Rhodiola crenulata has been traditionally used in various regions, particularly in Tibet and China, to enhance physical endurance and combat fatigue. More recently, scientific studies have investigated its potential as an adaptogen to support athletic performance and exercise recovery. The primary active compounds, such as salidroside and rosavin, are believed to modulate stress responses, reduce fatigue, and improve energy metabolism.

Several clinical trials and animal studies have assessed the efficacy of Rhodiola species (most often Rhodiola rosea, but R. crenulata is chemically similar) in improving exercise performance. Some studies report that supplementation can reduce perceived exertion, decrease markers of muscle damage, and slightly improve endurance capacity. For example, randomized controlled trials in healthy adults have shown modest improvements in time-to-exhaustion and reductions in fatigue compared to placebo. The adaptogenic effects are thought to be related to improved mitochondrial function and reduced oxidative stress.

However, the overall quality of evidence is moderate. Study sizes are generally small, and some have methodological limitations. Meta-analyses suggest that while there is some benefit, the effects are not large or consistent across all populations or athletic measures. Thus, scientific support exists for Rhodiola crenulata as an exercise aid, but the evidence is not robust enough for strong recommendations.