NCT07509970

Effects of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Soccer Performance Under Fatigue

Effects of Four-Week Astaxanthin Supplementation on Soccer-Specific Performance, Neuromuscular Function, and Fatigue-Related Biomarkers Under Exhaustive Exercise in Soccer Players

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (actual)
• Sponsor: Beijing Sport University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Male
• Age: 18 Years – 25 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This study aims to investigate the effects of four-week astaxanthin supplementation on soccer-specific performance under fatigue in soccer players. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, participants were assigned to receive either astaxanthin or placebo for 4 weeks. After the supplementation period, participants completed an exhaustive exercise protocol followed by assessments of soccer-specific performance, neuromuscular function, and fatigue-related responses. The study is designed to determine whether astaxanthin supplementation can attenuate fatigue-related declines in performance and improve recovery-related outcomes in soccer players.

Detailed description

Soccer is characterized by repeated high-intensity efforts, rapid changes of direction, technical execution, and decision-making under physically demanding conditions. Fatigue induced by exhaustive exercise may impair neuromuscular performance, technical skills, and cognitive function. Astaxanthin is a carotenoid with antioxidant properties and has been suggested to help reduce exercise-related oxidative stress and fatigue. However, evidence regarding its effects on soccer-specific performance under fatigue remains limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of four-week astaxanthin supplementation on soccer-specific performance, neuromuscular function, and fatigue-related biomarkers under exhaustive exercise conditions in soccer players. This study used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel design. Eligible soccer players were assigned to either an astaxanthin supplementation group or a placebo group for 4 weeks. After the intervention period, participants completed a standardized exhaustive exercise protocol to induce fatigue. Outcome assessments were then performed to evaluate soccer-specific performance and fatigue-related responses. The primary objective was to determine whether astaxanthin supplementation could reduce fatigue-related performance decline. Secondary objectives were to examine its effects on neuromuscular function and selected fatigue-related physiological responses. The findings of this study may help clarify the potential role of astaxanthin supplementation as a nutritional strategy to support performance maintenance under fatigue in soccer players.

Conditions

• Conditions or Focus of Study
• Exercise-Induced Fatigue
• Soccer Performance

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	Astaxanthin	Astaxanthin capsules were administered orally once daily for 4 weeks.
OTHER	Placebo	Placebo capsules matched in appearance and packaging were administered orally once daily for 4 weeks.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-01-01
• Primary completion: 2026-02-05
• Completion: 2026-02-08
• First posted: 2026-04-03
• Last updated: 2026-04-03

Locations

1 site across 1 country: China