Combined Rhodiola Rosea and Caffeine Supplementation for Aerobic Gymnastics Performance

Aerobic gymnastics requires repeated explosive movements, upper-body support elements, and the ability to maintain performance under fatigue. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluates the effects of Rhodiola rosea supplementation, acute caffeine ingestion, and their combination on sport-specific performance and recovery in female competitive aerobic gymnasts. Ninety-six female aerobic gymnasts will be randomly assigned to placebo, Rhodiola rosea, caffeine, or combined Rhodiola rosea plus caffeine groups. All participants will complete an 8-week standardized aerobic gymnastics training program. Rhodiola rosea will be supplemented daily during the intervention period, while caffeine or matched placebo will be administered before post-intervention performance testing. The primary outcome is the change in Specific Aerobic Gymnastics Anaerobic Test (SAGAT) total completion time. Secondary outcomes include neuromuscular performance, fatigue-related responses, perceived exertion, muscle soreness, and perceived recovery status.