Clinical Research Directory

Microcurrent Therapy and the Post-Exercise Physiological Response (MENS_PE)

The goal of this clinical trial is to find out whether microcurrent therapy changes blood levels of creatine kinase, a marker of muscle stress, during the first 48 hours after exercise in military personnel. The main question is: Do creatine kinase levels after exercise differ between people who receive active microcurrent therapy and those who receive a sham treatment? Twenty participants will complete a standardized exercise session. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: 10 will use an active microcurrent device, and 10 will use a sham device for the same period after exercise. The sham device looks and lights up like the active device but delivers no microcurrents. Researchers will measure creatine kinase before exercise and 24 and 48 hours afterward, then compare how levels change in the two groups. Investigators will also measure blood lactate and perceived effort shortly after exercise, before either device is applied. Participants will report any difficulties using the device, discomfort, effects on sleep or rest, and unwanted effects.

Recumbent Cycling and Functional Electrical Stimulation for Lower Limb Rehabilitation

This study evaluates two different control strategies for a rehabilitation device that combines recumbent leg-cycling with functional electrical stimulation (FES) of the quadriceps muscle. The device assists pedaling using a motor and electrical stimulation, and is intended for use after knee surgery (such as ACL reconstruction) or in other lower-limb rehabilitation. During muscle stimulation, fatigue can develop, which reduces the force produced by the stimulated muscle. This study compares a standard control strategy with a new strategy that adjusts stimulation based on the muscle's fatigue level, measured in real time. Healthy adult volunteers will complete two sessions on a recumbent stationary bicycle, 2 to 7 days apart. Each session lasts about 60 minutes and includes periods of pedaling with electrical stimulation, as well as isometric wall squats to induce muscle fatigue. Muscle activity, pedal force, and pedal position will be recorded throughout. The goal is to determine which control strategy produces more mechanical work from the leg muscles and better tracks the desired pedaling pattern, especially as fatigue develops.

Characterization of Hamstring and Quadriceps Neuromuscular Fatigue After Consecutive Soccer Trainings in Soccer Players

This is a monocentric study assessing hamstring and quadriceps neuromuscular fatigue after 3 consecutive soccer trainings. The purpose of this study was: 1. To quantify the difference of isometric force immediately after a simulated soccer training. 2. To characterize peripheral and central fatigue between hamstring and quadriceps muscles. 3. To compare the level neuromuscular fatigue before each session, to assess the cumulative effect of neuromuscular fatigue 4. To highlight correlation between neuromuscular fatigue and performance markers.

A Multiphase Analysis of Next-generation Trail Footwear

This study will investigate how different advanced-foam trail-running footwear configurations affect running economy, performance, comfort, and fatigue in competitive trail runners. The project aims to determine whether footwear characteristics, particularly foam properties and stack height, influence physiological and biomechanical responses during both controlled laboratory running and real-world trail running. Approximately 30 competitive trail runners with experience in technical trail running and no musculoskeletal injury during the previous six months will participate. The study will use a two-phase experimental design. In Phase 1, participants will complete running economy assessments in three footwear conditions in randomized order. The footwear conditions will include a high-stack advanced-foam prototype, a medium-stack advanced-foam prototype, and a conventional-foam shoe. Laboratory testing will be performed during uphill and downhill treadmill running. Participants will also complete field-based running economy trials on real trail terrain at a controlled speed, followed by a short time trial to establish a representative running pace. In Phase 2, participants will complete prolonged trail-running sessions in the two advanced-foam footwear configurations on a 15-km trail course. Running economy and fatigue-related responses will be assessed repeatedly during the prolonged exercise sessions to evaluate changes in physiological and biomechanical efficiency over time. The primary physiological outcome will be running economy, assessed through oxygen consumption and energy cost. Additional outcomes will include heart rate, step frequency, step length, ground contact time, perceived exertion, comfort, perceived performance, and pacing-related measures. The study will compare laboratory and field responses to determine whether differences in running economy observed under controlled conditions are maintained during real trail running and whether footwear configuration influences the deterioration of running economy and fatigue during prolonged exercise.

