Short-Term Rhodiola rosea Supplementation on Cognition and Exercise Performance: A Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Study
Date
3-6-2026
Faculty Mentor
Majid Koozehchian, Kinesiology
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Submission Type
Conference Proceeding
Location
3:45pm-3:55pm | Merrill Hall
Description
The hunt for a safe, natural supplement that enhances both physical performance and cognition is never-ending. Among the candidates, Rhodiola Rosea (RR) has gained attention for its adaptogenic effects. With RR primarily marketed as an adaptogen, its ergogenic potential has not been fully established. Its effects on exercise and cognitive function in resistance-trained adults remain understudied, especially regarding short-term dosing and dose-specific responses. This study addresses this uncertainty by investigating the dose-dependent effects of short-term RR supplementation on resistance exercise performance and executive function in resistance-trained adults.
RR, often referred to as “golden root,” is traditionally known as an adaptogenic herb that consists of rosavin, rosin, rosarin, and salidroside. RR is recognized for helping the body tolerate stress, boost energy levels, and improve both mental and physical performance. Additionally, RR aids in elevating mood levels by decreasing anxiety and depression symptoms.
Twenty-seven resistance-trained male and female athletes completed a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Each participant completed four supplemental treatments, each lasting seven days, in a randomized order: control (no supplement), placebo, low-dose RR (200 mg/day), and high-dose RR (1.5 g/day). These doses were based on prior literature, and a 7-day protocol was utilized to observe short-term effects while minimizing carryover. On the seventh day of supplementation, the participants completed cognitive and exercise performance assessments. Testing sessions required participants to fast for 12 hours and avoid exercising for 48 hours prior to arrival. Upon arrival, participants completed a side-effect questionnaire and determined their readiness to engage in exercise. Then they were instructed to ingest their last dose of the supplement. After sixty minutes of ingestion, the cognitive function assessments were completed. Next, the athletes performed 1RM tests for the leg press and bench press. Additionally, they performed three sets of these resistance exercises at 60% 1RM, with the last set being to failure. Lastly, athletes performed an anaerobic Wingate test. Post-exercise vital signs were monitored and recorded one minute after each assessment.
Upon reviewing the study results, the findings revealed that short-term RR supplementation, regardless of dosage, improved resistance exercise performance and cognitive function in resistance-trained males and females. No consistent changes were observed for Wingate outcomes. Furthermore, resting and post-exercise hemodynamic measures did not display any meaningful differences, emphasizing the safety of RR supplementation. Overall, these outcomes suggest that RR has ergogenic effects, improving resistance exercise performance and cognitive performance, while remaining safe for short-term use. The observed improvements indicate that RR could be incorporated into future training regimens to optimize both resistance and cognitive performance.
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The original presentation of the paper Short-Term Rhodiola rosea Supplementation on Cognition and Exercise Performance: A Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Study was given at the Student Research Symposium on 6 March; this video is from the Student Research Symposium Awards Ceremony held 16 March 2026 at Merrill Hall Auditorium.
This paper won Best in Discipline (Graduate) for the College of Health Professions and Wellness
Keywords
student research, kinesiology
Rights
This content is the property of Jacksonville State University and is intended for non-commercial use. Video and images may be copied for personal use, research, teaching or any "fair use" as defined by copyright law. Users are asked to acknowledge Jacksonville State University. For more information, please contact digitalcommons@jsu.edu.
Disciplines
Exercise Physiology
Recommended Citation
Bonness, Faith, "Short-Term Rhodiola rosea Supplementation on Cognition and Exercise Performance: A Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Study" (2026). JSU Student Symposium 2026. 6.
https://digitalcommons.jsu.edu/ce_jsustudentsymp_2026/6