HealthyNCT07630870
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
A study testing Astaxanthin in people with Healthy, run by China Medical University Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.
Trial 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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 35 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Healthy
- What is being tested?
- Astaxanthin
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 14 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTaiwan
- Study dates
- 1 Aug 2025to 31 Jul 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 35 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 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).
Who cannot join
- chronic diseases, such as heart disease or hypertension, drinking habits and severe lower limb musculoskeletal injuries within the past six months.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
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.
Read the detailed description
First Year: In this study, participants will be randomly assigned to either the AST group or the placebo group and will take AST supplements or a placebo (20 mg/day) for 8 weeks. You will not know whether you have been assigned to the supplement group or the placebo group. After the first trial in each group, there will be a 14-day washout period, after which the two groups will switch places to conduct the second trial. Seven days before the exercise performance test, all participants will undergo a maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂ max) test, and the intensity of the single-session cycling challenge will be calculated based on this measurement. Participants will fast for 12 hours prior to the day of the exercise challenge. They will report to the laboratory at 7:00 AM on the day of the test for body composition measurements, followed by consumption of a light meal (300 kcal) accompanied by an AST supplement or placebo capsule, and a 1-hour rest period. One hour after taking the supplement capsule, participants performed a 5-minute cycling warm-up on a human motion platform designed by the PI's laboratory, followed by a single 60-minute cycling exercise at 70% VO2max, maintaining a cadence of 60 rpm throughout. After completing the exercise challenge, participants consumed a meal (60% carbohydrates, 25% fat, 15% protein) tailored to their body weight. Then, 3 hours into the recovery period, they underwent an anaerobic power test and a subsequent exercise-to-exhaustion (Time to Exhaustion, TTE) challenge at 75% VO2max, with exercise performance times recorded. Additionally, blood and gas samples were collected before the first cycling challenge, at the 30-minute mark during the challenge, immediately after exercise, every hour during the recovery period, and after the subsequent exercise-to-exhaustion test. Following a brief recovery period (3 hours), participants performed a 30-second anaerobic power test. After a 5-minute rest, they proceeded to a 75% cycling test to exhaustion. The experimental design included administering the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire before and after each exercise challenge to assess participants' emotional tendencies during exercise. The experimental procedures and exercise performance tests for both trials were identical to those described above.
Year 2: This study employs a randomized, single-blind, crossover design. Participants will be randomly assigned to groups to receive either an AST supplement or a placebo (12 mg/day) for 4 weeks, and you will not know whether you have been assigned to the supplement or placebo group. After the first trial is completed for each group, there will be an 8-week washout period, after which the two groups will switch places to conduct the second trial. This simulated badminton competition consists of 5 matches over 5 consecutive days, with a 24-hour rest period between each match. All participants will follow a controlled diet for 3 days prior to the simulated badminton competition trial. Participants will fast starting 12 hours before the day of the simulated competition. They will report to the laboratory at 7:00 AM on the day of the test for body composition measurements, followed by consumption of a light meal (300 kcal) paired with an AST capsule or placebo. After a 3-hour rest period, the first blood draw will be performed, followed by a badminton-specific warm-up (15 minutes). Following the research assistant's instructions, participants first performed a badminton-specific warm-up for 10 to 15 minutes. Subsequently, in accordance with the latest international competition format "3 x 21-point system" established by the Badminton World Federation (Badminton World Federation, BWF) in 2006, participants were paired up to complete a simulated badminton match using the "3 x 21-point system," with a 1-minute-30-second rest period before the start of the next game. Participants were allowed to hydrate during the simulated badminton matches. Finally, to better simulate the scenario where badminton players may need to prepare for the next match immediately after completing one, the final aerobic capacity test involved a badminton-specific incremental endurance test. Participants were allowed to stop the test upon reaching exercise exhaustion, and the total exercise duration and power output were recorded. The experimental procedures and performance assessment items for both trials were the same as described above. Sport-specific physical performance assessments included upper-body grip strength, the Counter Movement Jump (CMJ), and 10-second anaerobic power.
