Clinical Research Directory

Effects of AI-Generated Resistance Training on Neuromuscular Performance in Sedentary Men

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn how an artificial intelligence-generated resistance training program affects muscle performance in sedentary men aged 18 to 35 years. The main questions it aims to answer are: * How does an artificial intelligence-generated resistance training program affect the participants' ability to produce force? * How does this program compare with a resistance training program designed by a professional coach and with no structured resistance training? Researchers will compare three groups: an artificial intelligence-generated resistance training group, a coach-designed resistance training group, and a non-exercising control group. Participants in the two training groups will complete supervised resistance training three times per week for eight weeks. Participants in the control group will not take part in structured resistance training. Researchers will measure muscle performance before and after the eight-week study period to compare changes among the three groups.

Psychological, Hormonal, and Physical Performance Profiles in Adolescent Male Football Players: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study

This study aimed to examine the relationships among psychological characteristics, hormonal markers, body composition, and physical performance in adolescent male football players. Twenty-one male football players participated in this cross-sectional correlational study. Assessments included anthropometric measurements, jumping, sprinting, agility, kick speed, psychological well-being in sport, and mental toughness. Blood samples were collected to measure testosterone, FT3, and FT4 levels. Data were examined using partial correlation network analysis, centrality analysis, hierarchical clustering, and principal component analysis.

Assessment of Physical Performance in Children

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat buildup that may affect health . Body mass index(BMI) is the main property to define and classify the obesity . One of the most considerable public health problem of the 21st century is childhood obesity . Based on the worldwide estimation in 2016, 124 million children and adolescents aged between 5 and 19 were obese, and there were 213 million overweight individuals. The health complications associated with overweight and obesity in childhood-often not noticeable until adulthood-include cardiovascular diseases (particularly heart disease and stroke), diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders (especially osteoarthritis), and certain types of cancer (endometrial, breast, and colon). Engaging in screen time of more than 2-3 hours per day reduces physical activity levels and increases food intake in children. A study in Turkey reported that 36.2% of children aged between 6 to 9, spend more than two hours per day watching TV or using a computer on weekdays, and this rate increases to 69.9% on weekends. There are revised regional reference values accessible for the anthropometric assessment of Turkish children. Health-related physical fitness in children is correlated with flexibility, muscular and cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and body composition. Also, performance-related or sport-specific abilities are associated to agility, power, speed, coordination, and balance. Sevimay implemented the motor performance test (agility parameter) in 1986, which is developed by Morris, Atwater, Williams and Wilmore in 1980, on 205 children aged between 3 and 6. In this study, same test is applied to assess motor performance in children. In order to assess static balance with minimal equipment, the One-leg standing test is used. To assess lower extremity motor performance, the 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test was used . Evaluation of physical performance levels of obese, overweight, and normal-weight children is the aim of this study.

Timing of Broccoli Sprout Intake to Improve Exercise Performance

This study examines how the timing of intake of a broccoli sprout-based drink (a natural source of isothiocyanates, ITCs) affects physiological responses, recovery, and performance after a standardized endurance cycling session. Healthy, endurance-trained adults (18-64 years) will complete four laboratory visits at the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH): one screening/physiology test visit and three intervention visits in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over design. On intervention visits, participants will ingest either an active broccoli sprout drink (50 g sprouts) or a placebo drink based on alfalfa sprouts (50 g sprouts) according to randomization. The drink will be consumed either approximately 16 hours before exercise (the evening before) or approximately 3 hours before exercise (the morning of the test), enabling comparison of timing in relation to a standardized \~2-hour cycling protocol (individualized intensity) followed by a 10 km cycling time trial. Outcomes include measures of performance, heart rate, perceived exertion and recovery, blood glucose and lactate, and metabolic responses. Venous blood samples are collected at multiple time points before and after exercise and during the subsequent laboratory recovery period, and muscle biopsies are obtained at defined time points to assess muscle metabolism and recovery-related markers. Participants return \~24 hours after exercise for follow-up sampling after an overnight fast, including a glucose tolerance test

Adaptive Training Recommendations for Improved Physical Performance

In this study two different training strategies are compared; one is adaptive where the training is adjusted up or down on a daily basis to better match the recovery status (readiness) of the subject. The other strategy is static, i.e. no changes are made depending on readiness level. Instead the subjects in the static group are encouraged to perform the prescribed training. The training intervention will last for 8 weeks. Thorough physiological tests will be performed pre and post the training intervention together with muscle biopsies for assessment of mitochondrial function.

