the study aims to answer are:

Does taking Ashwagandha root extract change stress levels measured through saliva in youth elite footballers?

Does it affect muscle strength, recovery, sleep, or muscle soreness?

Participants will be randomly assigned to take either Ashwagandha root extract or a placebo once a day for six weeks. During the study, players will complete strength and fitness tests during usual training time, then provide saliva samples afterwards. Short questionnaires will be solicited the day after about how they feel. Any adverse events that occur during the study will be documented and reported.

Enrollment: 62 patients

Sex: Male

Ages: 12 to 18 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Male youth football player
• Classified as 'healthy' and 'free of disease'
• Actively training with the selected football academy

Exclusion criteria

• Lack of signed consent form
• No active use of medication
• No active use of ergogenic aids
• Allergies to nightshades

Trial design

Primary purpose: Basic Science

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Triple Blind

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62 participants in 2 patient groups, including a placebo group

Ashwagandha root extract

Experimental group

Description:

450 mg Ashwagandha root extract

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Root extract Ashwagandha

Placebo

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

450 mg corn starch

Treatment:

Other: Corn Starch