Cluster Versus Traditional Plyometric Training in Young Soccer Players

The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of two different plyometric training methods (cluster sets versus traditional sets) on young male soccer players. The study investigates how these two training structures affect players' jumping performance, muscle fatigue, heart rate, blood lactate levels, and how hard they feel they are working (perceived exertion). Twenty amateur soccer players performed two jump training sessions on separate days. One session used a traditional method (3 sets of 9 jumps with 80 seconds rest between sets), and the other used a cluster method (9 sets of 3 jumps with 20 seconds rest between sets). Both methods involved the same total number of jumps (27 jumps) and the same total rest time (160 seconds). The goal is to determine if breaking the exercise into smaller "clusters" with more frequent, shorter rests helps athletes maintain their explosive power better and reduces fatigue compared to the traditional method.

Effect of KA-EX Supplementation on Recovery Parameters in High-Level Young Football Players

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of KA-EX supplementation on recovery parameters in elite young football players. Athletes from the Udine Primavera team will be randomly assigned to receive either the KA-EX supplement or a sensory-matched placebo immediately following their training sessions for a period of two months. The researchers will monitor heart rate variability (HRV) and sleep quality using Garmin wearable devices, and assess changes in body composition using Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The goal of the study is to determine if post-training KA-EX administration improves physiological recovery, sleep quality, and physical readiness in high-performance athletes during a competitive season.

The Influence of Passive Local Muscle Vibration on Mechanical Power Output and Neuromuscular Activity During Counterbalanced RPE-clamped Cycling: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study is to find out if applying mild mechanical vibration (100 Hz) to the the Achilles and patellar tendons before and during exercise can make cycling feel easier and help athletes generate more power. The researchers also want to test if a new, lightweight wearable sleeve called "Tendo" is just as effective at doing this as a stationary laboratory machine. The study will involve 40 healthy, active student-athletes aged 18 to 26. Each participant will attend three separate testing sessions in a laboratory, with at least 48 hours of rest between sessions. During each 85-minute session, participants will: Complete baseline resting measurements of their muscles and tendons. Ride a stationary exercise bicycle with a covered screen, adjusting their speed and pedaling based only on how hard they feel they are working, using a 0-100 effort scale called Borg CR100. Receive a 10-minute resting tendon vibration. Repeat the cycling test with a short "booster" vibration to see how their performance changes. To understand how the vibration works, the researchers will use harmless skin sensors to measure muscle activity (sEMG), a gentle tapping device to check tendon stiffness (MyotonPRO), and ultrasound imaging to look at tendon structure. Stationary Vibration: High-frequency (100 Hz) vibration from a fixed laboratory machine. Wearable Vibration: High-frequency (100 Hz) vibration from the portable Tendo sleeve. Sham Vibration: A low-frequency (15 Hz) vibration that does not trigger a physiological response, serving as a control to make sure the results are not just due to a placebo effect.

MULTİDİMENSİONAL ASSESSMENT OF MUSCLE FATİGUE İN SOCCER PLAYERS

Muscle fatigue is a multifactorial physiological phenomenon characterized by a reduction in the ability of a muscle to generate force during sustained or repetitive contractions. This cross-sectional observational study aimed to investigate the relationships among muscle thickness, surface electromyography (sEMG) median frequency, accelerometer-derived mechanical vibration parameters, and isometric force characteristics in healthy male soccer players. Thirty participants aged 18-30 years underwent ultrasonographic muscle thickness assessment, synchronized sEMG and accelerometer recordings, and isometric strength testing at different knee flexion angles (90°, 60°, and 30°). The study evaluated the interaction between morphological, electrical, and mechanical indicators of muscle fatigue to support the development of multidimensional fatigue monitoring approaches.

Acute Effects of Post-Exercise Hyperoxia on Recovery in Cycling

This study examines whether exposition to hyperbaric oxygen after a road-race simulation can help competitive cyclists recover and perform better the following day. Hyperbaric oxygen, which involves breathing oxygen inside a pressurized chamber, is used as a recovery method in elite and professional sport. Its effectiveness, however, remains controversial: despite this widespread use, there is a lack of solid scientific evidence that a single HBO session after strenuous endurance exercise actually improves recovery, or that clarifies how the amount of oxygen exposure influences any benefit. The study includes healthy male road cyclists between 18 and 40 years of age who compete at the national level in Belgium. After completing a fatiguing cycling session, each participant is randomly assigned to one of four groups receiving different levels of oxygen exposure during recovery. Two groups breathe oxygen under increased pressure inside a chamber at either 2.5 or 1.4 atmospheres absolute. A third group breathes oxygen at normal pressure. The fourth group receives a sham condition that reproduces the treatment setting without active oxygen exposure. The study is double-blind, meaning that neither the participants nor the researchers assessing the outcomes know which condition each participant receives. The main goal is to determine whether a single session of post-exercise HBO improves next-day endurance performance, and whether higher oxygen exposure produces greater effects. The researchers also collect blood samples and physiological measurements to better understand how the body recovers.

