Clinical Research Directory

Core Strength Training, Anthropometry, and Postural Control in Youth Optimist Sailors

Optimist dinghy sailing is a highly demanding youth watersport characterized by prolonged, high-intensity isometric hiking postures and rapid dynamic weight shifts required to preserve boat trim, balance, and sail power output. The core (lumbar-pelvic-hip complex) functions as the central dynamic link in transferring kinetic forces between the lower limbs and trunk during continuous open-water maneuvers. This study is designed as a 12-week randomized controlled interventional trial to evaluate the effects of a periodized, circuit-based Core Strength Training (CST) program integrated into routine Technical Sailing Training (TST) compared to TST alone. Primary endpoints evaluate adaptations in the anthropometric profile (skinfold thickness, circumferences, muscle mass percentage) and postural control parameters (Center of Pressure displacement and sway velocity measured via computerized force platform posturography) in competitive youth Optimist sailors.

Diaphragmatic Kinesio Taping With HIIT in Trained Individuals

This randomized controlled trial evaluated whether diaphragmatic kinesio taping provides additional physiological and functional benefits when added to an 8-week supervised high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program in trained adults. Participants were randomly assigned to HIIT with or without diaphragmatic kinesio taping. Both groups completed the same supervised cycle-ergometer HIIT program three times per week for 8 weeks. Assessments were performed at baseline, week 4, and week 8 and included heart-rate variability, aerobic capacity, anaerobic performance, pulmonary function, balance, functional mobility, and body composition.

Sustainability of the Effects of an Adapted Physical Activity Program on Physical Fitness and Psycho-behavioral Factors in Patients With Chronic Diseases

This study aims to determine the extent to which different approaches to adapted physical activity coaching influence physical fitness, psycho-behavioral, and anthropometric parameters in patients with stabilized chronic conditions who have been referred to a Sport-Health Center by their physician. The trial includes four parallel groups, distinguishing between two program durations (3 months or 6 months) and the use or non-use of a smartwatch as a tool for monitoring activity. All participants complete 24 sessions of adapted physical activity (APA), in accordance with the standard practices of the La Musse Sport-Health Center, where the study is entirely conducted. However, the distribution of sessions differs by group: two sessions per week over three months or one session per week over six months. Randomization is stratified by age, sex, and baseline fitness level. Assessments are conducted at the following five time points: enrollment (T0), end of the 3-month program (T1), end of the 6-month program (T2), followed by follow-up at 12 months (T3) and 18 months (T4), to observe the durability of the effects after the supervised phase. The primary outcome measure is improvement in physical fitness and anthropometric parameters, objectively measured using tests recognized for their reliability (TDM6, Sit-to-Stand 30s, Timed Up and Go, Sit and Reach, grip strength, BMI, waist circumference). The secondary outcomes focus on changes in motivation toward health-related physical activity (EMAPS), perceived self-efficacy to engage in physical activity (ECS), and self-reported physical activity (IPAQ-SF), which will be collected regularly throughout the program, more frequently than in standard care. A total of 280 patients will be enrolled to ensure sufficient statistical power, taking into account an anticipated loss-to-follow-up rate over 18 months. Data collection and processing will be pseudonymized and conducted on the secure network of La Musse Hospital.

Physical Exercise Prehabilitation Program in mEtabolic suRgery

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if an exercise program before bariatric surgery works to treat obesity, could improve physical condition and weight loss before bariatric surgery and induce a lifestyle behavior change. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does a supervised exercise program lead to improved physical condition prior to bariatric surgery? * Does a supervised exercise program prior to bariatric surgery lead to reduced surgery related complications? * Does a supervised exercise program prior to bariatric surgery lead to maintained lifestyle changes after surgery? Participants will: * Receive either no training program or physical exercise training program twice a week, supervised by a physical therapist, for a duration of 8 weeks. * Have their fitness measured at the start and at the end of the 8 weeks, measured with a six minute walking test. * Fill in a survey on their perceived quality of life and exercise habits at the start of the trial, and at 1 year after surgery.