- Conditions
- Healthy
- Being tested
- Placebo, Astaxanthin
- Keywords
- Recovery strategy, sports supplements, sports performance
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
PlaceboOther
Supplemented with placebo for 4 weeks
AstaxanthinOther
Supplemented with Astaxanthin (AST) for 4 weeks (12 mg/day, AstaReal®, Sweden)
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Placebo | Placebo comparator | 120 mg of MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acids) and a small amount of caramel food coloring as fillers. Receives: Other: Placebo; Other: Astaxanthin |
| AST | Experimental | Each AST capsule contains 4 mg of astaxanthin extracted from natural algae and 120 mg of MUFA Receives: Other: Placebo; Other: Astaxanthin |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
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
Measured: Baseline,week 1 end of 4-week supplementation period
Secondary outcomes (29)
Upper Limb Grip Strength
Upper limb muscle strength is assessed using an electronic hand dynamometer. The maximum value from two attempts for both left and right hands is recorded as the reference data.Unit of Measure:Kilograms.
Measured: Baseline, and before and after the simulated badminton matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.
Countermovement jump, CMJ
Lower limb maximum strength, power, and speed are evaluated using an athletic performance measurement system (OptojumpNext). Participants execute a downward squat followed immediately by a maximal vertical jump.Unit of Measure:jump height in centimeters.
Measured: Baseline, and before and after the simulated badminton matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.
Agility T test
Athletes navigate a T-shaped course at maximum speed and touch marker cones to simulate rapid movement and directional changes in badminton offensive and defensive plays.Unit of Measure:seconds.
Measured: Baseline, and before and after the simulated badminton matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.
Star Excursion Balance Test, SEBT
Assesses dynamic balance. Participants perform single-leg squats and reach as far as possible with the non-stance leg along 8 designated lines on the floor.Unit of Measure:Reach distance divided by leg length as a percentage (%).
Measured: Baseline, and before and after the simulated badminton matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.
Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Activity
biomarker used to evaluate total antioxidant capacity.And the absorbance was measured at 532 nm and 570 nm using a microplate reader (Tecan GENios, A-5082, Austria). The final concentrations were calculated based on the standard curve.Unit of Measure: Units per milliliter (U/mL).
Measured: Baseline; and after game 1, game 2, and game 3 of the simulated matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.
Malondialdehyde (MDA) Levels
Blood samples are collected to measure the serum concentration of MDA to evaluate the degree of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress.Unit of Measure: Units per milliliter (U/mL).
Measured: Baseline; and after game 1, game 2, and game 3 of the simulated matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.
Serum Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Concentration
Blood samples are collected to measure the serum concentration of IL-6 to assess exercise-induced inflammatory response.Unit of Measure: Picograms per milliliter (pg/mL).
Measured: Baseline; and after game 1, game 2, and game 3 of the simulated matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.
Serum Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) Concentration
A pro-inflammatory cytokine measured in serum and to evaluate the inflammatory response.Unit of Measure: picograms per milliliter (pg/mL).
Measured: Baseline; and after game 1, game 2, and game 3 of the simulated matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.
Serum Creatine Kinase (CK) Concentration
A biomarker of muscle damage measured in serum.The absorbance was measured at 450 nm, 505 nm, and 572 nm, respectively, using a microplate reader (Tecan GENios, A-5082, Austria) via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and serum concentrations were determined based on the standard curve.Unit of Measure: Units per Liter (U/L).
Measured: Baseline; and after game 1, game 2, and game 3 of the simulated matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.
High-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein, hs-CRP
A biomarker of muscle damage measured in serum.The absorbance was measured at 450 nm, 505 nm, and 572 nm, respectively, using a microplate reader (Tecan GENios, A-5082, Austria) via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and serum concentrations were determined based on the standard curve.Unit of Measure: Units per Liter (U/L).
Measured: Baseline; and after game 1, game 2, and game 3 of the simulated matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.
Interleukin-1 beta, IL-1β
Blood samples are collected to measure the serum concentration of IL-1β to assess exercise-induced inflammatory response.Unit of Measure: Picograms per milliliter (pg/mL).
Measured: Baseline; and after game 1, game 2, and game 3 of the simulated matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.
Interleukin-10, IL-10
Blood samples are collected to measure the serum concentration of IL-10 to assess exercise-induced inflammatory response.Unit of Measure: Picograms per milliliter (pg/mL).
Measured: Baseline; and after game 1, game 2, and game 3 of the simulated matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.
Uric Acid (UA) Levels
Measured in serum as a marker of metabolic stress and muscle damage using commercial analytical reagents. Unit of Measure: Milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
Measured: Baseline; and after game 1, game 2, and game 3 of the simulated matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Activity
A biomarker of muscle damage measured in serum using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer (Beckman Coulter AU5800).Unit of Measure: Units per Liter (U/L).
Measured: Baseline; and after game 1, game 2, and game 3 of the simulated matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.
