Clinical Research Directory

Individualized Versus Non-Individualized Resistance Training

Preserving functional ability is crucial for healthy aging. Unfortunately, age-related decreases in muscle power often lead to declines in functional ability. As power is the product of force and velocity, decreases in power can originate from changes in muscle force, contraction velocity, or both, varying between individuals. The primary method to prevent functional disability is power-based resistance training. Although training interventions are effective for most older adults, they do not induce substantial improvements in a subset of the population. These inconsistent outcomes may arise from neglecting the observed differences in the force-velocity (F-V) profiles between individuals. Therefore, this study provides a novel approach to resistance exercise, in which exercise dose is tailored according to the individual's F-V profile. The effectiveness of the tailored method will be assessed in a randomized control trial, comparing the effects of an individualized and a non-individualized 12-week training intervention on muscle power parameters and functional ability.

Adaptations in the Biceps Brachii Muscles to Different Modalities of Resistance Training

This study examined how two types of resistance training affect the biceps muscle over six weeks in healthy young men. Participants performed either low-repetition, heavy-load training designed to improve maximal strength or high-repetition training designed to improve muscular endurance. Training was supervised and performed twice weekly. Researchers measured arm strength and muscular endurance before and after training. They also collected small samples of biceps muscle tissue to examine muscle-fibre characteristics and changes in muscle proteins. These protein measurements were intended to identify early changes in muscle that may occur before visible changes in muscle size or measurable improvements in performance. The study found no clear differences between the two training approaches in strength, endurance, muscle-fibre size, or muscle-fibre type after six weeks. However, the two programs were associated with different patterns of change in muscle proteins. These findings may help researchers understand the early biological processes through which different types of resistance exercise affect skeletal muscle. This was a small exploratory study, so the results may not apply to other populations or longer training programs.

Effects of Exercise Training on Posture, Pain, and Sleep Quality in Esports Players

This study aimed to investigate the effects of an eight-week exercise training program on posture, pain, and sleep quality in esports players. Esports players were randomly assigned to an exercise group or a control group. Participants in the exercise group performed a home-based exercise program consisting of postural exercises, stretching, spinal mobility exercises, and breathing exercises. The control group did not receive structured exercise training. Both groups received recommendations regarding ergonomic sitting posture and physical activity. Posture, pain, disability related to neck and low back pain, and sleep quality were assessed at baseline and after eight weeks using the New York Posture Rating Chart, Visual Analog Scale, Neck Disability Index, Oswestry Disability Index, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.

Comparison Between Eccentric Hamstring Training and Sprint-Specific Training

The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of an intensity-, volume-, and time under tension-matched eccentric hamstring exercise intervention with the Romanian deadlift (RDL) and the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) to a sprint-specific training program on hamstring muscle architecture, volume, sprint performance, strength, and power. Participants will be assigned to complete one of the 3 hamstring interventions for 10 weeks.

Effects of Chronic Exercise on Hormonal and Mineral Biomarkers in Male University Students

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program on hormonal and mineral biomarkers and aerobic fitness in male university students. The study aims to determine whether HIIT improves hormonal biomarkers, including testosterone, cortisol, the testosterone-to-cortisol ratio, and growth hormone (GH), as well as mineral metabolism biomarkers, including parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25-hydroxyvitamin D \[25(OH)D\], calcium, and phosphate. Participants will be assigned to either a HIIT group or a non-training control group. The HIIT group completed three sessions per week for 9 weeks, alternating 30-second runs at high-intensity and low-intensity. The control group did not participate in the training intervention and maintained its usual daily activities.

