Effect of acute curcumin supplementation on recovery from a match-play simulation in team-sport athletes.

This study examines the effects of acute curcumin supplementation in team sport athletes, using a randomised, cross-over, repeated-measure, placebo-controlled, double blind design. Participants will consume two capsules daily of either curcumin (Curcumin Gold with LipiSperse technology vy Natures Help, each containing 396 mg of curcumin) or a placebo for five consecutive days. After completing the supplement phase, participants will undergo a seven-day washout period before starting the second round of supplementation. Prior to supplementation, participants will undergo a baseline testing session (approximately 90 minutes) that includes a series of field tests (countermovement jump, repeated sprints, Yo-Yo fitness test). Once baseline testing is complete, participants will be randomly assigned to begin their first supplementation. The supplementation timeline and requirements for curcumin and placebo will be identical. Participants will start taking their assigned supplement two days before a match-play simulation (approximately 120 minutes including warm-up). The match-play simulation is a circuit designed to elicit physiological changes similar to team sport matches. The circuit will incorporate repeated sprints, agility, deceleration and walking. Post match-play simulation, the participants will continue to take the supplement for a further two days. Afterward, they will return to perform the same battery off tests conducted during the baseline sessions. All sessions will be run and supervised by an exercise scientist. Adherence to the intervention will be assessed by the return of the pill boxes. Each participant will be provided a pill box with the correct amount of supplementation required for the duration of the testing.