Profile of Mood States (POMS) - Vigor Subscale Score
A subscale of the POMS brief version used to evaluate the positive mood state of vigor. It consists of specific adjectives scored on a 5-point scale (1-5). Higher scores indicate higher levels of vigor. Unit of Measure: Units on a scale
Measured: Measured immediately after simulated badminton match.
Profile of Mood States (POMS) - Self-esteem Subscale Score
A subscale of the POMS brief version used to evaluate the mood state of self-esteem. Scored on a 5-point scale (1-5). Higher scores indicate higher levels of self-esteem. Unit of Measure: Units on a scale.
Measured: Measured immediately after simulated badminton match.
Profile of Mood States (POMS) - Tension Subscale Score
A subscale of the POMS brief version used to evaluate the negative mood state of tension. Scored on a 5-point scale (1-5). Higher scores indicate higher levels of tension. Unit of Measure: Units on a scale
Measured: Measured immediately after simulated badminton match.
Profile of Mood States (POMS) - Confusion Subscale Score
A subscale of the POMS brief version used to evaluate the negative mood state of confusion. Scored on a 5-point scale (1-5). Higher scores indicate higher levels of confusion. Unit of Measure: Units on a scale
Measured: Measured immediately after simulated badminton match.
Profile of Mood States (POMS) - Anger Subscale Score
A subscale of the POMS brief version used to evaluate the negative mood state of anger. Scored on a 5-point scale (1-5). Higher scores indicate higher levels of anger. Unit of Measure: Units on a scale
Measured: Measured immediately after simulated badminton match.
Profile of Mood States (POMS) - Fatigue Subscale Score
A subscale of the POMS brief version used to evaluate the negative mood state of fatigue. Scored on a 5-point scale (1-5). Higher scores indicate higher levels of fatigue. Unit of Measure: Units on a scale
Measured: Measured immediately after simulated badminton match.
Profile of Mood States (POMS) - Depression Subscale Score
A subscale of the POMS brief version used to evaluate the negative mood state of depression. Scored on a 5-point scale (1-5). Higher scores indicate higher levels of depression. Unit of Measure: Units on a scale
Measured: Measured immediately after simulated badminton match.
Anaerobic Peak Power
The highest power output achieved during the modified 10-second Wingate anaerobic test on a Monark 894E stationary ergometer bike. This value reflects the explosive anaerobic power of the badminton players, typically reached within the first 3 to 5 seconds of the test. The resistance load is set at body weight (kg) × 0.75.Unit of Measure: Watts (W)
Measured: Measured before and after each simulated badminton match.
Relative Anaerobic Peak Power
The anaerobic peak power output divided by the participant's body weight, obtained during the modified 10-second Wingate anaerobic test on a Monark 894E stationary ergometer bike. This normalization accounts for individual differences in body mass among badminton players. Unit of Measure: Watts per kilogram (W/kg)
Measured: Measured before and after each simulated badminton match.
Absolute Mean Power / Total Work
The average power output (total work) sustained over the entire duration of the modified 10-second Wingate anaerobic test on a Monark 894E stationary ergometer bike. This value represents the anaerobic endurance capacity required during intense badminton rallies.
Unit of Measure: Watts (W)
Measured: Measured before and after each simulated badminton match.
Relative Anaerobic Mean Power
The average power output sustained over the 10-second test divided by the participant's body weight, obtained during the modified 10-second Wingate anaerobic test on a Monark 894E stationary ergometer bike.
Unit of Measure: Watts per kilogram (W/kg)
Measured: Measured before and after each simulated badminton match.
Time to Peak Anaerobic Power
The duration from the start of the 10-second maximum effort pedaling until the peak power output is attained during the modified Wingate anaerobic test on a Monark 894E stationary ergometer bike. This metric evaluates how rapidly the badminton player can mobilize and express maximum explosive anaerobic energy (typically expected within the first 3 to 5 seconds).
Unit of Measure: Seconds (s)
Measured: Measured before and after each simulated badminton match.
Maximum Heart Rate
The highest heart rate recorded using a Garmin HRM-Pro chest strap heart rate monitor during the 3-game simulated badminton match to assess peak cardiovascular strain.
Unit of Measure: Beats per minute (bpm)
Measured: Continuous measurement throughout the 3-game simulated match (data extracted post-match).
Mean Heart Rate
The average heart rate recorded using a Garmin HRM-Pro chest strap heart rate monitor across the entire duration of the 3-game simulated badminton match to evaluate overall cardiovascular workload.
