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The Effect of Short-Term Rhodiola rosea Supplementation on Simulated Game Time, Perceived Fatigue, and Performance in Basketball Players.

  • 2025-11-25
  • Nutrients 17(23)
    • Jing Wang
    • Haotian Zhao
    • Longqi Yu
    • Kai Zhao
    • Wei Jiang
    • Shuning Liu
    • Jin Dai
    • Lina Xu
    • Peng Sun
    • Hezhang Yun
    • Chang Liu

Study Design

Type
Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Sample size
n = 48
Population
48 professional male basketball players
Methods
randomly divided into a Rhodiola rosea group (RHO group, n = 24) and a Control group (CTR group, n = 24); RHO group received continuous 28-day Rhodiola rosea supplementation, CTR group received empty capsules without being informed
Blinding
Single-blind
Duration
28 days
  • Rigorous Journal
Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effects of short-term Rhodiola rosea supplementation on simulated game performance, perceived fatigue, and aerobic capacity in basketball players. Methods: A total of 48 professional male basketball players participated in this study. The participants were randomly divided into a Rhodiola rosea group (RHO group, n = 24) and a Control group (CTR group, n = 24). During the experiment, the RHO group received continuous 28-day Rhodiola rosea supplementation, while the CTR group received empty capsules without being informed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0 software. A two-way mixed ANOVA (2 × 2) group (CTR/RHO) × time (Pre-test/Post-test) was conducted to compare differences. Results: In comparison to the CTR group, the RHO group showed significant differences in total completion time in the simulated game (p = 0.046), heart rate 60 s after the simulated game (p = 0.026), 5 km run (p = 0.027), YO-YO test (p = 0.036), VO2max (p = 0.034) and total antioxidant capacity (p = 0.044) compared to the CTR group. Within the RHO group, pre- and post-test comparisons revealed significant improvements in total completion time (p = 0.000), heart rate 30 s (p = 0.021) and 60 s (p = 0.016) after the simulated game, RPE score (p = 0.030), Countermovement jump test (p = 0.036), 5 km run (p = 0.000), YO-YO test (p = 0.000), VO2max (p = 0.000) and Superoxide Dismutase (p = 0.011). Conclusions: Short-term Rhodiola rosea supplementation can improve sprint performance and reduce perceived fatigue in basketball players during simulated games, enhance aerobic work capacity, and delay fatigue.

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