Short-Term Rhodiola Rosea: Effects on Hoops Players' Game Time, Fatigue & Performance

This study is a randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial aimed at evaluating the effects of short-term Rhodiola rosea supplementation on simulated game performance, perceived fatigue, physical fitness indicators, and biochemical parameters in professional basketball players. The study participants included 48 male basketball players from Beijing Sport University, all of whom were national level 2 athletes or above, ensuring a consistent training background and sports experience. The experimental design employed a strict randomization method, dividing participants into a Rhodiola rosea supplementation group (RHO group) and a control group (CTR group), with double-blind measures implemented to minimize potential bias. For example, the RHO group received a daily dose of 2.4 g of Rhodiola rosea extract (containing 0.5 g of salidroside per 100 g of raw material), while the CTR group consumed identical-looking empty capsules. All supplements were administered in a fasted state, twice daily, 30 minutes before breakfast and lunch, accompanied by an equal volume of water to control for placebo effects. Additionally, participants' daily dietary intake, including total calories, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, was recorded throughout the study period to exclude nutritional factors as potential confounders.

In terms of experimental procedures, participants first completed baseline health assessments and physical measurements, followed by a 28-day supplementation period. Key testing sessions included simulated game testing, physical fitness tests, and blood sample collection. The simulated game test record the total time taken by participants to complete the simulated game, which includes common on-court movements such as sprints, defensive slides, and step-backs. Physical fitness tests covered multiple dimensions: the vertical jump test (CMJ) ; the YO-YO intermittent recovery test; the maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) test; the 5 km running test; heart rate monitoring used Polar HR monitors, with data recorded before and after tests to assess fatigue recovery.

Blood sample collection was conducted before the simulated game, with participants fasting for 8-12 hours. Venous blood samples were collected uniformly between 8:00 and 8:30 AM, followed by centrifugation to separate plasma and red blood cells, which were stored at -80°C for subsequent analysis. Biochemical indicators included plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, and creatine kinase (CK) activity. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 26) and GraphPad Prism (version 9.0), with continuous variables presented as mean ± standard deviation. Normality was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and a 2×2 mixed-design ANOVA [group (CTR vs. RHO) × time (pre-test vs. post-test)] was employed to evaluate intervention effects.

Inclusion criteria

• Male basketball players aged 18 years or older
• National Level 2 athletes or above with training experience
• Voluntarily participating and providing written informed consent
• Healthy, without chronic diseases, neuromuscular or musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular diseases, or diabetes
• Not using other nutritional supplements or alcohol-containing products during the study, and non-smokers

Exclusion criteria

• Allergy to Rhodiola or study-related substances
• Recent major surgery or injury affecting athletic performance
• Use of antidepressants or stimulant drugs
• Unable to comply with training or intervention requirements during the study
• Any other condition that may compromise safety or data reliability