Clinical Research Directory

The Combined Effects of Cordyceps and Fartlek Training on Muscle Recovery and Bone Health in Soccer Players

Purpose of the Study:This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of combining Cordyceps supplementation and fartlek training as a recovery and performance enhancement strategy for soccer players. Muscle injuries often occur when athletes train intensely without adequate recovery. Cordyceps contains bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, while Fartlek training is designed to improve cardiovascular endurance. This study analyses how this combination affects both the physiological recovery and physical performance of soccer players. Research Question: Does the combination of Cordyceps supplementation and Fartlek training effectively reduce muscle damage, decrease oxidative stress, promote bone metabolism, and improve cardiorespiratory fitness in soccer players? Methodology and Biomarkers: To answer this question, the study evaluates specific physiological indicators from the participants' blood samples and physical tests. Muscle damage and recovery are assessed through creatine kinase (CK), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10). Oxidative stress levels are monitored using superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Bone metabolism and health are measured via bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and osteocalcin (OST). Additionally, improvements in the athletes' aerobic capacity and overall physical performance are determined by measuring their maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂max).

Bone Metabolism in Patients Treated With 3d Printed Aligners Versus Thermoformed Aligners

Background: Orthodontic forces induce tissue reactions by triggering perturbations from orthodontic appliances, which lead to the modelling and remodelling of alveolar bone. Despite the growing popularity of 3D-printed aligners, no studies have compared their effects on bone metabolism in comparison with thermoformed aligners. Aim: This study aims to assess bone metabolism in patients undergoing treatment with 3D-printed aligners versus thermoformed aligners.

Effect of Dairy Protein Yogourt vs Plant-based Yogourt on Body Weight, Body Composition, Bone Health and Gut Microbiota

The consumption of an adequate quantity of protein in the diet is essential to maintain a healthy body composition and functioning. It is also well established that all proteins are not equal regarding their ability to promote health benefits. Recently, we have innovated in that matter by showing that under the context of high intake of dietary fat, the dairy protein casein was more effective than a mix of proteins representative of a western diet to prevent body weight gain and insulin resistance. This was explained in part by modifications of the gut microbiota. This finding represents the main conceptual basis of the present research program that is aimed to determine the impact of dairy protein from yogurt compared to a plant-based equivalent on body composition indicators including muscle mass and bone mineral density, in relation to the profile of the gut microbiota, the production of newly discovered protein-derived metabolites, and markers of metabolic health. This program will include a human and an animal component requiring the testing of these variables before and after a standardized intervention. The human component will be a clinical study consisting of a 12-week diet-based weight loss intervention in postmenopausal overweight women being randomly assigned to one of the three following groups: yogurt, plant-based yogurt, or kept on diet without supplements. The animal experimentation will permit to causally determine the implication of the gut microbiota in the protein effects following transfer of the human bacteria to germ free mice and validate the benefits seen in humans. It is anticipated that these two complementary investigative approaches will allow a thorough documentation of the impact of fermented dairy protein on body composition and functioning, a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms, and the identification of new biomarkers to better appreciate related health benefits.

Bone Metabolism in Premenopausal Exercising Women

The main goal of this study is to examine how sex hormones and low energy availability affect the concentrations of bone remodelling markers at rest and after a running protocol. The research questions to be addressed are: 1: Does the ovarian hormone profile influence serum bone marker concentrations in women exercising resting and in response to to exercise? 2\. Are there differences in response to low energy availability in bone marker concentrations between eumenorrhoeic female athletes and oral contraceptive users? 3: Is the response of bone markers affected by different exercise stimuli: endurance or aerobic endurance? 4: Do bone markers return to baseline levels after 24 hours of high energy availability diet after 6 days of low energy availability?