Short-Term Rhodiola Rosea for Anaerobic Performance and Cognitive Function in Resistance-Trained Adults

This study will evaluate whether 7 days of Rhodiola rosea (golden root) supplementation can improve resistance-exercise performance and cognitive function in resistance-trained men and women. Participants will complete four 7-day periods in a randomized, double-blind, crossover order: (1) no-capsule control, (2) placebo, (3) low-dose Rhodiola rosea, and (4) high-dose Rhodiola rosea. On day 7 of each period, they will report to the laboratory for performance testing that includes bench press and leg press 1-repetition maximum (1RM), a third set to failure at 60% 1RM, Tendo-derived mean and peak power, a 30-second Wingate test, and the paper-and-pencil Stroop Color-Word Test for executive function. Secondary outcomes include ratings of perceived exertion, readiness to perform (visual analog scale), and heart rate and blood pressure measured at rest and 1 minute after exercise. The central hypothesis is that short-term Rhodiola rosea, compared with control and placebo, will produce small but measurable improvements in strength, set-to-failure volume, and Stroop performance, with minimal changes in hemodynamics.