Effects of Combined Rhodiola Rosea and Caffeine Supplementation on Dancesport Performance

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study is designed to examine the effects of caffeine, Rhodiola rosea, and combined supplementation on cowboy-dance-specific performance in male collegiate dancesport athletes. The study uses a four-arm design with 48 participants randomly assigned equally to placebo control, caffeine, Rhodiola rosea, or combined Rhodiola rosea plus caffeine groups.

All participants will complete a standardized four-week cowboy-dance-specific training program. The training program focuses on dance-specific rhythm, repeated kicking, kick recoil control, trunk stability, lower-limb explosive actions, functional strength, agility, and repeated movement quality. The control group will receive placebo capsules. The caffeine group will receive caffeine at 3 mg·kg-¹ before testing. The Rhodiola rosea group will receive Rhodiola rosea at 2.4 g·day-¹ for four weeks. The combined supplementation group will receive Rhodiola rosea for four weeks and caffeine before testing.

Performance will be assessed at baseline and immediately after the four-week intervention. Primary outcomes include the 180-degree kick straight angle, kick recoil angle, trunk anterior-posterior sway amplitude, and 30-second cowboy-kick success rate. Secondary outcomes include 30-second qualified kick count, Y-Balance Test composite score, bird-dog core stability hold time, lunge squat and step-up qualified repetitions, 45-second high-knee rhythm accuracy, 505 change-of-direction time, Illinois agility run time, hexagon jump time, and session-RPE.

This study aims to clarify whether caffeine mainly supports rapid movement initiation and agility, whether Rhodiola rosea mainly supports movement stability and perceived load regulation, and whether combined supplementation provides broader benefits for cowboy-dance-specific movement quality.

Inclusion criteria

Male collegiate student aged 18 to 23 years. At least 3 years of systematic dancesport training experience. Stable dancesport training exposure, at least 3 sessions per week. Ability to complete the 4-week cowboy-dance-specific training program and pre/post performance testing.

Completion of PAR-Q screening indicating suitability for high-intensity exercise testing.

Written informed consent provided before participation.

Exclusion criteria

Current or previous neuromuscular disease, severe cardiovascular disease, or musculoskeletal injury affecting lower-limb or trunk performance.

Lower-limb, lumbar, or back injury that may interfere with testing. Use of medications or supplements that may interact with caffeine or Rhodiola rosea.

Contraindication to caffeine or Rhodiola rosea supplementation. Regular intake of coffee, strong tea, energy drinks, other ergogenic supplements, alcohol, or caffeine-containing products within 3 months before enrollment.

Smoking. Inability to maintain stable training, diet, sleep, and lifestyle habits during the study.