Cluster Training With Blood Flow Restriction in Competitive 200-m Freestyle Swimmers

This study evaluated the effects of adding individualized blood flow restriction (BFR) to cluster resistance training on swimming performance, physical fitness, and selected circulating growth factors in competitive swimmers. Forty competitive swimmers participated in a matched, non-randomized controlled intervention involving two groups (20 participants per group). The experimental group performed cluster resistance training combined with individualized BFR, whereas the control group completed the same training program without BFR. The intervention lasted 10 weeks, comprising five supervised training sessions per week (50 sessions in total). Each 100-minute session included a 15-minute warm-up, 30 minutes of dry-land cluster resistance training, 50 minutes of swimming-specific training, and a 5-minute cool-down. Dry-land resistance exercises were performed at 60-70% of one-repetition maximum (1RM). BFR pressure was individualized to 50% of arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) for the upper limbs and 60% for the lower limbs. Swimming training intensity was prescribed according to individual maximal heart rate (HRmax). The primary outcome was the change in 200-m freestyle swimming performance time from baseline to the end of the 10-week intervention. Secondary outcomes included standing long jump performance, mean 50-m split time during a continuous maximal 150-m swim, cadence-controlled Burpee repetitions, and resting serum concentrations of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A). The study investigated whether individualized BFR combined with cluster resistance training was associated with greater improvements in swimming performance and physiological responses compared with cluster resistance training alone.

Home-Based High-Intensity Interval Training in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause persistent fatigue, muscle pain, reduced physical function, and impaired quality of life, even when the disease is otherwise clinically stable. The biological mechanisms contributing to these symptoms are not fully understood. Abnormal energy production within skeletal muscle and increased fat accumulation within the muscle may contribute to fatigue and reduced physical performance in people with SLE. This pilot study will evaluate the effects of a 16-week personalized, home-based exercise program in 20 adults with stable SLE and clinically significant fatigue. The program will include three exercise sessions per week: bodyweight high-intensity interval training, strength training, and walking-based interval training. Sessions will be adapted to each participant's fitness, mobility, symptoms, and exercise tolerance. Some sessions will be supervised remotely by video, while others will be completed independently using personalized recorded instructions. Participants will undergo assessments before and after the 16-week program. These assessments will examine skeletal muscle mitochondrial function, fat accumulation within the thigh muscles, physical performance, fatigue, quality of life, and blood-based markers of mitochondrial function and inflammation. The study will help determine whether a personalized home-based exercise program can improve muscle health and physical function in people with SLE and will provide information needed to design larger future studies.

The Effect of Olive Leaf Extract Supplementation on Training-induced Skeletal Muscle Functional and Molecular Adaptations in Healthy Volunteers

The goal of this study is to investigate the effect of combining olive leaf extract supplementation with endurance training (moderate intensity continuous training or sprint interval training). We hypothesize that OLE supplementation during training, as compared to training alone with placebo, will translate into better performance outcomes. More specifically, we hypothesize that the additional benefits of OLE supplementation on performance will be mediated by improved mitochondrial characteristics in skeletal muscle and increased neural activation.

HIIT Versus High-Volume Training in Competitive Para Swimmers

This study compared the effects of four weeks of reduced-volume high-intensity interval training and higher-volume moderate-intensity swimming training on repeated-sprint ability, physiological responses, and body composition in competitive para swimmers. Twenty-four national-level swimmers representing World Para Swimming sport classes S5-S10 and S14 were randomly allocated to one of the two training interventions by drawing sealed group assignments. Both groups completed two supervised sessions per week for four weeks. Repeated-sprint ability was assessed before and after the intervention using eight maximal 15-m freestyle sprints.

Effect of Aronia Supplementation on the LPS-CD14-TLR2/4 Axis in Football Players

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will investigate the effects of 8-week Aronia melanocarpa supplementation on exercise-induced activation of the LPS-LBP-CD14-TLR2/TLR4 axis in trained male football players. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Aronia melanocarpa supplementation or placebo. Exercise testing will be performed before and after the 8-week intervention, with blood samples collected before, immediately after, and 1 hour after exercise. The study will assess circulating markers of endotoxemia and innate immune activation (LPS, LBP, sCD14, sTLR2, and sTLR4), TLR2 and TLR4 expression on monocyte subsets using flow cytometry, and TLR2 and TLR4 gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The study aims to determine whether Aronia melanocarpa supplementation modulates the immune response to high-intensity intermittent exercise in football players.

