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Alma College
Informed Consent Form
Title: The Effect of Cordyceps sinensis Supplementation on Anaerobic Muscle Power Output
Principle Investigators:
Introduction/Purpose:
You are being asked to voluntarily participate in a research project investigating the effect of
supplementation of Cordyceps sinensis on anaerobic muscle power output. You have been
approached to participate in this study because you are an Alma College student.
Procedure:
This project will consist of baseline testing followed by seven days of Cordyceps sinensis
supplementation. Cordyceps sinensis is a fungus native to the Himalayan Mountains. It has been
used for thousands of years as a natural medicine and ergogenic aid. If you are selected to be a
part of the experimental group, you will ingest 525 mg capsules of Cordyceps sinensis three times
per day for seven days; if you are selected to be a part of the control group, you will ingest
placebo capsules (powered saccharin) three times per day for seven days. The total time of your
involvement in this project will be will be less than ten days. At the beginning of this project, you
will be asked to complete four tests that will measure lower-body muscle power. This will include
a vertical jump test, Margaria Kalamen Stair test, Isokinetic Dynamometer Torque test, and a
maximal effort thirty-second Wingate test. These tests will include vertical jumping, sprinting up
a flight of stairs, performing maximal contractions of the quadriceps and hamstrings muscles, and
cycling against resistance at maximal effort. These testing procedures will all require short-term
maximal effort. Also, you will be asked to perform each of these tests twice—once at the
beginning of the project, and once at the conclusion of the seven days of supplementation. You
will be asked to refrain from any moderate to vigorous exercise for the duration of the project.
Risks:
If you have a heart or lung condition, or another condition that disallows you to perform vigorous
exercise, you should not participate in this study. The procedures performed in this study will
cause an elevated heart rate and blood pressure. Those with extreme exercise intolerance are
encouraged not to participate. This study will require you to perform maximal leg muscle
contractions that could result in muscle cramping and/or muscle injury. That said, all necessary
precautions will be taken to ensure your safety throughout the duration of the experiment. The
supplement that you will be asked to ingest contains all of the essential amino acids, vitamins E
and K, and the water-soluble vitamins B1, B2, and B12. In addition, it contains many sugars,
including mono-, di-, and oligosaccharides, and many complex polysaccharides, proteins, sterols,
nucleosides, and macro- and microelements (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Pi, Se, Al, Si, Ni,
Sr, Ti, Cr, Ga, V, and Zr). This supplement contains small amounts of Adenosine and Cordycepin
(an adenosine variant), an alpha-receptor agonists that is known to cause vasodilation and
bronchoconstriction. Thus, if you have any pulmonary condition, please do not participate in this
study. Also, if you are a woman who is pregnant, or if you think you may be or will become
pregnant during the course of the study, you should not participate. There is little information on
the effects of Cs on women during pregnancy. If you are on immunosuppressant medications
including steroids, you should not participate in this study. Cordyceps sinensis has been shown to
increase immune activity, and will make these medications less effective. If you have any doubts
on the above listed information, consult with your doctor to make sure that you will be able to
participate.
Benefits:
The possible benefits you may gain by participating in this study are an increased knowledge of
the testing procedures of muscle power. Also, you may gain understanding of the physiological
basis of these procedures. For this reason, you are encouraged to ask any questions related to the
study at any time. In addition, you may incur an increase in muscle power as a result of
Cordyceps sinensis supplementation. Also, Cordyceps sinensis supplementation has been shown
to have other beneficial effects including improved blood flow and improved immune function.
Confidentiality:
By signing this form, you are giving permission for the study investigator to review the
information regarding your participation in the study. All data associated with your participation
in this study will be kept confidential and will be kept in a locked file cabinet and password
protected computer. Your name will be replaced by pseudonyms when data are analyzed and
disseminated, thus you will not be identified by your name at all. Only grouped data will be
reported.
In the event that injury occurs as a result of this research, medical treatment will be available.
However, you will not be provided with reimbursement for medical care other than your
insurance carrier may provide, nor will you receive other compensation. Alma College has made
no provision for payment of costs associated with any injury resulting from participation in this
study. For more information concerning the research and research related risks or injuries, you
may contact ________________, the investigator in charge at:
Voluntary Participation/Withdrawal:
Participation in this study is strictly voluntary. If at any time you feel it necessary, you may
withdraw from this investigation. Your decision to participate or not will have no effect on your
current or future interaction with the investigators.
Contact Persons:
To make inquiries concerning this study or if you have questions or concerns about your rights as
a participant in this research, you may contact:
A copy of this consent will be given to you.
Your signature below indicates that you consent to volunteer for this study.
Patient/Subject
Date
Principal Investigator
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