Athletic Performance, Bone Metabolism, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Inflammation, Muscle Damage, Oxidative Stress
Conditions
Keywords
Cordyceps supplementation, Herbal adaptogens in sport, Sports recovery, Athletic performance, Fartlek, Soccer
Brief summary
Purpose of the Study:This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of combining Cordyceps supplementation and fartlek training as a recovery and performance enhancement strategy for soccer players. Muscle injuries often occur when athletes train intensely without adequate recovery. Cordyceps contains bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, while Fartlek training is designed to improve cardiovascular endurance. This study analyses how this combination affects both the physiological recovery and physical performance of soccer players. Research Question: Does the combination of Cordyceps supplementation and Fartlek training effectively reduce muscle damage, decrease oxidative stress, promote bone metabolism, and improve cardiorespiratory fitness in soccer players? Methodology and Biomarkers: To answer this question, the study evaluates specific physiological indicators from the participants' blood samples and physical tests. Muscle damage and recovery are assessed through creatine kinase (CK), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10). Oxidative stress levels are monitored using superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Bone metabolism and health are measured via bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and osteocalcin (OST). Additionally, improvements in the athletes' aerobic capacity and overall physical performance are determined by measuring their maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂max).
Detailed description
High-intensity athletic training, such as soccer, places rigorous physiological stress on the human body, frequently leading to exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), systemic inflammation, and elevated oxidative stress. When recovery periods are insufficient, these factors culminate in persistent fatigue, compromised bone metabolism, and an increased risk of injury. This study investigates a novel, multifaceted recovery and conditioning paradigm by combining the adaptogenic properties of Cordyceps supplementation with the cardiovascular demands of Fartlek training. Mechanistic Framework of Cordyceps and Fartlek TrainingCordyceps contains potent bioactive compounds, including cordycepin, polysaccharides, adenosine, and mannitol. These constituents exhibit strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties at the cellular level. By counteracting the excessive accumulation of free radicals and downregulating pro-inflammatory pathways (such as NF-$\\kappa$B activation), Cordyceps is hypothesised to accelerate structural muscle repair. Concurrently, Fartlek training-a form of continuous training with alternating bursts of high and low intensity-acts as a potent stimulus for cardiovascular and aerobic conditioning, driving adaptations in capillary density and mitochondrial efficiency. Physiological and Biomarker Profiles This trial utilises a comprehensive panel of serum and physical biomarkers to map the synergistic effects of the intervention: Inflammatory Response & Muscle Damage: The study monitors the kinetics of interleukins to evaluate the shift from a pro-inflammatory state to an anti-inflammatory recovery environment. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) serves as a marker of acute metabolic and inflammatory stress, while interleukin-10 (IL-10) is analysed to track the activation of anti-inflammatory signalling. Additionally, Creatine Kinase (CK) levels are measured as a direct indicator of sarcolemmal disruption and micro-tears in muscle fibres. Oxidative Stress Regulation: To evaluate the antioxidant capacity, the trial quantifies Malondialdehyde (MDA), a primary byproduct of lipid peroxidation, against the activity of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), an essential endogenous antioxidant enzyme responsible for neutralising superoxide radicals. Bone Metabolism and Turnover: High-impact sports alter bone remodelling. This study assesses the skeletal response to the combined protocol by tracking Bone Alkaline Phosphatase (BALP), a specific marker of osteoblastic bone formation, and Osteocalcin (OST), a non-collagenous protein essential for bone matrix mineralisation and metabolic regulation. Aerobic Power and Adaptation: Beyond biochemical markers, the ultimate physiological translation of enhanced recovery is measured via maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂max). This metric serves to evaluate whether the accelerated recovery mediated by Cordyceps allows athletes to achieve superior cardiorespiratory adaptations during Fartlek conditioning.
Interventions
OTHERFartlek Training Program
The progressive fartlek programme was performed in the morning, three times weekly for four weeks, with each athlete required to reach 85% of maximal heart rate
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTCordyceps sinensis Supplementation
The dietary supplement intervention consists of oral administration of Cordyceps sinensis extract. Participants in the experimental group (Fartlek-Cordyceps) are required to ingest a daily dosage of 500 mg Cordyceps sinensis per capsule. The dosing protocol is strictly timed to maximize absorption and recovery: one capsule is taken every night before bed, and on training days, an additional capsule is administered exactly 1 hour prior to the Fartlek session
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTPlacebo
The control intervention consists of oral administration of a placebo capsule. The placebo is completely inert and contains no active ingredients, but it is manufactured to be physically identical to the active Cordyceps sinensis supplement in size, shape, color, and taste to preserve the double-blind trial design. Participants in the Fartlek-Placebo (FP) group follow the exact same dosing schedule as the experimental group: one placebo capsule is taken every night before bed, and on designated training days, an additional capsule is ingested exactly 1 hour prior to commencing the Fartlek running session. This exact timing controls for the psychological and physiological behavioral effects of pill-taking routines. This intervention allows researchers to establish a true baseline to evaluate whether changes in muscle damage, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and aerobic capacity are driven by the active Cordyceps compound or by the training protocol alone.
Sponsors
Surabaya State University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
In addition to the participants and outcome assessors, the biostatistician responsible for the final statistical data analysis was also kept completely anonymous in this trial. All datasets were provided to data analysts using pre-coded group labels (Fartlek cordyceps and Fartlek Placebo) instead of the actual intervention names. The independent researcher who generated the randomization allocation securely holds the master code, and it will not be leaked or disclosed to data analysts until all statistical calculations and interpretation of conclusions are formally completed.
