Clinical Research Directory

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.

SHAPE Test for Preoperative Risk Stratification

Primary Objective Characterizing precise functional capacity in surgical patients is critical for risk stratification and identification of patients at high risk for perioperative complications. The primary objective for the study is to evaluate the feasibility of effective subject recruitment of an FDA-approved simplified cardiopulmonary exercise testing apparatus in adults \>60 years old prior to moderate to high-risk surgery. In addition, by development of a validation cohort of older adults, defined as \>60 years old, self-reporting \>4 METS and with a score of \<2 on the revised cardiac risk index (RCRI)1 we will compare its effectiveness when compared to conventional preoperative evaluation measures (METS determination by standard scoring and Duke Activity Status Index) to SHAPE™ testing.

Effect of a Short-term Multi-strain Probiotic Supplementation in Endurance Athletes

The aim of this project is to evaluate and identify the effect of a short-term 2-week multi-strain probiotic (MPRO) supplementation on the exercise-associated gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and perturbations in high level female athletes of the Polish national team during strictly controlled conditions of a training camp, based on recommendations for best practices for probiotic (PRO) research in athletes and assessment of EX-associated GI perturbations.

The Effect of Lemongrass on Aerobic Performance

The goal of this experimental study is to examine the influence of Lemongrass extract on aerobic training parameters following a 6-week training programme in middle-aged males. A secondary aim will be to explore the influence on sexual wellness. Participants will attend 23 visits to the laboratory involving: * fitness testing (some to exhaustion). * blood sampling (capillary and venous samples). * a supervised 6 week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) programme. * consuming either the lemongrass extract or placebo in the form of tablets, once a day during the 6 week training.

Molecular Hydrogen Inhalation: Effects on Health, Exercise Capacity and Inflammatory Response - in Vivo/in Vitro Studies

Summary To comprehensively address the research aims and explore the state of knowledge of the mechanisms of biochemical response to specific tissue affecting method in form of a molecular hydrogen inhalation and will allow to determine its role on the post-exercise response in form of changes in biochemical markers secretion, expression of selected trophic factors and changes in iron metabolism in this process. Moreover, this project will try to take into account the role of hepcidin, vitamin D and cfDNA. Additionally, the present project may contribute to the determination of the role of presented inhalation procedure on cells proliferation, as example of anty-tumor proprieties, regulation of the expression of genes related to the stress response (HSF-1, NF-kB, TNF-dependent pathway), muscle cell growth (e.g. myostatin gene), energy pathways (e.g. GAPDH, LDH) and the membrane transport and the hedgehog pathway ls (including Gli1), Hif-1-alpha and NF-kB. 1.1. Primary Objectives 1. Demonstration relationship between post-exercise oxidative stress parameters, and two weeks of daily inhalation with the use of a molecular hydrogen generator. 2. Indicate of whether and how daily inhalation with the use of a molecular hydrogen generator will affect BDNF and hepcidin, erytropheron (ERFE) and erythropoietin (EPO). 3. Show how daily inhalation with the use of a molecular hydrogen generator and physical activity procedures effects human serum anti-tumor potential, and is it associated with Vitamin D status and Iron metabolism. 1.2. Secondary Objectives 1. Examine the relationship between two weeks of daily inhalation using a molecular hydrogen generator and the expression of genes related to the stress response (HSF-1, NF-kB, TNF-dependent pathway). 2. Show the relationship between the expression of genes related to muscle cell growth (e.g. myostatin gene), intracellular metabolism, energy pathways (e.g. GAPDH, LDH) and the effect of molecular hydrogen inhalation? 3. Show the molecular hydrogen inhalation effects on the expression of genes responsible for membrane transport and the hedgehog pathway in muscle cells (including Gli1), expression of transcription factors: Hif-1-alpha (hypoxia-inducible factor) and NF-kB and selected genes dependent on their activity. 1.3. Hypotheses In the project on the basis of current knowledge, the following hypotheses are stated: 1. Daily inhalation with the use of a molecular hydrogen will increase the concentration of BDNF, which will correlate with higher skeletal muscle resistance to damage; 2. Two week daily inhalation with the molecular hydrogen will increase the concentration of BDNF, which will persist over a longer period compering to a single inhalation with the molecular hydrogen session; 3. Daily inhalation with the molecular hydrogen and physical activity effects on vitamin D binding protein, megalin, cubilin concentration changes. 4. Daily inhalation with the molecular hydrogen protects muscles and reduces oxidative stress induced by physical exercise and protects against oxidative stress induced by high Iron concentration (lower inflammation process and cfDNA concentration). 5. Daily inhalation with the molecular hydrogen effects human serum anti-tumor potential against human LNCaP prostate cancer cells. III. Research project methodology In order to achieve the objectives of the study 80 people will be recruited, then randomly divided into two groups: Experimental ((N=40) and Control (N=40). Furthermore, groups will be divided into subgroups to implement the assumptions of one-time and 10-time inhalation with the use of a molecular hydrogen generator on the level of induced muscle damage and the level of maximum anaerobic and aerobic capacity. The whole study will be carried out using the assumptions of the experiment - a blind test (inhalation with normal air but under the use of H2 generator (switched of), and in accordance with the principles of the experiment. In the study an experiment based on an ex post facto research plan will be used, due to the lack of manipulation of the grouping variable. Study will be based on comparative analysis and regression analysis. In the independent variable test, the group (non-trainees), variables dependent on molecular hydrogen inhalation and the anaerobic/aerobic performance characteristics, biochemical blood indicators. Minimal (40 people each) sample size was calculated according to Kirby et all (2002) and Kadam and Bhalerao (2010). IV. The study will consist of twelve parts. For anaerobic power of the lower limbs measurement of double Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) will be conducted on a cycle ergometer, * For the measurement of Aerobic Components of Fitness and post-aerobic exercises response Bruce Treadmill Test will be performed. * The blood collection for diagnostic tests will be strictly dependent on the requirements of a particular designation,