High-Tempo Warm-Up Music and Anaerobic Power During and After Ramadan Fasting

This study investigates whether standardized high-tempo music used during warm-up affects anaerobic power in trained male soccer players during and after Ramadan fasting. Sixteen players completed four experimental sessions in a 2 × 2 within-participant repeated-measures design combining assessment period (during Ramadan vs. approximately two weeks after Ramadan) and warm-up condition (music vs. no music). Because the music intervention was delivered collectively through loudspeakers, all participants completed the same condition within a given session, and the condition order was not randomized at the individual level. During Ramadan, the no-music condition was performed first, followed by the music condition; during the post-Ramadan assessment period, this order was reversed. Participants completed a modified FIFA 11+ warm-up with or without a standardized high-tempo music playlist (120-140 bpm), followed by the Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST). The primary outcomes were peak power, mean power, relative peak power, and relative mean power. The study examines whether the effects of warm-up music on anaerobic power differ between Ramadan fasting and the post-Ramadan period.

Effect of Eccentric Training on Ankle Plantar Flexor Strength in Recreationally Resistance-Trained Adults

This study compared the effects of two 6-week eccentric plantar-flexor training programs on loaded heel-rise performance in cecreational strength-training adults. Forty participants were randomly assigned to either a modified heel-drop training group or a horizontal leg-press training group. Both groups trained three times per week for 6 weeks. Loaded heel-rise performance was assessed at baseline and after 2, 4, and 6 weeks of training. The primary outcome was the highest external load with which participants could complete five technically correct repetitions of the assigned unilateral plantar-flexor exercise.

Placebo Effect on Cycling Performance: Laboratory Crossover Study

This study aims to determine the impact of the placebo (PLA) effect on physical and cognitive performance in a controlled laboratory setting. The study investigates how expectations and beliefs about substance intake (caffeine vs. placebo) interact with actual consumption to influence performance and physiological stress markers. Healthy adults (n = 80) will participate in four testing sessions using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design. Physiological stress markers (cortisol and alpha-amylase), heart rate, and performance metrics will be monitored during a standardized cycling exercise protocol. This phase provides the dense mechanistic data required to refine a mathematical model of the placebo effect, offering insights into how individual personality traits and cognitive anchoring influence psychophysiological potential.

Examination of Certain Blood Parameters Following Performance and Acute Exercise at Specific Times of the Day

This study aims to investigate whether the time of day at which acute exercise is performed influences physical performance and acute hormonal and biochemical responses in healthy young male soccer players. Participants will complete the same standardized exercise protocol in the morning (08:00-09:30) and evening (17:00-18:30), with a 96-hour interval between sessions. Performance will be assessed using vertical jump and Yo-Yo shuttle run tests. Blood samples will be collected before exercise, immediately after exercise, and two hours after exercise to assess testosterone, cortisol, creatine kinase, AST, ALT, LDH, and troponin levels. The study will examine whether exercise responses differ between morning and evening sessions and whether these differences are consistent with circadian variation.

Balance, Agility, and Strength in Amateur Badminton Players - Novel Badminton Specific Square-Stepping Exercise

The goal of this study was to determine whether a novel badminton-specific square-stepping exercise (bs-SSE) programme could improve dynamic balance, agility, and ankle strength in amateur badminton players. It also examined whether the programme produced greater improvements than usual activity alone. The main questions it aimed to answer were: Does an 8-week bs-SSE programme improve dynamic balance in amateur badminton players? Does the programme improve agility and ankle dorsiflexor and plantar flexor strength? Are these improvements greater than those seen in players who continue their usual activity? Researchers compared an experimental group that completed the bs-SSE programme with a control group that maintained their usual activity. Outcomes were measured at baseline, week 4, and week 8 using the Y-Balance Test for dynamic balance, the Agility T-test for agility, and a handheld dynamometer for ankle strength. Participants in the bs-SSE group showed significant improvements over time in dynamic balance, ankle strength, and agility, while the control group showed minimal non-significant changes. By week 8, both within-group and between-group comparisons favored the experimental group in several balance reach directions, bilateral dorsiflexion and plantarflexion strength, and agility. Post hoc analysis further showed that the intervention effects were most evident between baseline and week 8, with fewer significant differences at week 4. The findings suggest that the bs-SSE programme is a promising sport-specific training approach for amateur badminton players, with potential benefits for performance enhancement and reduction of sports-related musculoskeletal injury risk.