Unit of Measure: Beats per minute (bpm)
Measured: Continuous measurement throughout the 3-game simulated match (data extracted post-match).
Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE)
Participants' subjective rating of exercise intensity assessed using the Borg RPE scale (6-20 scale), where 6 represents "no exertion at all" and 20 represents "maximal exertion." The RPE is surveyed immediately after the completion of each game within the simulated match.
Unit of Measure: Units on a scale
Measured: Measured immediately at the end of Game 1, Game 2, and Game 3 during the simulated match.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted5 Jun 2026
- Study start1 Aug 2025
- Primary completion1 Apr 2026
- Study completion31 Jul 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for HealthyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by China Medical University HospitalThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Model description
- 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.
- Masking
- Quadruple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 14 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- China Medical University Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Jung-Piao Tsao, Study chair, China Medical University, China
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07630870
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- CMUH114-REC3-003
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 2 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 10 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 10 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- 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
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07630870
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- CMUH114-REC3-003
- Conditions
- Healthy
- Keywords
- Recovery strategy, sports supplements, sports performance
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 14 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- China Medical University HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Aug 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 Jul 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 5 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed description
First Year: In this study, participants will be randomly assigned to either the AST group or the placebo group and will take AST supplements or a placebo (20 mg/day) for 8 weeks. You will not know whether you have been assigned to the supplement group or the placebo group. After the first trial in each group, there will be a 14-day washout period, after which the two groups will switch places to conduct the second trial. Seven days before the exercise performance test, all participants will undergo a maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂ max) test, and the intensity of the single-session cycling challenge will be calculated based on this measurement. Participants will fast for 12 hours prior to the day of the exercise challenge. They will report to the laboratory at 7:00 AM on the day of the test for body composition measurements, followed by consumption of a light meal (300 kcal) accompanied by an AST supplement or placebo capsule, and a 1-hour rest period. One hour after taking the supplement capsule, participants performed a 5-minute cycling warm-up on a human motion platform designed by the PI's laboratory, followed by a single 60-minute cycling exercise at 70% VO2max, maintaining a cadence of 60 rpm throughout. After completing the exercise challenge, participants consumed a meal (60% carbohydrates, 25% fat, 15% protein) tailored to their body weight. Then, 3 hours into the recovery period, they underwent an anaerobic power test and a subsequent exercise-to-exhaustion (Time to Exhaustion, TTE) challenge at 75% VO2max, with exercise performance times recorded. Additionally, blood and gas samples were collected before the first cycling challenge, at the 30-minute mark during the challenge, immediately after exercise, every hour during the recovery period, and after the subsequent exercise-to-exhaustion test. Following a brief recovery period (3 hours), participants performed a 30-second anaerobic power test. After a 5-minute rest, they proceeded to a 75% cycling test to exhaustion. The experimental design included administering the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire before and after each exercise challenge to assess participants' emotional tendencies during exercise. The experimental procedures and exercise performance tests for both trials were identical to those described above.
Year 2: This study employs a randomized, single-blind, crossover design. Participants will be randomly assigned to groups to receive either an AST supplement or a placebo (12 mg/day) for 4 weeks, and you will not know whether you have been assigned to the supplement or placebo group. After the first trial is completed for each group, there will be an 8-week washout period, after which the two groups will switch places to conduct the second trial. This simulated badminton competition consists of 5 matches over 5 consecutive days, with a 24-hour rest period between each match. All participants will follow a controlled diet for 3 days prior to the simulated badminton competition trial. Participants will fast starting 12 hours before the day of the simulated competition. They will report to the laboratory at 7:00 AM on the day of the test for body composition measurements, followed by consumption of a light meal (300 kcal) paired with an AST capsule or placebo. After a 3-hour rest period, the first blood draw will be performed, followed by a badminton-specific warm-up (15 minutes). Following the research assistant's instructions, participants first performed a badminton-specific warm-up for 10 to 15 minutes. Subsequently, in accordance with the latest international competition format "3 x 21-point system" established by the Badminton World Federation (Badminton World Federation, BWF) in 2006, participants were paired up to complete a simulated badminton match using the "3 x 21-point system," with a 1-minute-30-second rest period before the start of the next game. Participants were allowed to hydrate during the simulated badminton matches. Finally, to better simulate the scenario where badminton players may need to prepare for the next match immediately after completing one, the final aerobic capacity test involved a badminton-specific incremental endurance test. Participants were allowed to stop the test upon reaching exercise exhaustion, and the total exercise duration and power output were recorded. The experimental procedures and performance assessment items for both trials were the same as described above. Sport-specific physical performance assessments included upper-body grip strength, the Counter Movement Jump (CMJ), and 10-second anaerobic power.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Quadruple blind (participant, care provider, investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- 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.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Placebo | Placebo comparator | Other: Placebo, Other: Astaxanthin120 mg of MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acids) and a small amount of caramel food coloring as fillers. |
| AST | Experimental | Other: Placebo, Other: AstaxanthinEach AST capsule contains 4 mg of astaxanthin extracted from natural algae and 120 mg of MUFA |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- 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).
