Exercise Physiology, Nutritional Supplementation
Conditions
Brief summary
This study investigates the effects of green tea extract and ginger supplementation, both individually and in combination, on endurance performance, metabolism, thermal comfort, and muscle soreness in recreationally active young men. Participants will complete cycling tests under both normal room temperature (21-24°C) and cold (5-7°C) conditions. The study uses a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design to compare the outcomes of placebo, green tea, ginger, and combined supplementation. The findings may help to identify nutritional strategies that improve exercise performance and comfort in different environmental conditions.
Detailed description
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial is designed to evaluate the effects of green tea extract and ginger supplementation, both individually and in combination, on endurance performance, metabolic responses, thermal sensation, and muscle soreness in recreationally active men. Sixteen healthy participants will complete eight experimental conditions: placebo, green tea extract (500 mg), ginger (1 g), and a combination of both, tested under normal (21-24°C) and cold (5-7°C) environments. Each condition will be separated by a washout period to avoid carryover effects. Endurance capacity will be measured using a time-to-exhaustion cycling test at 70% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max). Metabolic responses will be assessed by gas analysis to determine respiratory exchange ratio (RER). Perceptual measures will include the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and a thermal sensation scale, while muscle soreness will be evaluated 24 hours post-exercise using a visual analog scale (VAS). The study aims to determine whether the combined intake of green tea and ginger provides synergistic benefits over individual supplementation, particularly in cold environments where thermoregulation and endurance capacity are challenged. Findings may contribute to practical nutritional strategies that enhance exercise performance, comfort, and recovery under environmental stress conditions.
Interventions
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTPlacebo Arm
Participants receive a placebo consisting of maltodextrin in capsule form, matched in appearance and taste to the active supplements.
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTGreen Tea Extract
Participants receive 500 mg of standardized green tea extract in capsule form.
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTGinger
Participants receive 1 g of ginger supplement in capsule form.
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTCombined Supplement (Green Tea + Ginger)
Participants receive a combination of 500 mg green tea extract and 1 g ginger, both administered in capsule form.
Sponsors
Erzurum Technical University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
18 Years to 35 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Male participants aged 18-35 years Recreationally active (≥3 aerobic exercise sessions per week, ≥30 minutes per session, for at least 6 months) VO₂max between 40-50 mL/kg/min (recreationally active fitness level) Body mass index within the normal to slightly overweight range (approximately 18.5-27.5 kg/m²) Willingness to comply with study requirements, including supplementation and exercise testing protocols Provided written informed consent
Exclusion criteria
History of cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, or neurological disorders Allergy or intolerance to green tea, ginger, or maltodextrin Current use of ergogenic supplements, medications affecting metabolism, or stimulants (e.g., beta-blockers, caffeine pills) Smoking or excessive alcohol consumption (\>14 units per week) Inconsistent exercise habits (\<3 sessions/week in the past 6 months) Participation in another clinical trial within the past 3 months
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Time to Exhaustion (TTE) | Immediately during each exercise test session (after supplement ingestion, under normal and cold environmental conditions) | Endurance performance assessed as the total time in seconds participants are able to maintain cycling at 70% of VO₂max on a cycle ergometer, until volitional exhaustion defined as the inability to sustain a cadence of 60 rpm for 10 consecutive seconds |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed