Effects of Four-Week Rhodiola Rosea Supplementation on Physical Fitness, Neuromuscular Performance, and Decision-Making in Competitive Football Players

Beijing Sport University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Physical Performance and Fatigue in Competitive Football Players

Treatments: Dietary Supplement: Rhodiola rosea extract; Other: Placebo

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07366320

2025619H

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study investigates whether four weeks of Rhodiola rosea supplementation can improve physical fitness, neuromuscular performance, and decision-making ability in competitive male football players. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either Rhodiola rosea or a placebo while continuing their regular football training. Before and after the four-week intervention, all participants complete a series of tests, including aerobic fitness, repeated sprint ability, jumping performance, reaction time, and soccer-specific decision-making tasks. Blood samples are also collected to assess fatigue and recovery-related markers. The purpose of this study is to determine whether Rhodiola rosea supplementation can enhance performance and cognitive function under high-intensity training and competition conditions.

Full description

This study is a prospective, double-blind supplementation study conducted in competitive male football players to examine the effects of short-term Rhodiola rosea intake on physical and cognitive performance under regular training conditions.

Participants continue their habitual football training while receiving either Rhodiola rosea supplementation or a placebo for four weeks. Performance assessments are conducted before and after the intervention period under standardized conditions.

The study aims to explore whether Rhodiola rosea supplementation may support adaptations related to high-intensity exercise performance, neuromuscular function, and decision-making ability in competitive football players.

Enrollment: 24 patients

Sex: Male

Ages: 18 to 30 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Male competitive football players aged 18-30 years
• Regular participation in structured football training (≥3 sessions per week)
• Free from musculoskeletal injury for at least 3 months prior to the study
• Not using any nutritional supplements or ergogenic aids for at least 4 weeks before enrollment
• Willing to maintain habitual diet and training throughout the study
• Provided written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• History of cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, or endocrine disease
• Use of Rhodiola rosea, caffeine, or other performance-enhancing supplements within the past 4 weeks
• Current smoking or substance abuse
• Known allergy to herbal supplements
• Any injury or illness that could affect physical performance or safe participation

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Triple Blind

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24 participants in 2 patient groups, including a placebo group

Rhodiola rosea Group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants received Rhodiola rosea supplementation for 4 weeks in addition to their regular football training.

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Rhodiola rosea extract

Placebo

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

Participants consumed placebo capsules identical in appearance to Rhodiola rosea for 4 weeks.

Treatment:

Other: Placebo