Adaptive Self-Efficacy-Based AI Coaching for Cycling

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate whether adaptive, AI-delivered personalized self-efficacy-based AI coaching based on real-time physiological and performance feedback enhance indoor cycling power output during a 20-minute time trial compared to static affirmations and exercise-only control conditions.

The Effect of a Single Training Session on Changes in Inflammatory, Hormonal, and Metabolic Markers in Athletes

The study aims to assess the acute response of wrestlers to a single training session. Short-term changes in inflammatory, hormonal, and metabolic markers are analyzed to assess fatigue development and recovery following intense exercise. Participation in the study involves completing a standard training session and providing blood samples at three time points to assess the physiological response. The results provide a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying adaptation to exercise in competitive wrestlers.

Exercise Approaches and Physical Activity Level in Inactive Adults

This randomized, controlled, single-blind study aims to compare the effects of different exercise approaches on physical activity level and health-related outcomes in inactive adults. Thirty inactive individuals aged 18-35 years will be randomly assigned to supervised face-to-face group exercise, mobile application-based exercise, or video-based home exercise. Exercise programs will be performed three days per week for eight weeks and will include aerobic, strengthening, and flexibility exercises.

Effects of Orthosis & Exercise on Spondylolisthesis

In the treatment of spondylolisthesis, conservative methods are initially preferred unless severe neurological symptoms are present; surgical treatment is only performed in refractory cases lasting at least 3-6 months. Conservative treatment consists of orthotic use, activity restriction, pain control, physiotherapy and exercise. Orthotics may promote healing by restricting movement; however, there are not enough studies on this subject. Exercise is the intervention with the highest level of evidence in chronic low back pain. The efficacy of stabilisation exercises in providing positive and long-lasting effects on pain and functional disability in patients with spondylolisthesis has been demonstrated. However, studies evaluating the effect of exercise on spinal stability and radiological findings are limited. Therefore, this study aims to compare the effects of stabilization and conventional exercises with orthosis on radiographic findings, pain, physical function and quality of life.

Parkinson Ballroom Fitness: The Impact of Personalized Dance on Motor- and Nonmotor Symptoms in People With Parkinson's

Parkinson Ballroom-Fitness (PB-Fit) is a group-based dance program developed for people with Parkinson's disease. Through music and movement at three different levels (seated, standing, and walking), participants work on balance, gait, strength, and coordination, while also experiencing joy, social connection, and renewed vitality. The purpose of the present research project is to investigate whether seven weeks of PB-Fit training can improve gait and balance and enhance well-being and quality of life, and whether any effects are maintained twelve weeks after the intervention ends. The study is a randomized controlled trial with approximately forty participants and is conducted in collaboration with the Danish Parkinson's Association. The PB-Fit program is based on dance styles such as waltz, swing, and Latin, and is individually adapted. Training takes place in small groups, where participants learn basic steps and work with both motor and cognitive challenges. The program is evidence-informed but lacks quantitative evaluation, which is the aim of this study. PB-Fit is more than training-it is a community rooted in music, smiles, and meaningful relationships, where people with Parkinson's disease, regardless of functional level, are given the opportunity to experience joy, strength, and hope. This was clearly illustrated in the TV2 documentary "As Long as We Dance," in which several participants on the trip to Mallorca described their enthusiasm and the meaningfulness of PB-Fit. The study is led by Associate Professor Martin Langeskov Christensen, PhD (Regional Hospital Viborg), in collaboration with Aarhus University and dance instructor Elisabeth Dalsgaard. The results will be published in an international scientific journal and shared with both professionals and participants.

Exercise-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation for Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction (EMPOWER-HFpEF)

