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

Rhodiola rosea supplementation over 28 days significantly improved total completion time in a simulated basketball game compared to the control group.

• 48 professional male basketball players were randomly divided into RHO group (n=24) and CTR group (n=24)
• The CTR group received empty capsules without being informed
• Between-group comparison showed significant difference in total completion time (p = 0.046)
• Within the RHO group, pre- to post-test improvement in total completion time was highly significant (p = 0.000)

Rhodiola rosea supplementation significantly reduced heart rate recovery measurements after the simulated game compared to control.

• Heart rate 60 seconds after the simulated game showed significant between-group difference (p = 0.026)
• Within the RHO group, heart rate 30 seconds post-game improved significantly from pre- to post-test (p = 0.021)
• Within the RHO group, heart rate 60 seconds post-game improved significantly from pre- to post-test (p = 0.016)
• Faster heart rate recovery suggests improved cardiovascular recovery in the RHO group

Aerobic capacity as measured by 5 km run time, YO-YO test, and VO2max was significantly improved in the Rhodiola rosea group compared to control.

• 5 km run showed significant between-group difference (p = 0.027) and significant within-RHO-group pre-to-post improvement (p = 0.000)
• YO-YO test showed significant between-group difference (p = 0.036) and significant within-RHO-group improvement (p = 0.000)
• VO2max showed significant between-group difference (p = 0.034) and significant within-RHO-group improvement (p = 0.000)

Rhodiola rosea supplementation significantly reduced perceived fatigue as measured by RPE score within the supplementation group.

• RPE (Rating of Perceived Exertion) score showed significant pre-to-post improvement within the RHO group (p = 0.030)
• Reduced RPE indicates lower perceived fatigue following the 28-day supplementation period
• Statistical analysis used a two-way mixed ANOVA (2 × 2) with group (CTR/RHO) × time (Pre-test/Post-test)

Rhodiola rosea supplementation improved antioxidant capacity, including total antioxidant capacity and Superoxide Dismutase levels.

• Total antioxidant capacity showed a significant between-group difference (p = 0.044)
• Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) showed significant pre-to-post improvement within the RHO group (p = 0.011)
• These antioxidant improvements may contribute to the delay in fatigue observed in the RHO group

Rhodiola rosea supplementation significantly improved countermovement jump performance within the supplementation group.

• Countermovement jump test showed significant pre-to-post improvement within the RHO group (p = 0.036)
• The countermovement jump test is a measure of lower-body explosive power relevant to basketball performance
• The improvement suggests Rhodiola rosea may benefit neuromuscular performance in addition to aerobic capacity

The study used a randomized, placebo-controlled design with 48 professional male basketball players over a 28-day supplementation period.

• Participants were randomly divided into RHO group (n=24) and CTR group (n=24)
• The CTR group received empty capsules without being informed, functioning as a placebo control
• Supplementation duration was 28 consecutive days
• Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0 with a two-way mixed ANOVA (2 × 2)