Acute Effects of Different Warm-Up Protocols in Amateur Basketball Players

Brief Summary This randomized controlled trial will compare the immediate effects of three warm-up protocols on physical performance in male amateur basketball players. A total of 45 licensed basketball players aged 15 to 25 years will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: standard dynamic warm-up, dynamic warm-up followed by classical hold-relax proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching, or dynamic warm-up followed by short-duration self-administered PNF stretching. The main outcome will be the change in countermovement jump height. Additional outcomes will include flexibility, knee range of motion, squat jump height, 20-meter sprint time, agility, dynamic balance, and perceived exertion. Measurements will be performed before the assigned warm-up protocol, immediately after the protocol, and 15 minutes after the protocol. The study aims to determine whether short-duration self-PNF stretching can improve flexibility while preserving performance more effectively than classical PNF stretching. Each participant will complete the assigned protocol and all assessments during a single study session.

Effects of the 11 for Health Program on Physical Fitness and Health-Related Outcomes in Schoolchildren

This study aims to examine the effects of the 11 for Health program on physical fitness and health-related outcomes in fifth-grade students. The study will use a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with a control group. Approximately 70 students from two fifth-grade classes at a public school in Türkiye will participate. One class will participate in the 11 for Health program. The other class will be the control group. The intervention group will participate in the program twice a week for 11 weeks, with each session lasting 45 minutes. The program combines football-based physical activities with health education. The control group will not receive the program. Students in both groups will undergo physical fitness and health assessments before and after the intervention. These assessments will include jumping performance, balance, change-of-direction performance, flexibility, body fat percentage, blood pressure, and resting heart rate. Researchers will compare changes in these measures between the two groups to evaluate the effects of the program.

China Healthy Aging and Fitness Longitudinal Study

The China Healthy Aging and Fitness Longitudinal Study (CHALF) is a nationwide prospective observational study designed to investigate how physical activity, exercise, and physical fitness are associated with health and aging among older adults in China. The study plans to recruit approximately 8,960 adults aged 60-79 years from 14 provinces and provincial-level regions across China. Participants will complete questionnaires about their physical activity, exercise habits, lifestyle, nutrition, and health. They will also undergo standardized physical fitness assessments and blood tests. Participants will be followed over time to track changes in physical fitness and health. Follow-up assessments will examine how physical activity, exercise, and physical fitness are associated with physical function, chronic diseases, and other health outcomes. The findings will help improve understanding of healthy aging and provide evidence to support physical fitness monitoring and exercise guidance for older adults in China.

Effects of FIFA 11+ Warm-Up Program on Motor Performance in Young Soccer Players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8-week FIFA 11+ warm-up program on selected motor performance parameters in young male soccer players aged 17-18 years. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (FIFA 11+ program) or the control group (traditional warm-up program). Key motor performance outcomes including sprint performance (10m and 20m), vertical jump (countermovement jump), flexibility (sit-and-reach), static balance (flamingo balance), agility (505 agility), and upper-body explosive power (backward medicine ball throw) were evaluated before and after the 8-week intervention.

Effects of 8-Week Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates Exercises on Functional Movement Screen Scores and Joint Range of Motion in Recreationally Active Males

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare how 8 weeks of Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates affect movement quality and joint flexibility in active young men. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does Mat Pilates or Reformer Pilates improve whole-body movement scores measured by the Functional Movement Screen (FMS)? Does Mat Pilates or Reformer Pilates increase joint flexibility (range of motion) in the hips, shoulders, and ankles? Researchers will compare Mat Pilates, Reformer Pilates, and an inactive control group to see if one type of Pilates works better than the other. Participants will: Complete movement quality tests and joint flexibility measurements before and after the 8-week period. Take part in structured Mat Pilates or Reformer Pilates exercise sessions for 8 weeks, or continue their usual daily activities without Pilates (control group).

High Intensity Interval Training Versus Mat Pilates in Women With PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age and is associated with obesity, insulin resistance, poor physical fitness, and reduced quality of life. This randomized controlled trial will examine how High intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Mat Pilates effect body composition, physical fitness, and quality of life in women diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) . A total of 60 participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups; HIIT, Mat Pilates, or a control group. Each intervention will run for eight weeks, with body composition, physical fitness, and quality of life measured both before and after the program to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of the two exercise intervention.

