Conditions or Focus of Study, Exercise-Induced Fatigue, Soccer Performance
Conditions
Keywords
Astaxanthin, Soccer, Fatigue, Exhaustive Exercise, Sports Performance
Brief summary
This study aims to investigate the effects of four-week astaxanthin supplementation on soccer-specific performance under fatigue in soccer players. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, participants were assigned to receive either astaxanthin or placebo for 4 weeks. After the supplementation period, participants completed an exhaustive exercise protocol followed by assessments of soccer-specific performance, neuromuscular function, and fatigue-related responses. The study is designed to determine whether astaxanthin supplementation can attenuate fatigue-related declines in performance and improve recovery-related outcomes in soccer players.
Detailed description
Soccer is characterized by repeated high-intensity efforts, rapid changes of direction, technical execution, and decision-making under physically demanding conditions. Fatigue induced by exhaustive exercise may impair neuromuscular performance, technical skills, and cognitive function. Astaxanthin is a carotenoid with antioxidant properties and has been suggested to help reduce exercise-related oxidative stress and fatigue. However, evidence regarding its effects on soccer-specific performance under fatigue remains limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of four-week astaxanthin supplementation on soccer-specific performance, neuromuscular function, and fatigue-related biomarkers under exhaustive exercise conditions in soccer players. This study used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel design. Eligible soccer players were assigned to either an astaxanthin supplementation group or a placebo group for 4 weeks. After the intervention period, participants completed a standardized exhaustive exercise protocol to induce fatigue. Outcome assessments were then performed to evaluate soccer-specific performance and fatigue-related responses. The primary objective was to determine whether astaxanthin supplementation could reduce fatigue-related performance decline. Secondary objectives were to examine its effects on neuromuscular function and selected fatigue-related physiological responses. The findings of this study may help clarify the potential role of astaxanthin supplementation as a nutritional strategy to support performance maintenance under fatigue in soccer players.
Interventions
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTAstaxanthin
Astaxanthin capsules were administered orally once daily for 4 weeks.
OTHERPlacebo
Placebo capsules matched in appearance and packaging were administered orally once daily for 4 weeks.
Sponsors
Beijing Sport University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
This study used a double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Participants, investigators, and outcome assessors were blinded to group assignment. Astaxanthin and placebo capsules were identical in appearance, packaging, and administration schedule throughout the intervention period.
Intervention model description
This study used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group design. Participants were assigned to either astaxanthin supplementation or placebo for 4 weeks, with outcome assessments performed under exhaustive exercise conditions.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
18 Years to 25 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* \- Male soccer players aged 18 to 25 years. * Healthy collegiate soccer players with regular soccer training experience. * Participated in systematic soccer training for at least 3 years and regular training at least 3 times per week during the previous 6 months. * Able to complete the supplementation protocol, exhaustive exercise protocol, and all performance assessments. * Provided written informed consent before participation.
Exclusion criteria
* \- Current musculoskeletal injury, pain, or illness affecting exercise performance or test participation. * History of cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, or other medical disorders that could affect study safety or outcomes. * Use of antioxidant, ergogenic, or nutritional supplements that could influence study outcomes within 4 weeks before enrollment. * Known allergy or intolerance to astaxanthin or capsule ingredients. * Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or use of medications that could affect fatigue, performance, or physiological responses. * Failure to comply with study procedures or intervention requirements.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Loughborough Soccer Passing Test total time | After 4 weeks of supplementation, assessed immediately after the exhaustive exercise protocol | The total time required to complete the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test was used to assess soccer-specific technical performance under fatigue. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Repeated sprint ability total time | After 4 weeks of supplementation, assessed immediately after the exhaustive exercise protocol | The total time required to complete the repeated sprint ability test was used to assess sprint performance under fatigue |
| Countermovement jump height | After 4 weeks of supplementation, assessed immediately after the exhaustive exercise protocol | Countermovement jump height was used to assess lower-body neuromuscular performance under fatigue. |
| Soccer dribbling performance time | After 4 weeks of supplementation, assessed immediately after the exhaustive exercise protocol | The time required to complete the soccer dribbling test was used to assess technical performance under fatigue. |
| Decision-making accuracy | After 4 weeks of supplementation, assessed immediately after the exhaustive exercise protocol | Decision-making accuracy was used to assess cognitive performance under fatigue during soccer-specific testing. |
| Fatigue-related biomarkers | After 4 weeks of supplementation, assessed after completion of the exhaustive exercise protocol | Fatigue-related physiological and biochemical markers were assessed to examine fatigue-related responses after the intervention. |
Countries
China
Outcome results
None listed