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.
Male or female participants aged 19-21 years.
Students enrolled in the Sport Coaching Education Program (Pendidikan Kepelatihan Olahraga).
Apparently healthy and free from known cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, neuromuscular, or musculoskeletal disorders that could affect participation in exercise training.
Regularly participate in physical exercise at least three times per week during the previous three months.
Current injury or musculoskeletal condition that limits participation in exercise training.
History of cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes mellitus, respiratory disease, or other medical conditions that may increase exercise-related risk.
Use of antioxidant supplements, herbal supplements, ergogenic aids, or anti-inflammatory medications within four weeks prior to study enrollment.
Known allergy or hypersensitivity to Cordyceps or any component of the study supplements.
Parallel
Pre-Exercise Cordyceps militaris
Dietary supplementParticipants receive 2,000 mg of Cordyceps militaris (two capsules per administration) approximately 11 hours and 1 hour before each exercise session, three times per week for 4 weeks. The intervention is designed to evaluate the effects of pre-exercise supplementation timing on inflammatory response (IL-6), oxidative stress (MDA), muscle damage (CK), countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, and aerobic adaptation (VO2max).
Post-Exercise Cordyceps militaris
Dietary supplementParticipants receive 2,000 mg of Cordyceps militaris (two capsules per administration) immediately after each exercise session, three times per week for 4 weeks. The intervention is designed to evaluate the effects of post-exercise supplementation timing on inflammatory response (IL-6), oxidative stress (MDA), muscle damage (CK), countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, and aerobic adaptation (VO2max).
Placebo
Other interventionParticipants receive placebo capsules matched in appearance, packaging, and administration procedures to the Cordyceps militaris supplement. Placebo is administered before each exercise session, three times per week for 4 weeks, and serves as the control condition for comparison of physiological and performance outcomes.
Interleukin-6 (IL-6)
Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration measured as a biomarker of exercise-induced inflammatory response following acute and chronic exercise training.
Creatine Kinase (CK)
Serum creatine kinase (CK) concentration measured as a biomarker of exercise-induced muscle damage following acute and chronic exercise training.
Malondialdehyde (MDA)
Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration measured as a biomarker of oxidative stress following acute and chronic exercise training.
Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO2max)
Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) assessed as an indicator of aerobic capacity and chronic training adaptation.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Performance
Countermovement jump performance assessed using the VALD ForceDecks system as an indicator of neuromuscular function and recovery following acute and chronic exercise training.
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