Clinical Research Directory

Resistance Training Adaptations and Caffeine Intake

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial investigates the effects of three different caffeine supplementation strategies on resistance training-induced adaptations in 180 caffeine-naive, inactive young adult males. Participants will undergo two 4-week supervised resistance training programs separated by a 2-week washout/crossover period. The three caffeine strategies are: (1) constant daily low-moderate dosing (3 mg/kg/day), (2) gradually escalating dose (3 to 6 mg/kg across weeks), and (3) training-day-only caffeine (3 mg/kg/day). Primary outcomes include non-invasive measures of integrated anabolism and hypertrophy (D2O-derived plasma proteomic fractional synthesis rate, DXA muscle volume) and strength metrics. Secondary outcomes include hormonal responses (insulin, cortisol, testosterone, IGF-1), sleep/recovery parameters, and adverse effects.

Preparation for Sports Retirement: Study Protocol

Background: This article presents the protocol for a randomised controlled trial designed to develop and evaluate a psychoeducational intervention aimed at preparing high-performance athletes for the challenges and opportunities presented by the transition to retirement from sport. The protocol was developed through a literature review and consultations with experts in sports psychology and career transition. Methods: The study will be conducted at the Faculty of Psychology of the University of Salamanca (Spain). High-performance athletes aged 30 or older who are close to retirement or who have retired in the last five years will be recruited. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: the intervention group, which will undergo a psychoeducational programme consisting of 12 sessions over 3 months; and the control group, which will receive a minimum educational programme of one session. All participants will complete initial and final assessments, as well as a 3-month follow-up, collecting sociodemographic data and applying various psychological, social and health assessment instruments. Discussion: This protocol describes a comprehensive psychoeducational intervention aimed at improving quality of life and attitudes towards retirement from sport, increasing life satisfaction, psychological flexibility, perceived social support, general health, self-efficacy and self-regulation, and reducing negative stereotypes associated with the end of a sporting career. The evidence generated will guide future interventions, policies, and educational programmes to promote a healthy, active, and satisfying transition to the post-sport stage.

Investigating the Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Different Brain Regions on Ankle Tracking Motor Learning, Motor Adaptation, and Brain Connectivity in Healthy Middle-aged and Older Adults and Patients With Subcortical Stroke

Ankle control is essential to safe over-ground navigation for humans. Middle- aged and older adults and patients with stroke whose ankle control is poor often lose their balance or fall. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is an emerging non-invasive brain stimulation technology that has great potential to be applied to neurorehabilitation; however, the optimization of its applications still needs further studies. The aims of this project are to compare the effects of anodal tDCS (AtDCS) applied to the primary motor cortex (M1) contralateral to the moving leg (cM1), posterior parietal cortex (PPC) contralateral to the moving leg (cPPC), and cerebellar cortex (CBM) ipsilateral to the moving leg (iCBM) on motor learning, motor adaptation, and brain connectivity in healthy middle-aged and older adults and hemiparetic patients with chronic subcortical stroke.

Psycho-educational Intervention Programme for Comprehensive Preparation for Retirement: Study Protocol

Background: The transition to retirement can be a challenging event, necessitating the adjustment of new routines, roles and expectations. Such modifications have the potential to impact the individual's quality of life and psychosocial well-being. t is of the utmost importance to develop intervention programmes that prepare people for retirement, with the objective of facilitating a positive and healthy transition. Methods: A parallel randomised controlled clinical trial with two arms will be conducted. The study will be conducted at the Faculty of Psychology of the University of Salamanca (USAL) in Spain. The study will recruit individuals aged 60 years or older who are already retired or who will retire within the next five years. The participants will be divided into two groups: the intervention group (IG), which will undergo a comprehensive psychoeducational intervention programme, and the control group (CG), which will engage in a controlled follow-up. The programme will comprise 12 sessions over a period of three months. All participants will be assessed at the outset and conclusion of the study, as well as after three months, during which time data regarding their socio-demographic characteristics and responses to the following scales will be collected: The World Health Organization Quality of Life Measure - Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF), the Retirement Attitudes Scale (EAJ), the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), the Questionnaire of Stereotypes towards Old Age (CENVE), the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II), the MOS Questionnaire of Perceived Social Support (MOS), the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), the Generalised Self-Efficacy Scale (EAG) and the Self-Regulation Scale (EAR). Discussion: The objective of this study is to enhance the comprehension and implementation of intervention programmes in anticipation of retirement and the subsequent phase of life. To this end, a comprehensive psychoeducational intervention is proposed, with the aim of improving quality of life and attitudes towards retirement, increasing life satisfaction, psychological flexibility, perceived social support and general health, self-efficacy and self-regulation, and reducing stereotypes about ageing. The programme is designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to navigate the challenges and opportunities associated with the transition to retirement.

Marginal Evaluation of Zirconia Reinforced Lithium Disilicate Partial Coverage Restoration of Egyptian Posterior Teeth.

Objective: To evaluate the marginal adaptation of the zirconia reinforced lithium disilicate (VITA AMBRIA) glass ceramic Inlay/Onlay compared with lithium disilicate(IPS emax Press) glass ceramic Inlay/Onlay in decayed posterior teeth.