Effect of Cordyceps Supplementation Timing on Physiological Responses and Aerobic Adaptation in Athletes

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.

Inclusion Criteria: * 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. * Willing to comply with all study procedures, exercise protocols, supplementation schedules, and assessment sessions. * Provide written informed consent before participation. Exclusion Criteria: * 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. * Smoking or excessive alcohol consumption during the study period. * Failure to comply with supplementation or exercise protocols. * Participation in another research study during the study period. * Participants presenting acute infection, fever, or inflammatory conditions within two weeks prior to baseline assessment.