Effect of Molecular Hydrogen Administration on Performance and Body Response on Exercise in National-level Fin-swimmers

The aim of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial is to evaluate the effect of hydrogen-rich water consumption on performance, recovery, psychological and biochemical outcomes in elite Czech fin-swimmers.

Combined tDCS and Pneumatic Compression for Recovery After a 10K Run

This study will examine how two recovery methods-pneumatic compression (PC) applied to the legs and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied to the head-help athletes recover after a 10-kilometer (10K) run. It also aims to find out which methods may help master athletes recover faster, maintain performance, and reduce the risk of injury. Men aged 40-55 who are trained long-distance runners can participate, provided they do not have medical conditions that prevent safe exercise or use of the recovery methods. Participants will run 10K and then receive one of the following interventions in a randomized order: tDCS, PC, tDCS + PC, or no intervention (control). Each participant will experience all conditions, with a one-week break between sessions. Measurements will be taken before the run, immediately after, and after the intervention, including heart rate variability, cognitive tests (Stroop Test), vertical jump, and maximal voluntary muscle contraction, during which muscle activity will be recorded using electromyography (EMG). Data will be analyzed to compare how each intervention affects recovery, including physical performance, cognitive function, and psychological state. The study will show which methods help master runners recover faster and more effectively, provide practical strategies to improve performance and reduce injury risk, and offer information on the separate and combined effects of tDCS and PC on recovery, which could help design age-specific recovery strategies for endurance athletes.

Effects of a Plyometric Training Program on Youths With Different Biological Maturity in Sport

This randomized controlled trial aims to assess the effectiveness of a 12-week plyometric training regimen on improving power, speed, and agility among boys aged 10 to 18 years who are actively engaged in sports and exhibit differing levels of biological maturity. The study seeks to determine how maturation affects the responsiveness to the training program, potentially influencing future sports training approaches for young athletes.

Effect of Ischemic Preconditioning on Lower Extremity Motor Ability and Recovery in Basketball Players During Post-Match Recovery Period

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ischemic preconditioning on lower limb explosive power and post-exercise recovery in basketball players during a 6-week post-season recovery training period. Thirty-four male collegiate basketball players were randomly assigned to either an IPC group or a placebo control group. Bilateral lower limb IPC intervention (3 cycles, each consisting of 5-minute ischemia at 220 mmHg and 5-minute reperfusion, twice per week for 6 weeks) was administered before routine basketball training sessions. Lower limb explosive power, as well as physiological, biochemical, and morphological indices, were assessed before and after the intervention.

Effects of Gastrocnemius Fatigue on Muscle Elasticity and Jumping

This study investigates the acute and 24-hour recovery effects of localized muscle fatigue on the viscoelastic properties of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle and vertical jump performance. The research aims to quantify the changes in muscle stiffness, tone, and elasticity immediately after a standardized fatigue protocol and to monitor the recovery of these parameters 24 hours later. Additionally, the study evaluates the impact of fatigue on explosive power, measured by countermovement jump (CMJ) height, across these time points.

Recovery Strategies and Diurnal Variation in Adolescent Judokas

The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of three different recovery strategies-sports massage (SM), static stretching (SS), and passive rest (PR)-on physiological and neuromuscular recovery in adolescent male judokas. Additionally, the study investigates the role of diurnal variation (morning vs. evening sessions) on recovery performance. Thirteen competitive adolescent judokas participated in a randomized crossover design. Recovery was assessed using physiological markers such as heart rate (HR) and blood lactate (La-) levels, as well as neuromuscular performance through countermovement jump (CMJ) and medicine ball throw tests. The findings aim to identify the most effective recovery modality for young athletes to optimize performance and prevent overtraining during intensive training or competition schedules.

