Effect of KA-EX Supplementation on Recovery Parameters in High-Level Young Football Players

Background and Rationale: Post-exercise recovery is a critical determinant of performance and adaptation in high-level football players. Insufficient recovery can lead to decreased physical readiness and increased risk of injury. KA-EX is a nutritional supplement containing a complex of amino acids, electrolytes, and functional sugars designed to support metabolic and physiological recovery. This study aims to investigate its efficacy in a real-world elite training environment.

Study Objectives: The primary objective is to evaluate the effect of KA-EX supplementation on physiological recovery parameters (HRV). Secondary objectives include assessing the impact on sleep recovery indices, changes in body composition (via DEXA), and cellular health parameters (via BIA).

Methodology and Design: This is an experimental, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Participants: 25 male players from the Udine Primavera team (Italy). Intervention: Participants will be randomly assigned to an experimental group (KA-EX) or a control group (placebo). The products will be identical in appearance, taste, and packaging to ensure blinding.

Duration: The intervention will last for 2 months, typically following the pre-season period.

Procedures:

Baseline Assessment: Participants will undergo initial DEXA scans, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA 101), and anthropometric measurements. Monitoring with Garmin devices will be initiated.

Intervention Phase: Supplements or placebos will be administered immediately after every training session. Recovery variables (HRV and sleep) will be continuously monitored using Garmin algorithms.

Final Assessment: At the end of the 2-month period, DEXA, BIA, and anthropometric measurements will be repeated to evaluate longitudinal changes.

Statistical Analysis: Within-group and between-group differences will be analyzed to compare the magnitude of change from baseline to post-intervention. Temporal evolution of recovery metrics throughout the 8-week period will also be assessed.

• KA-EX (Dietary supplement): Powder sachet to be dissolved in water. Contains a patented complex of amino acids, electrolytes, and carbohydrates designed to normalize cortisol and support recovery.
• Experimental: KA-EX Supplement (Dietary supplement): Powder sachet with identical organoleptic characteristics but without the active recovery ingredients of KA-EX.

Primary outcomes

• Change from Baseline in Heart Rate Variability (rMSSD) [Baseline and daily for 8 weeks.]: Autonomic recovery assessed as Root Mean Square of Successive Differences (rMSSD) during nocturnal sleep via Garmin wearable devices. Higher values indicate better parasympathetic recovery.

Secondary outcomes

• Change from Baseline in Sleep Score [Daily for 8 weeks.]: Overall sleep quality score calculated by Garmin's proprietary algorithm based on sleep duration, REM, and deep sleep cycles.
• Change from Baseline in Recovery Readiness Index [Daily for 8 weeks.]: Daily readiness score (Body Battery) obtained via Garmin wearable algorithm. Scores range from 0 to 100; higher scores indicate greater physical readiness for training.
• Body Composition [8 weeks.]: Body composition assessed at week 8. Lower values indicate reduction

Sex: Male, ages: 17 Years to 20 Years, accepts healthy volunteers

Inclusion Criteria:

* Membership of the Udine Primavera team at the time of the study. Regular participation in the training programme during the intervention period (September).

Provision of written informed consent to participate in the study. Willingness to use a Garmin wearable device for continuous monitoring of recovery variables.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of any injury or medical condition that limits normal participation in team training sessions.

Use of any other recovery supplements or ergogenic aids outside of the study protocol during the intervention period.

Failure to comply with the daily supplementation protocol or the scheduled assessment sessions (DEXA/BIA).

• Results publication: ClinicalTrials.gov. Individual Participant Data Sharing Plan Definitions. 2026.
• Results publication: International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). Clinical Trials Registration Policy. 2024.