The Combined Effects of Cordyceps and Fartlek Training on Muscle Recovery and Bone Health in Soccer Players

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).

Conditions

• Muscle Damage
• Athletic Performance
• Oxidative Stress
• Inflammation
• Bone Metabolism
• Cardiorespiratory Fitness

Interventions

OTHER

Fartlek 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_SUPPLEMENT

Cordyceps 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_SUPPLEMENT

Placebo

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 & Collaborators

• Surabaya State University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Muhammad Muhammad, Dr. · Surabaya State University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

20 Years

Sex

MALE

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-05-30

Primary Completion

2024-07-01

Completion

2024-07-02

Countries

• Indonesia

Study Locations