Intervention model description
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study uses a pre-post design to evaluate the combination of Cordyceps supplementation and Fartlek training in soccer athletes. Sixteen eligible players are randomly allocated via a lottery draw into two parallel groups, with eight participants per group. The Fartlek-Cordyceps (FC) group undergoes structured Fartlek training and receives a daily 500 mg Cordyceps capsule. The Fartlek-Placebo (FP) group follows the identical training program but receives a physically matched placebo capsule. To eliminate bias, an independent researcher prepares and codes the capsules. Both the athletes and the laboratory assessors remain blinded to the allocation until all analyses are complete. The study tracks muscle damage (CK, IL-6, IL-10), oxidative stress (SOD, MDA), bone metabolism (BaLP, OST), and VO2max. Baseline equivalence is rigorously checked, and between-group inferences are determined using change scores.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
18 Years to 20 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Kriteria Inklusi: * Status saat ini sebagai atlet sepak bola kompetitif aktif. * Berusia antara 18 dan 20 tahun. * Memiliki asupan oksigen maksimal (VO2max) dasar minimal 44 mL·kg-¹·min-¹. * Dinyatakan sehat secara fisik dan mental berdasarkan pemeriksaan medis. * Bersedia mematuhi protokol pelatihan Fartlek dan jadwal suplementasi kapsul yang telah ditentukan. * Memberikan persetujuan tertulis untuk berpartisipasi dalam penelitian. Kriteria Eksklusi: * Berusia di bawah 18 tahun. * Terdaftar aktif di klub profesional pada saat penelitian. * Riwayat cedera muskuloskeletal atau fisik yang mengganggu performa pelatihan maksimal. * Saat ini mengonsumsi suplemen makanan, alat bantu ergogenik, atau obat-obatan lain dalam 4 minggu sebelum pengukuran awal. * Memiliki alergi atau hipersensitivitas terhadap Cordyceps sinensis atau komponen kapsul apa pun.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change from Baseline in Serum Creatine Kinase (CK) Concentration After 4 Weeks | Baseline and Post-Intervention (Week 4) | Serum Creatine Kinase (CK) is measured to evaluate the extent of exercise-induced muscle damage. Blood samples are analyzed using an automated biochemistry analyzer. An increase in CK levels indicates muscle fiber disruption, while lower post-exercise levels in the intervention group suggest a protective effect of the supplement. Results are reported in Units per Liter (U/L) |
| Change from Baseline in Serum Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Levels After 4 Weeks | Baseline and Post-Intervention (Week 4) | Serum Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is measured as a primary biomarker for acute systemic inflammatory responses and muscle-derived cytokine secretion induced by high-intensity training. Blood samples are analyzed using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique. Lower change scores indicate suppressed systemic pro-inflammatory pathways. Results are reported in picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) |
| Change from Baseline in Serum Interleukin-10 (IL-10) Levels After 4 Weeks | Baseline and Post-Intervention (Week 4) | Serum Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is measured to evaluate the anti-inflammatory response to exercise stress. Blood samples are analyzed using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique. Higher change scores or maintained levels of this cytokine indicate a well-regulated anti-inflammatory mechanism that assists in tissue repair and resolution of inflammation. Results are reported in picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). |
| Change from Baseline in Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Activity After 4 Weeks | Baseline and Post-Intervention (Week 4) | Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity is measured to assess endogenous antioxidant enzyme defenses against oxidative stress induced by strenuous exercise. Blood samples are analyzed using a spectrophotometric assay kit. Higher change scores indicate enhanced antioxidant capacity to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS). Results are reported in Units per milliliter (U/mL). |
| Change from Baseline in Serum Malondialdehyde (MDA) Levels After 4 Weeks | Baseline and Post-Intervention (Week 4) | Serum Malondialdehyde (MDA) is measured as a key biomarker of lipid peroxidation to quantify oxidative damage to cell membranes resulting from high-intensity training. Blood samples are analyzed using the Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) spectrophotometric assay. Lower change scores signify mitigated oxidative stress and cellular protection. Results are reported in nanomoles per milliliter (nmol/mL) |
| Change from Baseline in Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO2max) After 4 Weeks of Training | Baseline and Post-Intervention (Week 4) | Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) is measured to evaluate improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness and aerobic capacity. Participants undergo a standardized physical fitness field test (such as the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test or a progressive shuttle run test) specific to soccer players. Higher change scores indicate superior aerobic adaptation and physiological conditioning. Results are reported in milliliters of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute (mL/kg/min). |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change from Baseline in Bone Alkaline Phosphatase (BALP) Levels After 4 Weeks | Baseline and Post-Intervention (Week 4) | Serum Bone Alkaline Phosphatase (BALP) is measured as a secondary biomarker to evaluate osteoblast activity and bone formation rates under high physiological loading. Blood samples are analyzed using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique. This outcome helps determine the interaction between mechanical stress from running and nutritional intervention on bone turnover. Results are reported in micrograms per liter (mcg/L) |
| Change from Baseline in Serum Osteocalcin (OST) Concentration After 4 Weeks | Baseline and Post-Intervention (Week 4) | Serum Osteocalcin (OST) is measured as a specific marker for bone turnover and mineralization to track skeletal adaptations to the combined training and supplementation protocol. Blood samples are analyzed using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique. Balanced change scores indicate healthy bone remodeling and metabolic stability during training. Results are reported in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). |
Countries
Indonesia
Contacts
STUDY_CHAIRMuhammad Muhammad, Dr.
Surabaya State University
Outcome results
None listed