Validity of a New Taekwondo-Specific Field Test in Sub-Elite Athletes

The purpose of this study is to find out whether a new taekwondo-specific field test (TSFT) is a valid way to measure the fitness of taekwondo athletes. The TSFT was designed to reflect what athletes actually do in competition: repeated, high-intensity kicks scored by an official electronic scoring system, with short rest periods in between. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Is performance on the TSFT related to aerobic fitness (estimated VO2max) measured with the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test? * Is performance on the TSFT related to anaerobic performance and fatigue tolerance measured with the Wingate Anaerobic Test? Male sub-elite taekwondo athletes completed the new TSFT and two widely used reference tests (the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test and the Wingate Anaerobic Test). Researchers then compared the results of the new test with those of the reference tests.

Physiological and Performance Characteristics of HYROX Athletes

HYROX© is a fast-growing fitness competition that combines long-distance running with functional exercises such as sled pushes, rowing, and weightlifting movements. Although the sport has attracted more than a million participants worldwide, little scientific research has looked at the health, body composition, and physical fitness of the people who compete in it. This study will compare body composition, fitness, and performance between two groups of HYROX© participants: those competing at a recreational (amateur) level and those competing at an elite level. Adult volunteers (ages 18-65) who train for or compete in HYROX© will be invited to take part. Researchers will measure body composition using a whole-body scan (DXA), skinfold thickness, and muscle ultrasound; resting metabolism; daily physical activity (using a wearable activity tracker); muscle strength and jumping ability; aerobic fitness (a treadmill running test); and short-burst power (a cycling test). Participants will also complete questionnaires about their motivation to exercise, their diet, and their use of dietary supplements, and will wear a heart rate monitor and activity tracker during an official HYROX© competition. The results will help researchers, coaches, and athletes better understand how the bodies and training needs of HYROX© athletes differ by competitive level, which may support the development of safer and more effective training programs.

Acute Effects of Different Warm-Up Protocols in Professional Taekwondo Athletes

The goal of this clinical trial was to compare the immediate effects of three warm-up methods in professional taekwondo athletes. The warm-up methods were dynamic warm-up, Theraband exercises, and foam rolling. The main questions were whether these warm-up methods had different immediate effects on: muscle activity and the timing of muscle activation; movement-related measures recorded using an inertial measurement unit (IMU); agility; and range of motion. Researchers compared the three warm-up methods to determine whether they produced different immediate changes in these measures. Participants completed the warm-up protocols according to the study procedures. They also performed physical and movement tests, including single-leg squat and jump squat tasks. Researchers measured lower-limb muscle activity using surface electromyography (EMG). They also used an IMU and performance tests to assess movement, agility, and range of motion.

Association Between Pre-Season Physical Capacity and Injury Risk in Professional Soccer Players

This prospective observational study aims to investigate the relationship between pre-season physical capacities and lower-extremity injury risk during the competitive season in professional male soccer players. A total of 28 healthy professional male soccer players aged 18-35 years, with at least five years of training experience, will be included in the study. Participants will undergo comprehensive physical performance assessments during the pre-season period without being assigned to any experimental intervention or additional exercise program. Baseline assessments will include anthropometric measurements, countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, overhead squat assessment, aerobic fitness using the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15 IFT), eccentric hamstring strength using the NordBord system, and hip abduction and adduction strength using the GroinBar system. Inter-limb strength asymmetries will also be evaluated. Following the pre-season assessments, participants will be monitored for lower-extremity injuries during the competitive season. Injury information, including anatomical location, injury type, duration, and recurrence, will be collected from club physiotherapists and coaching staff. The primary objective is to examine whether pre-season physical performance characteristics, particularly hamstring strength, hip muscle strength, and inter-limb strength differences, are associated with subsequent lower-extremity injury occurrence. The findings may contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between pre-season physical capacity and injury risk in professional soccer and may help sports medicine professionals, physiotherapists, and strength and conditioning coaches identify relevant physical performance indicators for athlete monitoring.

