The Effect of Short-Term Rhodiola rosea Supplementation on Simulated Game Time, Perceived Fatigue, and Performance in Basketball Players.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Individual randomized controlled trial
PubMed 41373984 · doi:10.3390/nu17233694
What was done
Forty-eight professional male basketball players were randomized into two equal groups: an intervention group receiving 28 days of continuous Rhodiola rosea supplementation (n = 24) and a control group receiving empty capsules (n = 24). Outcomes measured before and after the 28-day period included simulated game completion time, post-game recovery heart rate (at 30 s and 60 s), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), countermovement jump performance, 5 km run time, YO-YO test performance, VO2 max, and antioxidant markers (total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase). Data were analyzed using a 2 x 2 mixed ANOVA.
What was found
Compared to controls, the Rhodiola rosea group showed statistically significant differences in simulated game completion time (p = 0.046), 60-second post-game heart rate recovery (p = 0.026), 5 km run time (p = 0.027), YO-YO test performance (p = 0.036), VO2 max (p = 0.034), and total antioxidant capacity (p = 0.044). Within the Rhodiola group, pre-to-post improvements were observed in completion time (p = 0.000), 30 s and 60 s recovery heart rates (p = 0.021 and p = 0.016), RPE (p = 0.030), countermovement jump (p = 0.036), 5 km run (p = 0.000), YO-YO test (p = 0.000), VO2 max (p = 0.000), and superoxide dismutase levels (p = 0.011). The abstract reports no baseline numbers, absolute effect sizes, or confidence intervals.
Why it matters
The findings indicate that short-term Rhodiola rosea intake may enhance aerobic endurance, speed cardiovascular recovery, and reduce perceived fatigue during sport-specific exertion in trained athletes.
Limits
The abstract reports only p-values without absolute numerical measures, effect sizes, or confidence intervals. The control group received empty capsules rather than matched placebo substances, which may compromise blinding. The sample was limited to 48 professional male basketball players, preventing direct generalization to female athletes, non-athletes, or other sports. Supplement dosage and extract standardization are not reported in the abstract.
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