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Physical Exercise on Aerobic Capacity in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease

According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), non-communicable chronic diseases-primarily cardiovascular diseases-are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. These conditions result in long-term health consequences and require significant ongoing treatment and care. Among them, ischemic heart diseases-most notably acute myocardial infarction-are highly prevalent. Globally, cardiovascular diseases are closely linked to physical inactivity as a major modifiable risk factor. In this context, exercise and physical activity have become public health priorities, with international guidelines recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week. In Colombia, physical exercise is recognized as a key strategy for the prevention and management of non-communicable chronic diseases, as outlined in the national ten-year public health plan. However, evidence shows that few clinical services at the national or regional level consistently monitor or follow up on the proper prescription of exercise as a therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular disease management. This study aims to describe the effectiveness of structured physical exercise on the aerobic capacity of patients with cardiovascular disease.

Optimizing Aerobic Fitness in Older Adults

Hospitalization and treatment for cardiovascular disease is one of the main contributors to disability in older adults. Moderate intensity continuous aerobic and resistance training have been the cornerstone of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) for decades to remediate hospital-acquired functional deficits, but some groups receive less or minimal functional benefit from this training. The proposed studies seek to optimize recovery of aerobic fitness and physical function among older cardiac patients using a novel high intensity training regimen with the long-term goal of reducing subsequent disability and improving clinical outcomes.

Controlled Evaluation of an Exercise Program for Overweight Adolescents

Physical activity decreases as young people get older, especially during the shift from early to late adolescence. Unfortunately, around 81% of school-aged children worldwide between the ages of 11 and 17 do not meet the recommendation of at least one hour of physical activity per day - and this is also true in Switzerland. Not being active enough, whether normal weight or overweight, can lead to long-term health problems and is a major factor in becoming overweight over time. This results in healthcare costs and negatively affects quality of life. Supporting physical activity in overweight youth requires well-rounded, thoughtful programs. The investigators studying the impact of the movement programs now! and now!+ on the physical activity and health of young people. The goal is to look at both physical and mental changes equally. Taking part in this study involves minimal physical or mental risk for the participants. These small risks from the testing methods and activities are taken into account in how the program is explained and carried out. The benefits for the participants - feeling healthier and fitter physically, and more confident and capable mentally - clearly outweigh any potential risks, thanks to the additional, guided, and personalized exercise program. The participants take part in the now! and now!+ exercise programs run by the Basel-Stadt Sports Office and the DSBG. now! is a 90-minute group session with up to 14 young people, while now!+ is a 90-minute small-group session with 2 to 4 participants. Both programs take place once a week over a 12-month period and pause during school holidays (38 training weeks in total). Each session includes a warm-up, a strength or endurance training block, and a coordination phase. The program is modular and adapted to the physical and personal needs of each participant. This ensures that overweight adolescents are not overstrained and don't develop symptoms like pain, frustration, or lack of motivation (Behringer et al., 2011), while still allowing for a training stimulus that supports physical improvement. The results of the evaluations are directly used to improve and further develop the exercise program. The overall project includes three rounds, each consisting of one year of training and three test sessions, each lasting about two hours. The now! and now!+ programs are held weekly for a total of 38 weeks per year, with breaks during school holidays. Each of the three test sessions includes the same set of assessments (see "Study Intervention") and follows a set order: The process begins with measuring body size and blood pressure, followed by a static retinal vessel analysis. After these medical checks, participants do a 5-minute warm-up on a stationary bike at a set resistance level. Then, strength tests are performed: knee extension on the IsoMed 2000, handgrip strength, and jump power on the Leonardo force plate. The endurance test using spiroergometry marks the end of the physical assessments. Finally, impulse control is tested, and participants complete a set of questionnaires. At the end of the session, each participant is given an actigraph (a small motion sensor worn on the body) to track their physical activity over the following seven days.

Investigation of Burnout, Musculoskeletal System and Aerobic Capacity in Nurses

The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship of aerobic capacity with burnout status, musculoskeletal system, physical performance and exercise benefit/obstacle perception in nurses, who have an important place in the health profession group, and to bring the results to the literature. Demographic information will be obtained from the participants who volunteered to participate in the study. Burnout, musculoskeletal pain and physical performance will be evaluated with relevant scales and aerobic capacity will be measured with a bicycle ergometer.