Athletes frequently perform high-intensity exercise to improve physical performance and aerobic capacity. However, such training can induce exercise-induced muscle damage, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses that may delay recovery and compromise subsequent training adaptations. Optimizing recovery strategies is therefore essential to maintain performance, reduce injury risk, and support long-term athletic development. Cordyceps is a medicinal mushroom that contains several bioactive compounds, including cordycepin and polysaccharides, which have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. Although previous studies have reported beneficial effects of Cordyceps supplementation on exercise performance and physiological function, limited evidence exists regarding the optimal timing of supplementation relative to exercise. This study aims to investigate the effects of different Cordyceps supplementation timing strategies on physiological responses and aerobic adaptation following acute and chronic exercise training. Participants will be assigned to receive Cordyceps supplementation before exercise, after exercise, or placebo. The study will evaluate biomarkers of inflammation (IL-6), oxidative stress (MDA), muscle damage (CK), aerobic capacity (VO2max), and neuromuscular performance assessed using countermovement jump (CMJ) testing. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence-based recommendations regarding nutritional recovery strategies and supplementation timing to optimize recovery and training adaptation in athletes and physically active individuals.
Age range
19 Years – 21 Years
Sex
MALE
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A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Interleukin-6 (IL-6)
Timeframe: Baseline, 1 hour, 24 hours, and 48 hours following acute exercise; baseline and after 4 weeks of chronic exercise training with measurements obtained at 1 hour, 24 hours, and 48 hours following the final training session.
Creatine Kinase (CK)
Timeframe: Baseline, 1 hour, 24 hours, and 48 hours following acute exercise; baseline and after 4 weeks of chronic exercise training with measurements obtained at 1 hour, 24 hours, and 48 hours following the final training session.
Malondialdehyde (MDA)
Timeframe: Baseline, 1 hour, 24 hours, and 48 hours following acute exercise; baseline and after 4 weeks of chronic exercise training with measurements obtained at 1 hour, 24 hours, and 48 hours following the final training session.
Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO2max)
Timeframe: Baseline and after 4 weeks of chronic exercise training.