This study will examine whether caffeine (CAF) and Rhodiola rosea (RHO) supplementation, taken alone or in combination, can improve explosive performance and soccer-specific aerial duel performance in trained male soccer players. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel design, participants will be assigned to placebo, RHO, CAF, or RHO+CAF for 4 weeks. Performance outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention using countermovement jump measures (including early take-off impulse) and standardized heading tests (heading reach height, ball exit velocity, and heading duel success rate), with additional measures of neck isometric strength and perceived exertion.
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Early takeoff impulse (Impulse₀-₂₀₀)
Timeframe: Baseline (Day 0) and Post-intervention (Day 30), measured under both non-fatigued and fatigued conditions.