Contrast Training and Volleyball Players' Jumping Ability

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of three 10-week training interventions on vertical jump performance in volleyball players. Jump performance was assessed using the countermovement jump with arm swing (CMJ+AS) and drop jumps from heights of 20 cm (DJ20) and 60 cm (DJ60). Forty-two male volleyball athletes were recruited, of whom 38 completed the intervention protocol. Participants were assigned to one of three training groups: (i) contrast training with elastic-band assistance (G-CNT), (ii) traditional contrast training (CNT), or (iii) complex training (CTRL). The interventions lasted 10 weeks and included two training sessions per week. Pre- and post-intervention testing was performed using a Kistler 9286BA force platform. During CMJ+AS, jump height (JH), relative peak power (RPP), countermovement time (CMT), and modified reactive strength index (RSImod) were assessed. During DJ20 and DJ60, jump height (JH), relative peak power (RPP), ground contact time (CT), and reactive strength index (RSI) were assessed. Based on the smallest worthwhile change (SWC) in the tested variables, participants were categorized as positive responders, non-responders, or negative responders.

Acute Effects of Neuroathletic Training-Integrated Resistance Training in Collegiate Athletes

This study investigated the acute and short-term effects of neuroathletic training (NAT)-integrated resistance training compared with conventional resistance training on physical and neuromuscular performance in collegiate athletes. Fifty-eight collegiate athletes completed two experimental resistance training sessions separated by one week. The conventional resistance training condition was performed first, followed one week later by a NAT-integrated resistance training condition. Both sessions included the same lower-extremity resistance exercises, training volume, intensity, exercise order, and rest intervals. During the NAT-integrated condition, visual, vestibular, gaze-stabilization, and proprioceptive drills were incorporated before selected resistance sets and during rest intervals. Sprint acceleration, bilateral and unilateral jump performance, eccentric hamstring strength, bilateral hamstring maximum difference, and sit-and-reach flexibility were assessed before training, immediately after training, 15 minutes after training, and 30 minutes after training.

Effects of Different Caffeine Forms on Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise Performance

This study investigated the effects of different caffeine delivery forms on aerobic and anaerobic exercise performance in healthy adults. Participants completed experimental trials involving caffeine capsule ingestion, caffeine gum chewing, and caffeine mouth rinse conditions. Aerobic performance was assessed using maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and anaerobic performance was evaluated using the Wingate anaerobic test. The study used a randomized crossover design where each participant completed all experimental conditions.

The Impact of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on the Composition of Erythrocyte Membranes in Athletes

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on the Omega-3 Index, erythrocyte membrane composition, cognitive function, hormonal profile, speed, endurance performance, and hematological parameters in competitive athletes aged 16-35 years.

Effects of Multi-component Exercise on Physical Performance and Sleep Quality in Older Adults

This quasi-experimental study evaluated the effects of an 8-week multi-component group exercise program on physical performance and sleep quality among community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan. Participants were recruited from four community care sites in central Taiwan. The intervention group participated in a structured exercise program consisting of aerobic, resistance, balance, and flexibility training conducted at a university-affiliated senior fitness club, while the control group maintained their usual community activities. Primary outcomes included physical performance and sleep quality. Physical performance was assessed using gait speed, chair stand, arm curl, grip strength, balance, and walking tests. Sleep quality was measured using the Chinese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (CPSQI). Heart rate recovery was evaluated as a secondary outcome. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted to determine the effectiveness of the intervention.

Placebo Effect in Field-Based Physical Performance

This study aims to investigate the placebo (PLA) effect on physical performance across different sports disciplines in real-world, field-based settings. The study investigates how participant expectations and beliefs regarding caffeine (CAF) intake influence physical performance and psychomotor function outside the controlled laboratory environment. Healthy, physically active adults (n = 120) from diverse sports backgrounds will be randomly assigned to receive caffeine, placebo, or no intervention. Participants will perform discipline-specific field exercise tests (e.g., running-based protocols or repeated sprint protocols) while physiological responses are monitored using wearable technology. Physical performance outcomes and psychomotor responses will be analyzed to evaluate the real-world impact of the placebo effect and to distinguish the pharmacological effects of caffeine from those driven by psychological expectations across different athletic settings.

Acute Effects of Fibular Repositioning Taping on Balance, Jumping, and Sprint Performance

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the acute effects of fibular repositioning taping on balance, jumping, and sprint performance in healthy individuals. Eligible participants are randomly allocated to one of three groups: fibular repositioning taping, sham taping, or control. Physical performance and dynamic balance are assessed at baseline and after the intervention using functional outcome measures, including jumping tests, a 10-meter sprint test, and the Y Balance Test. The study is designed to determine whether fibular repositioning taping produces short-term changes in selected performance parameters compared with sham taping and no intervention.

