Overall exercise performance (pooled composite)

Method

Multi-level pooled standardised effect (Hedges g or standardised mean difference) computed across whatever exercise tests the primary trials used - aerobic, anaerobic and resistance - with each contributing test sign-aligned by the review authors so that a positive value favours the intervention. The constituent test types and the sign-alignment rule are recorded on the edge.

The method is part of the endpoint identity. Studies measuring the same quantity by a different method are held as separate endpoints.

Notes

A statistical construct, not an instrument, and the weakest evidence form in the exercise set - it must never outrank a component node. It contains CAT:outcome/time-trial-performance, CAT:outcome/time-to-exhaustion, CAT:outcome/peak-power-output and CAT:outcome/1rm-strength as members, so an edge on this plus an edge on any member from the same review is one observation counted twice. Its members have OPPOSITE SIGN CONVENTIONS in raw units - times that fall and powers that rise both become positive g - so the pooled direction is only interpretable if the review states its alignment rule; where it does not, the direction is unverified.

Findings

1 finding from 1 compound, strongest first.

• Withania somnifera — increases

  AWell establishedGrade A, Well established. Replicated human trial evidence, consistent direction.Finding

  “The three-level random-effects model showed that oral ashwagandha supplementation was associated with improved overall exercise performance (Hedges’ g = 0.47, 95% CI [0.25, 0.69], p < 0.001; I2 = 60%; 95% prediction interval [−0.40, 1.33]; moderate certainty).”

  Study

  meta-analysis

  Participants

  599

  Dose

  pooled: extract doses of 500, 600 or 1000 mg/day, plus one trial using a 12 g/day co-administered whole preparation with milk

  Population

  healthy or physically active young adults and athletes in 13 randomised controlled trials, one late-adolescent athlete cohort included

  Effect 0.47 standardised mean difference, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.69

  Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) Supplementation on Exercise Performance: A Systematic Review and Three-Level Meta-Analysis.2026PMID:42356302