Effect of Aerobic Exercise Training on Cardiorespiratory Function in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury

Background: \- Many people who have traumatic brain injury (TBI) have low levels of physical fitness. Low physical fitness causes severe fatigue that reduces the ability to perform routine daily activities, and may also cause increased depression, anxiety, or sadness. Aerobic exercise, such as treadmill walking or running, improves physical fitness in most people and may also decrease fatigue and improve mood. However, more information is needed to determine if exercise improves these conditions in people who have TBI. Objectives: \- To examine the effect of an aerobic treadmill walking exercise program on physical fitness, fatigue, and mood in people with TBI. Eligibility: \- Individuals between 21 and 45 years of age who had a nonpenetrating traumatic brain injury at least 6 months before participating; able to understand oral and written English language, give informed consent and sign a consent form; are physically inactive (including activities related to both job and recreation); and are able to stand and walk on a treadmill safely without help. Design: * This study requires 4 testing visits and 36 exercise visits over 14 weeks. * The first and third testing visits will last about 4 hours and the second and final testing visits will take about 2 hours. * Testing visits will consist of a medical history and physical examination, completion of questionnaires (about fatigue, daily physical activity, sleep quality, mood, and overall quality of life), tests of thinking and a treadmill exercise test. * Participants will have treadmill exercise training 3 days per week for 12 weeks. Each session includes a check-in, warm-up, treadmill walking at the training heart rate, and cool-down. Thirty-two of the sessions will last for about 1 hour, and four of the sessions will include questionnaires to fill out and will last about one-and-a-half hours. * After completing the exercise training program, participants will have a final testing visit to complete the questionnaires (about fatigue, daily physical activity, sleep quality, mood, and overall quality of life), tests of thinking and a treadmill exercise test.

SUSTAINA Study: Effects of Sustainable Diet and Therapeutic Exercise on Health in Young Athletes

The SUSTAINA study aims to evaluate the effects of sustainable dietary programs combined with individualized therapeutic exercise on metabolic health, body composition, and musculoskeletal function in young athletes. Participants will be randomly assigned to different intervention groups receiving tailored exercise training and nutritional guidance based on Mediterranean diet principles. The study will assess physiological, anthropometric, and functional outcomes to identify effective strategies for preventing metabolic and musculoskeletal disorders.

Velocity-regulated Jump-squat Training and 15-m Swimming Start Performance in Youth Swimmers

This study aims to examine the effects of a structured swimming training intervention on sport performance-related outcomes in 14- to 15-year-old federated swimmers from Club Huracanes. The study will use a single-group pre-post field design. Participants will complete baseline assessments before the intervention and post-intervention assessments after the final training week. The intervention will be integrated into the regular training process and will be supervised by the coaching and research team. Outcomes will include swimming performance-related measures and adherence to the intervention. Safety will be monitored throughout the study, and any adverse events or musculoskeletal complaints will be recorded. Written informed consent from parents or legal guardians and assent from the athletes will be required before participation.

TRX Training Intensity in Male Adolescent Basketball Players

This randomized interventional study aims to compare the effects of low-, moderate-, and high-intensity TRX suspension training on physical performance in male adolescent basketball players. Forty-two athletes aged 15 to 17 years are assigned to one of three TRX training intensity groups and complete an 8-week supervised training program in addition to their regular basketball practice. Outcomes are assessed before and after the intervention and include agility, dual-task agility, balance, upper-extremity muscular endurance, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). The study seeks to determine whether different TRX training intensities produce distinct adaptations in these performance outcomes and to provide evidence for optimizing suspension-training prescription in youth basketball players.

Generation Victoria Cohort 2020s: A Statewide Longitudinal Cohort Study of Victorian Children and Their Parents

Generation Victoria (GenV) is a longitudinal, population-based study of Victorian children and their parents that will bring together data on a wide range of conditions ,exposures and outcomes. GenV blends study-collected, study-enhanced and linked data. It will be multi-purpose, supporting observational, interventional, health services and policy research within the same cohort. It is designed to address physical, mental and social issues experienced during childhood, as well as the antecedents of a wide range of diseases of ageing. It seeks to generate translatable evidence (prediction, prevention, treatments, services) to improve future wellbeing and reduce the future disease burden of children and adults. The GenV Cohort 2020s is open to all children born over a two-year period, and their parents, residing in the state of Victoria Australia. The GenV Cohort 2020s is preceded by an Advance Cohort of children born between 5 Dec 2020 and 3 October 2021, and their parents. This comprises all families recruited at GenV's Vanguard hospital (Joan Kirner Women's and Children's) and at birthing hospitals throughout Victoria as GenV scaled up to commence recruiting for the GenV Cohort 2020s. The Advance Cohort have ongoing and full participation in GenV for their lifetime unless they withdraw but may have less complete data and biosamples.

