Effect of a Supplement Containing Olive Leaf Extract and Vitamins on Performance of Male Elite Cyclists

The study focuses on olive leaf extract, particularly its active component, Oleuropein, which has shown promise in enhancing energy metabolism and muscle performance in previous studies. Despite the existing evidence on the individual effects of olive leaf extract and various vitamins, there is a lack of data on their combined effects, especially in elite athletes. Therefore, the study aims to assess whether this supplement can positively influence perceived endurance, performance, mood, vitality, and fatigue during intensive training. The study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving up to 40 male professional cyclists aged 21 to 36 years. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the test group, receiving the supplement, or the placebo group. The study will unfold over a 10-day period, including a baseline phase without the supplement and an intervention phase where participants will consume the product before training sessions. The primary objective is to demonstrate that the supplement positively affects perceived endurance compared to a placebo. The primary endpoint will measure differences in average perceived endurance over three days of intense training. Secondary objectives include evaluating the effects of the supplement on perceived performance, mood, alertness, and physiological metrics (heart rate, power, cadence, and speed). Participants will fill out questionnaires to assess their perceived endurance, performance, and mood before and after training sessions. Data on physiological performance will be collected through devices monitoring heart rate and other metrics. The study will employ mixed generalized linear regression models for statistical analysis, with a focus on superiority testing. The study poses minimal risk to participants, as the investigational products have been previously tested for safety. No direct health benefits are anticipated from participation, but the research may contribute valuable insight