Clinical Research Directory

Combined Rhodiola Rosea and Caffeine Supplementation for Aerobic Gymnastics Performance

Aerobic gymnastics requires repeated explosive movements, upper-body support elements, and the ability to maintain performance under fatigue. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluates the effects of Rhodiola rosea supplementation, acute caffeine ingestion, and their combination on sport-specific performance and recovery in female competitive aerobic gymnasts. Ninety-six female aerobic gymnasts will be randomly assigned to placebo, Rhodiola rosea, caffeine, or combined Rhodiola rosea plus caffeine groups. All participants will complete an 8-week standardized aerobic gymnastics training program. Rhodiola rosea will be supplemented daily during the intervention period, while caffeine or matched placebo will be administered before post-intervention performance testing. The primary outcome is the change in Specific Aerobic Gymnastics Anaerobic Test (SAGAT) total completion time. Secondary outcomes include neuromuscular performance, fatigue-related responses, perceived exertion, muscle soreness, and perceived recovery status.

Effects of Pre-Run Nutritional Supplements During a Fixed-Pace 5 km Treadmill Run

This study will examine how three commonly used pre-run nutritional supplements-caffeine, L-citrulline, and an exogenous ketone supplement-affect physiological and perceptual responses during a fixed-pace 5 km treadmill run in healthy, physically active runners. Participants will complete one screening and baseline visit followed by four experimental visits in a randomized order. At each experimental visit, participants will receive caffeine, L-citrulline, an exogenous ketone supplement, or placebo before completing a fixed-pace 5 km treadmill run. Each participant will receive all four conditions and will therefore serve as their own control. The study will evaluate measures including running economy, heart-rate responses, oxygen consumption, respiratory measures, blood lactate and ketone concentrations, perceived exertion, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, energy, and focus. A randomly selected subgroup will also wear a continuous glucose monitor to explore glucose responses during the experimental visits. The study will also assess the feasibility and tolerability of completing repeated treadmill trials under the four supplement conditions.

Sanghuangporus Sanghuang Supplementation to Improve Anti-Fatigue Performance in Healthy Adults

This clinical study aims to evaluate the anti-fatigue and muscle performance-enhancing effects of Sanghuangporus sanghuang mycelia (SS-MN4) capsules in healthy adults. As muscle mass and function naturally decline with age or sedentary lifestyle, there is growing interest in nutritional interventions that may help preserve physical performance and reduce fatigue. Sanghuangporus sanghuang, a traditional medicinal fungus, contains bioactive compounds such as hispidin, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 60 healthy male participants aged 20 to 35 years with no regular exercise habits. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either SS-MN4 capsules (1000 mg/day) or a placebo for 42 days. The intervention aims to determine whether SS-MN4 improves exercise performance, muscle strength, and biochemical markers related to fatigue and muscle damage. Throughout the study, blood samples, urine samples, exercise tests (e.g., anaerobic power, isometric strength), and body composition analyses (DEXA) will be conducted at multiple time points, including before, during, and after the intervention. In addition, intestinal microbiota analysis and nutritional intake records will be included to assess secondary outcomes. This research will provide scientific evidence for the health benefits of SS-MN4 in reducing exercise-induced fatigue and improving muscle function. The data collected may support future applications for anti-fatigue health food certification in Taiwan and the development of novel functional supplements for global markets.