Effects of Acute Exercise in Fasting and Fed States in Individuals With Different Aerobic Fitness Levels

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of aerobic fitness level, feeding status, and acute exercise on whole-body metabolic fuel utilization and mitochondrial function in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in healthy young men. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Do individuals with high and low aerobic fitness levels differ in fat and carbohydrate oxidation at rest and during exercise following an overnight fast, and do their PBMC mitochondrial responses to acute exercise differ? 2. Does feeding alter fat and carbohydrate oxidation at rest and during exercise compared with the fasted state in individuals with high aerobic fitness? 3. Are PBMC mitochondrial respiration parameters and their exercise-induced changes associated with fat and carbohydrate oxidation during fasted exercise?

Effects of Small-Sided Games and Repeated Sprint Training in Young Soccer Players

The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of 6-week Small-Sided Games (SSG) and Repeated Sprint Training (RST) on body composition, anaerobic power, and selected physical performance qualities in young male soccer players. A total of 24 active male soccer players (aged 16 to 20 years) participating in the Regional Amateur League were randomly assigned into three equal groups: Small-Sided Games Group (SSGG) completing a 4 vs. 4 transition possession game 3 days a week in addition to routine training, Repeated Sprint Training Group (RSTG) completing a 20-meter maximal repeated sprint protocol 3 days a week in addition to routine training, and Control Group (CG) continuing only their routine soccer practice schedule. Before and after the 6-week intervention, participants underwent laboratory and field testing to evaluate body composition (body fat percentage, fat-free mass, BMI), acceleration and maximal speed (10m and 20m sprint tests), agility (Illinois Agility Test), explosive lower-body power (countermovement jump), and maximal anaerobic power (30-second Wingate test) to determine which specific training method provides superior athletic adaptations.

The Effect of Movement Education on Fundamental Biomotor Skills in Children Aged 6-9

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if movement training improves speed, jumping ability, and flexibility in children aged 6 to 9. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does movement training improve sprint speed in young children? Does movement training help children jump farther? Does movement training improve body flexibility? Participants completed a 6-week movement training program. They took part in 60-minute exercise sessions 2 times a week. Researchers measured the participants' height, weight, speed, long jump, and flexibility before and after the 6-week training program to see if their physical skills improved.

Effects of 8-Week TRX Suspension Training on Body Composition, Anaerobic Power, and Biomotor Abilities in Young Male Volleyball Players

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an 8-week TRX suspension training program on body composition, anaerobic power, and selected biomotor abilities in young male volleyball players. A total of 26 male volleyball players (aged 14-18 years) were randomly assigned into two groups: an Experimental Group (n = 13) and a Control Group (n = 13). The control group participated solely in their routine volleyball training sessions, while the experimental group performed TRX suspension training twice a week in addition to their routine volleyball training over the 8-week period. Pre- and post-intervention evaluations included body composition metrics, anaerobic power (Wingate anaerobic test), vertical jump height, handgrip strength, leg strength, and a 10-meter sprint test. The findings aim to provide evidence on the efficacy of suspension training for physical performance adaptation in youth volleyball athletes.

Coordinative Exercise in Preschool Children

This study examined the effects of an 8-week motor-skill-enriched coordinative exercise program on physical fitness, motor competence, and response inhibition in preschool children. Forty-four typically developing children from two pre-existing preschool classes participated. One class completed the exercise program twice per week, with each session lasting 20 minutes, while the other class continued its usual preschool activities. Assessments were conducted before and after the intervention. Physical fitness was evaluated using countermovement jump, change-of-direction, and static and dynamic balance tests; motor competence was assessed using the KTK3+ test battery; and response inhibition was assessed using the Early Years Toolbox Go/No-Go task.