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- chronic diseases, such as heart disease or hypertension, drinking habits and severe lower limb musculoskeletal injuries within the past six months.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| PlaceboSupplemented with placebo for 4 weeks | Other | AST, Placebo |
| AstaxanthinSupplemented with Astaxanthin (AST) for 4 weeks (12 mg/day, AstaReal®, Sweden) | Other | AST, Placebo |
Primary outcome
Badminton specific incremental endurance test
Time frame: Baseline,week 1 end of 4-week supplementation period
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
29 secondary outcomes
Upper Limb Grip Strength
Time frame: Baseline, and before and after the simulated badminton matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.
Countermovement jump, CMJ
Time frame: Baseline, and before and after the simulated badminton matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.
Agility T test
Time frame: Baseline, and before and after the simulated badminton matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.
Star Excursion Balance Test, SEBT
Time frame: Baseline, and before and after the simulated badminton matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.
Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Activity
Time frame: Baseline; and after game 1, game 2, and game 3 of the simulated matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.
Malondialdehyde (MDA) Levels
Time frame: Baseline; and after game 1, game 2, and game 3 of the simulated matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.
Serum Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Concentration
Time frame: Baseline; and after game 1, game 2, and game 3 of the simulated matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.
Serum Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) Concentration
Time frame: Baseline; and after game 1, game 2, and game 3 of the simulated matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.
Serum Creatine Kinase (CK) Concentration
Time frame: Baseline; and after game 1, game 2, and game 3 of the simulated matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.
High-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein, hs-CRP
Time frame: Baseline; and after game 1, game 2, and game 3 of the simulated matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.
Interleukin-1 beta, IL-1β
Time frame: Baseline; and after game 1, game 2, and game 3 of the simulated matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.
Interleukin-10, IL-10
Time frame: Baseline; and after game 1, game 2, and game 3 of the simulated matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.
Uric Acid (UA) Levels
Time frame: Baseline; and after game 1, game 2, and game 3 of the simulated matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Activity
Time frame: Baseline; and after game 1, game 2, and game 3 of the simulated matches in week 1 and weeks 2-4.
Profile of Mood States (POMS) - Vigor Subscale Score
Time frame: Measured immediately after simulated badminton match.
Profile of Mood States (POMS) - Self-esteem Subscale Score
Time frame: Measured immediately after simulated badminton match.
Profile of Mood States (POMS) - Tension Subscale Score
Time frame: Measured immediately after simulated badminton match.
Profile of Mood States (POMS) - Confusion Subscale Score
Time frame: Measured immediately after simulated badminton match.
Profile of Mood States (POMS) - Anger Subscale Score
Time frame: Measured immediately after simulated badminton match.
Profile of Mood States (POMS) - Fatigue Subscale Score
Time frame: Measured immediately after simulated badminton match.
Profile of Mood States (POMS) - Depression Subscale Score
Time frame: Measured immediately after simulated badminton match.
Anaerobic Peak Power
Time frame: Measured before and after each simulated badminton match.
Relative Anaerobic Peak Power
Time frame: Measured before and after each simulated badminton match.
Absolute Mean Power / Total Work
Time frame: Measured before and after each simulated badminton match.
Relative Anaerobic Mean Power
Time frame: Measured before and after each simulated badminton match.
Time to Peak Anaerobic Power
Time frame: Measured before and after each simulated badminton match.
Maximum Heart Rate
Time frame: Continuous measurement throughout the 3-game simulated match (data extracted post-match).
Mean Heart Rate
Time frame: Continuous measurement throughout the 3-game simulated match (data extracted post-match).
Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE)
Time frame: Measured immediately at the end of Game 1, Game 2, and Game 3 during the simulated match.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 10 Aug 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Jung-Piao Tsao study chair
China Medical University, China
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Astaxanthin in people with Healthy, run by China Medical University Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Taiwan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Badminton specific incremental endurance test (time frame: Baseline,week 1 end of 4-week supplementation period). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 10 Aug 2026.