The Effects of Astaxanthin on Physiological Anti-fatigue and Sports Performance: an Integrated Study From the Application of Laboratory Human Sports Platform to Simulated Competitions

NCT07630870 | Active Not Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: CMUH114-REC3-003
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 14
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

To address the rapid recovery needs in intensive badminton competitions, this 2-year study evaluates Astaxanthin (AST) as a potential ergogenic aid. The research aims to elucidate how AST attenuates exercise-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and muscle damage. By establishing an evidence-based nutritional strategy, this study seeks to maintain peak performance for elite athletes in badminton and other racket sports, while supporting the development of functional anti-fatigue health products.

Conditions

Healthy

Keywords

Recovery strategy; sports supplements; sports performance

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Badminton specific incremental endurance test

  The badminton specific incremental endurance test measures endurance performance through repetitive specific movements on a Y-shaped court layout (3-meter distance between points). Unit of Measure: Minutes

  Baseline,week 1 end of 4-week supplementation period

Secondary Outcomes (29)

• Upper Limb Grip Strength

  Baseline, and before and after the simulated badminton matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.

• Countermovement jump, CMJ

  Baseline, and before and after the simulated badminton matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.

• Agility T test

  Baseline, and before and after the simulated badminton matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.

• Star Excursion Balance Test, SEBT

  Baseline, and before and after the simulated badminton matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.

• Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Activity

  Baseline; and after game 1, game 2, and game 3 of the simulated matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.

Study Arms (2)

Placebo

PLACEBO COMPARATOR

120 mg of MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acids) and a small amount of caramel food coloring as fillers.

Other: Placebo; Other: Astaxanthin

AST

EXPERIMENTAL

Each AST capsule contains 4 mg of astaxanthin extracted from natural algae and 120 mg of MUFA

Other: Placebo; Other: Astaxanthin

Interventions

Placebo OTHER

Supplemented with placebo for 4 weeks

AST; Placebo

Astaxanthin OTHER

Supplemented with Astaxanthin (AST) for 4 weeks (12 mg/day, AstaReal®, Sweden)

AST; Placebo

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 35 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• A minimum of five years of badminton training experience (with a training frequency of at least three times per week, sustained for three consecutive years).

You may not qualify if:

• chronic diseases, such as heart disease or hypertension, drinking habits and severe lower limb musculoskeletal injuries within the past six months.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• China Medical University Hospital: lead

Study Sites (1)

China Medical University

Taichung, Taiwan

Location

MeSH Terms

Interventions

astaxanthine

Study Officials

• Jung-Piao Tsao

  China Medical University, China

  STUDY CHAIR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: QUADRUPLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, CARE PROVIDER, INVESTIGATOR, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: CROSSOVER
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Model Details: This study adopts a randomized, single-blind, crossover design. Participants will be randomly assigned to groups to receive either Astaxanthin (AST) supplements (12 mg/day) or a placebo for 4 weeks; during this period, you will not be informed of your group assignment. After the first trial phase, there will be an 8-week washout period. Subsequently, the groups will switch treatments (crossover) to conduct the second trial phase.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 2, 2026
• First Posted: June 5, 2026
• Study Start: August 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: April 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): July 31, 2027
• Last Updated: June 5, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TW (1)