Body Composition and Lifestyle Factors in ROTC

This study aims to investigates the relationships between body composition, sleep, diet, and physical fitness in ROTC cadets. Further, it aims to evaluate the accuracy of body composition screening methods and identify lifestyle factors linked to performance. Methods include body composition testing, surveys, accelerometry, and fitness score collection from cadets.

Interoceptive Awareness, Perceived Stress, and Physical Performance in Sport Sciences Students

This cross-sectional observational study examined the relationships between interoceptive awareness, perceived stress, state and trait anxiety, sleep quality, and physical performance indicators in university-level sport sciences students. A total of 85 undergraduate students (54 males, 31 females; mean age = 20.65 ± 2.43 years) from the Faculty of Sport Sciences at Inonu University participated. Participants completed self-report measures (MAIA-2, PSS-10, STAI, PSQI) and a physical performance battery including handgrip strength, countermovement jump, sit-and-reach flexibility, and Y-Balance test. The study also investigated the moderator role of gender and sport type (team vs. individual) in these relationships, and tested the parallel mediating roles of perceived stress, trait anxiety, and sleep quality using PROCESS Model 4 with 5,000 bootstrap resamples.

The Effects of Liquid IV's Multi-Ingredient Recovery Supplement on Muscle Recovery Following Exercise

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a multi-ingredient recovery supplement . The research will focus on strength recovery and performance maintenance assessing reductions in soreness and inflammation, as well as muscle repair and damage mitigation. By investigating these key recovery metrics, this study aims to investigate the efficacy of this supplement as a solution for active individuals seeking to optimize post-exercise recovery.

Health Benefits of Dance Exercise

In Greece, people of different age groups, including young children to older adults, participate in dance exercise training. Although it is well-known that regular participation in dancing is associated with benefits such as entertainment, socialization and increased physical activity, the long-term effects of dancing on metabolic and mental health as well as physical performance remain largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of a 6-month dancing exercise intervention on metabolic and mental health and physical performance in premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Characteristics of Performance in Collegiate Cheerleaders and Dancers

This study aims to investigate performance differences between collegiate cheerleaders and dancers classified as normal weight obese and those classified as normal weight lean. The study will assess differences in physical performance, lifestyle behaviors, muscle quality, and nutrition-related factors between groups. Performance testing, body composition assessment, and questionnaire-based measures will be used to characterize these relationships.

The Effects of Core Stabilization Exercises on Physical Performance, Balance, and Coordination in Young Football Players

This study aims to examine the effects of a 6-week core stabilization exercise program on balance, coordination, and core endurance parameters in young soccer players. Soccer is a sport that requires multifaceted skills such as balance, agility, and endurance, and it is well-known that stabilization of the lumbopelvic region (core) plays a critical role in enhancing performance and reducing the risk of injury. The study will include male volunteer athletes aged 14-17 years from the Alayköy Football Club Under-17 team in Cyprus. Participants will be randomly assigned to an exercise group (n=10) and a control group (n=10). The exercise group will undergo a progressive core stabilization program (plank, side plank, dead bug, etc.) twice a week for 6 weeks in addition to their routine training, while the control group will continue only with routine soccer training. Data will be collected using the Y-Balance Test, Pro-Agility Test, Squat Repetition Test, McGill Core Endurance Tests (Flexion and Lateral Bridge), and Prone Extension Test. Data analysis will be performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 27.0; the Wilcoxon test will be used for within-group changes, and the Mann-Whitney U test will be used for between-group comparisons. Ethical committee approval was obtained from the Scientific Research and Publication Ethics Committee (BAYEK) of the European University of Lefke, and informed consent forms will be collected from participants and their parents.

Lower-Limb Muscle Mass and Cardiovascular and Muscular Performance in Males and Females

The aim of this study will be to examine the relationship between leg muscle mass and muscle strength, aerobic capacity, anaerobic power, and jumping performance in young adults. In addition, these physical performance measures will be compared between male and female participants. Recreationally active young adults will be recruited to participate in the study. Body weight and leg muscle mass will be assessed using a body composition analyzer. Participants will perform isokinetic and isometric leg strength tests, an aerobic fitness test (VO₂max), an anaerobic power test (Wingate), and a countermovement jump (CMJ) test. This study aims to improve the understanding of the effects of leg muscle mass on physical performance and to identify possible differences between males and females. The findings are expected to contribute to exercise prescription, performance assessment, and future research in sports and health sciences.