Effects of Combined Rhodiola Rosea and Caffeine Supplementation on Dancesport Performance

Beijing Sport University48 enrolled

Overview

This study evaluates the effects of caffeine, Rhodiola rosea, and their combined supplementation on dancesport-specific performance in male collegiate dancesport athletes. Forty-eight healthy male athletes aged 18 to 23 years will be randomly assigned to one of four groups: placebo control, caffeine, Rhodiola rosea, or combined Rhodiola rosea plus caffeine. All participants will complete the same four-week standardized cowboy-dance-specific training program. The caffeine group will receive caffeine at 3 mg·kg-¹ before testing, the Rhodiola rosea group will receive Rhodiola rosea at 2.4 g·day-¹ for four weeks, and the combined group will receive both supplementation strategies. The main purpose of this study is to determine whether these supplementation strategies improve cowboy-dance-specific explosive power, movement stability, repeated kicking performance, agility, muscular endurance, and perceived exertion. Main outcomes include the 180-degree kick straight angle, kick recoil angle, trunk anterior-posterior sway amplitude, and 30-second cowboy-kick success rate. Secondary outcomes include qualified kick count, balance, core stability, functional strength, rhythm accuracy, agility tests, hexagon jump performance, and session-RPE.

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study is designed to examine the effects of caffeine, Rhodiola rosea, and combined supplementation on cowboy-dance-specific performance in male collegiate dancesport athletes. The study uses a four-arm design with 48 participants randomly assigned equally to placebo control, caffeine, Rhodiola rosea, or combined Rhodiola rosea plus caffeine groups. All participants will complete a standardized four-week cowboy-dance-specific training program. The training program focuses on dance-specific rhythm, repeated kicking, kick recoil control, trunk stability, lower-limb explosive actions, functional strength, agility, and repeated movement quality. The control group will receive placebo capsules. The caffeine group will receive caffeine at 3 mg·kg-¹ before testing. The Rhodiola rosea group will receive Rhodiola rosea at 2.4 g·day-¹ for four weeks. The combined supplementation group will receive Rhodiola rosea for four weeks and caffeine before testing. Performance will be assessed at baseline and immediately after the four-week intervention. Primary outcomes include the 180-degree kick straight angle, kick recoil angle, trunk anterior-posterior sway amplitude, and 30-second cowboy-kick success rate. Secondary outcomes include 30-second qualified kick count, Y-Balance Test composite score, bird-dog core stability hold time, lunge squat and step-up qualified repetitions, 45-second high-knee rhythm accuracy, 505 change-of-direction time, Illinois agility run time, hexagon jump time, and session-RPE. This study aims to clarify whether caffeine mainly supports rapid movement initiation and agility, whether Rhodiola rosea mainly supports movement stability and perceived load regulation, and whether combined supplementation provides broader benefits for cowboy-dance-specific movement quality.

Interventions

PlaceboDIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Placebo capsules were matched to the active supplements in appearance, color, size, packaging, timing, and capsule number.

CaffeineDIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Caffeine was administered acutely at 3 mg·kg-¹ 30 minutes before testing.

Rhodiola Rosea CapsulesDIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Rhodiola rosea extract was administered at 2.4 g·day-¹ for four weeks, divided into two daily doses before breakfast and lunch.

Standardized cowboy-dance-specific training programBEHAVIORAL

All participants completed the same four-week standardized cowboy-dance-specific training program focusing on rhythm, repeated kicking, kick recoil control, trunk stability, functional strength, agility, and repeated movement quality.

Eligibility

Sex: MALEMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 23 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria Male collegiate student aged 18 to 23 years. At least 3 years of systematic dancesport training experience. Stable dancesport training exposure, at least 3 sessions per week. Ability to complete the 4-week cowboy-dance-specific training program and pre/post performance testing. Completion of PAR-Q screening indicating suitability for high-intensity exercise testing. Written informed consent provided before participation. Exclusion Criteria Current or previous neuromuscular disease, severe cardiovascular disease, or musculoskeletal injury affecting lower-limb or trunk performance. Lower-limb, lumbar, or back injury that may interfere with testing. Use of medications or supplements that may interact with caffeine or Rhodiola rosea. Contraindication to caffeine or Rhodiola rosea supplementation. Regular intake of coffee, strong tea, energy drinks, other ergogenic supplements, alcohol, or caffeine-containing products within 3 months before enrollment. Smoking. Inability to maintain stable training, diet, sleep, and lifestyle habits during the study.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

180-degree kick straight angle

Maximum knee extension angle during the standardized cowboy-dance kick task. Higher values indicate better kick extension quality.