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a common condition among older adults. It is associated with frequent hospitalizations, impaired functional capacity, reduced quality of life, and high healthcare utilization. Despite recent advances in pharmacological therapy, many patients continue to experience recurrent clinical deterioration and functional decline. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation has demonstrated benefits in improving physical performance and quality of life. Still, its effect on long-term clinical outcomes in patients with high-risk HFpEF has not been established. The EMPOWER-HFpEF study is a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial designed to evaluate whether an early, individualized, multimodal exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation program improves clinical outcomes compared with usual care in patients with HFpEF. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either usual care alone or usual care plus a structured 12-month exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation program. The intervention includes an initial 6-month supervised phase, followed by a 6-month hybrid phase combining supervised sessions with structured home- or community-based exercise to promote long-term adherence and maintenance of physical activity. The primary objective is to determine whether this rehabilitation strategy reduces adverse clinical outcomes, including all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalizations, all-cause hospitalizations, and outpatient heart failure decompensation, while improving functional capacity and health-related quality of life over 12 months. The results of this study will provide evidence on the effectiveness of a long-term multimodal exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation program as part of the comprehensive management of patients with HFpEF.

Effects of Policosanol and Exercise on Fitness and Lipids in People With Elevated Blood Lipids

This study will evaluate the effects of policosanol supplementation, concurrent exercise training, and their combination on physical fitness, muscle recovery, inflammatory markers, and blood lipid profiles in adults with elevated blood lipids who are not currently indicated for lipid-lowering medication. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups for 12 weeks: policosanol plus exercise training, policosanol alone, placebo plus exercise training, or placebo without structured exercise training. Participants assigned to the supplementation groups will take policosanol 5 mg per day, while those assigned to the placebo groups will take a matching placebo. Participants assigned to the exercise groups will complete a standardized concurrent exercise training program combining aerobic and resistance exercise. The study will compare changes in physical fitness, lipid profiles, and selected blood biomarkers before and after the intervention. The findings may help determine whether low-dose policosanol, alone or combined with exercise training, can support cardiometabolic health and physical fitness in adults with dyslipidemia.

A Behavioral Digital Intervention For Parkinson's Disease

The goal of this interventional, quasi-experimental study is to evaluate whether a digital dual-task exercise and behavioral program can improve physical activity and influence patient-reported outcomes in people with Parkinson's disease. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Is the MOVE ON UP digital intervention feasible and acceptable, based on recruitment, retention, adherence, and safety? 2. Does participation in the program lead to increased physical activity levels? 3. Does the intervention produce exploratory improvements in patient-reported outcomes such as motor symptoms, balance confidence, and quality of life? Because the study includes a comparison group, researchers will compare participants receiving the MOVE ON UP digital intervention with participants receiving usual care to determine whether the digital program produces measurable behavioral and functional changes. Participants will: 1. Complete baseline and post-intervention assessments of physical activity and patient-reported outcomes. 2. Engage in an 8-week digital dual-task exercise program, including: 2.1 Structured dual-task exercise sessions delivered digitally. 2.2 Educational content related to Parkinson's disease and physical activity. 2.3 Behavioral support elements informed by the COM-B model. 3. Use the digital platform to follow the program and complete follow-up questionnaires.

VIRTUAL REALITY TRAINING AFTER THORACIC SURGERY

This study aims to investigate the effects of virtual reality-based exercise training after thoracic surgery. Participants undergoing lung resection surgery will be assigned to either a virtual reality exercise training group or a control group receiving standard care. Physical function, pulmonary function, exercise capacity, dyspnea, anxiety, depression, and quality of life will be evaluated before and after the intervention. The findings may help determine whether virtual reality-assisted exercise training improves postoperative recovery in patients undergoing thoracic surgery.

Effects of Mobilization Using a Powered Lower-limb Exoskeleton With Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation

This study aims to evaluate the effects of powered lower-limb exoskeleton-assisted training on lower limb strength, respiratory parameters, 28-day ventilator-free days, and length of hospital stay in patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation admitted to a Respiratory Care Center. The goal is to provide clinical evidence for integrating rehabilitation and respiratory care in this patient population.