Recovery After Fatigue in Young Athletes: Comparison Between TECAR Therapy and Cycle Ergometer"

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare two recovery methods after fatigue in young athletes. It aims to find out if tecar therapy (TECAR) or cycle ergometer exercise can improve recovery after intense physical activity and help athletes return to their normal performance more quickly. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does TECAR or cycle ergometer improve physical performance after fatigue? Do these methods reduce muscle pain and soreness after fatigue? Researchers will compare TECAR with active recovery using a cycle ergometer to see which method is more effective. Participants will: Perform a series of jumps to induce fatigue Be randomly assigned to one of the recovery methods Complete physical tests before and after fatigue Undergo simple measurements of muscle condition and pain Report their level of effort and muscle soreness

Impacts and Mechanisms of Age and Muscle Fatigue on Postural Control and Force Control

Muscle fatigue is one of the clinical symptoms in elderly people and demonstrates task dependency and muscle dependency. Muscle fatigue has been shown to negatively impact postural control, physical activity, and quality of life. However, the evidence for the influence of muscle fatigue on postural control is limited and inconsistent in elderly people. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impacts of aging and muscle fatigue on postural control and gait performance with fatiguing exercises of upper and lower extremities.

Whole-Body Photobiomodulation Use in Professional Soccer Players During a State Championship

This study aims to investigate the effects of whole-body photobiomodulation on professional soccer players during a state championship. The primary question is whether photobiomodulation improves recovery, reduces muscle fatigue, and enhances performance compared to standard training without photobiomodulation.

Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Exercises on Lumbar Muscle Endurance and Balance in Healthy Young Adults

This study aims to examine the effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) exercises on back muscle endurance and balance in healthy young adults. BFR is a training method that involves applying controlled pressure to the limbs with a cuff while performing simple exercises. It has been shown to improve muscle strength and endurance even at low exercise loads, reducing stress on the joints. In this study, participants aged 20 to 25 years will be randomly assigned to two groups. One group will perform sit-to-stand (STS) exercises combined with BFR, while the other group will perform the same exercises without BFR. The exercise program will last 6 weeks, with 2 sessions per week. Before and after the program, participants will be assessed for: Lumbar extensor muscle endurance (using the Biering-Sørensen test) Balance performance (using a computerized balance platform) Physiological responses such as oxygen saturation, heart rate, and blood pressure The purpose of this research is to determine whether BFR exercises improve spinal muscle endurance and balance more effectively than standard sit-to-stand exercises. The results may provide new insights into the use of BFR training as a safe and practical strategy for improving posture, preventing back problems, and enhancing physical performance in young adults.

Feasibility of Assessing Muscle Displacement and Muscle Excursion on Muscle Fatigue, With and Without Preventive Strategies

Study Subjects: This study will recruit healthy males aged 18 to 35 who regularly exercise for at least 2.5 hours per week. Expected Number of Participants: 20. Methods and Procedures: This trial will be randomized into two groups, Groups A and B, who will undergo two isokinetic concentric exercise sessions (fatiguing exercise) separated by 15 days. Group A will first receive a fatigue prevention strategy (high-energy laser) followed by a placebo-controlled no-fatigue strategy 15 days later. Group B will first receive a placebo-controlled no-fatigue strategy followed by a fatigue prevention strategy (high-energy laser) 15 days later. The fatigue prevention strategy involves irradiating the quadriceps femoris with a 900-joule high-intensity laser therapy (3-watt output power for 5 minutes) before the isokinetic concentric exercise. The no-fatigue strategy (sham-controlled) involves irradiating the quadriceps femoris with a 0-joule high-energy laser (0-watt output power for 5 minutes) before the isokinetic concentric exercise. Muscle displacement, muscle excursion, as well as muscle electrophysiological changes, force output, and microcirculation parameters were measured before and after exercise to verify the feasibility of muscle displacement and migration for muscle fatigue assessment, and to further establish their impact and application value in muscle fatigue prevention strategies (high-intensity laser therapy).

Pre-Sleep Creatine Enhances Anaerobic Power in Recreationally Active Females

This study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to examine the effects of pre-sleep creatine monohydrate supplementation on anaerobic performance and muscle damage markers in recreationally active females. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either 5 grams of creatine monohydrate or a placebo 30 minutes before sleep for seven consecutive days. Anaerobic performance will be assessed using the Wingate Anaerobic Test, evaluating peak and average power output and fatigue index. Blood samples will be collected before and after the supplementation period to analyze markers of muscle damage, including creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase. This study aims to provide insight into the efficacy of short-term, time-specific creatine supplementation for enhancing performance and recovery.

Pioglitazone Therapy Targeting Fatigue in Breast Cancer

The goal of this project is to evaluate the therapeutic potential of pioglitazone (PIO) to target underlying mechanisms that promote muscle fatigue in patients with breast cancer. This represents an off-label use of this compound, both in terms of the patient population and the clinical phenotype targeted. The central research hypothesis of this study is that daily pioglitazone will restore transcriptional downregulation of pathways within skeletal that promote fatigue.