The Impact of Enhanced Music & Natural Visuals on Emotional Health

The investigators are conducting research on factors related to the self-regulation of mood and arousal states across a range of everyday activities as well as different levels of stress. Behavioral interventions-such as meditation, listening to music, or visualizing art or nature-offer important alternatives and/or adjunctive strategies to pharmaceutical tools or other mechanisms supporting physical and emotional well-being. This research will expand on the knowledge base regarding the impact of biophysical stimulation and/or frame of mind on an individual's self-directed management of physical and emotional health. Motivation, confidence, and composure are critical aspects of self-efficacy, framing a person's mindset to make healthy choices across daily activities. The research in this protocol is carried out across multiple sites and studies by means of digital tools and a consistent participant experience workflow. Together, these resources are intended to support individuals across multiple self-directed experiences utilized in the maintenance of their basic health. Before, during, and after session experiences, the participant provides objective (physiological) responses and/or subjective (self-report) responses and reflections; some studies also include interviews or focus groups. The combined set of responses can be summarized, connected to other measures, and input to machine learning models to improve personalization of stimuli. By studying the effects of soundBrilliance experiences across a variety of contexts and participant samples, the investigators can better refine each element of the stimulus to improve satisfaction, tolerance, and targeted outcomes.

Acute Effects of Visual Feedback-Assisted Inspiratory Muscle Training After Lobectomy

This study aims to evaluate the acute effects of inspiratory muscle training performed with and without a mobile application providing visual feedback on exercise motivation, patient adherence, dyspnea perception, usability, and patient satisfaction in lung cancer patients undergoing lobectomy via video-assisted thoracic surgery. Participants will perform conventional inspiratory muscle training without visual feedback in the morning on postoperative day 1 after transfer to the ward. After at least two hours of rest, the same exercise protocol will be repeated with a smart adaptor connected to a mobile application to provide visual feedback. Inspiratory muscle training will be performed using a threshold-loading device at 40% of maximal inspiratory pressure, with three sets of ten breaths. Outcomes will be assessed before and/or after each session as appropriate.

EXERCISE AND THE IMMUNE RESPONSE IN LUNG CANCER

This project is about the effect of a 12-week training therapy intervention in patients suffering from non-small cell and small-cell lung cancer. It has widely been accepted that exercise is preventive against certain types of cancer. Individuals following an active lifestyle have a significantly lower risk for several chronic diseases, including cancer, as compared to sedentary ones. However, evidence is still lacking for exercise as part of routine cancer treatment. It has widely been accepted that exercise strongly impacts immune response, and might influence antitumor immune response as well. In this study, patients suffering from lung cancer undergo either a 12-week training program consisting of moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE), or a 12-week program with high-intensity interval exercise. Both groups will be compared to a control group receiving standard exercise recommendations. The immunologic response, i.e. cytokine profiles and changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) characteristics will be the main endpoint. Blood will be taken from the patients at different timepoints, and blood samples will be tested for these immunologic changes. FACS analysis will be used to assess the properties of immune cells and potential changes upon the exercise regimen. Mitochondrial function will be assessed via the Seahorse machine, and mass spectrometry (lipidomics) will be used for the analysis of lipid profile changes.

Effects of Estrogen on Muscle Gain During 12-weeks of Exercise in Post-menopausal Women

As females age and transition through menopause, the decline in oestrogen level profoundly affects skeletal muscle mass and function. HER-MUSCLE aims to unravel the mechanisms by which oestrogen enhances muscle growth, providing insights for targeted therapies to improve the health and physical function of postmenopausal females. Focusing on postmenopausal females, an increasingly at-risk demographic, HER-MUSCLE addresses a critical gap in understanding how oestrogen influences muscle mass and function during anabolic (exercise) conditions. The project involves: 1. Clinical Trial: Postmenopausal females will receive either oestrogen or placebo, twelve weeks of exercise training to detect oestrogen regulatory role on muscle mass and function. 2. Molecular Analysis: Advanced techniques will study the muscle microenvironment, focusing on muscle stem cells (MuSCs), fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs), and other cells critical for muscle regeneration and maintenance. 3. Mitochondrial Function assessed in vivo via magnetic resonance spectroscopy: The impact of oestrogen on mitochondrial health will be examined, exploring how it preserves mitochondrial function and ability to recovery and resist fatigue in response to muscle contractions. Our preliminary data indicate that oestrogen can promote muscle protein synthesis. HER-MUSCLE aims to pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies to manage sarcopenia in postmenopausal women, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and enhanced well-being for this growing population segment.