Clinical Research Directory

Comparison of Combined Sprint-Plyometric Training Versus Traditional Strength Training on Speed, Agility, Power, and Movement Quality in Intermediate Rugby Players

Comparison of Combined Sprint-Plyometric Training Versus Traditional Strength Training on Speed, Agility, Power, and Movement Quality in Intermediate Rugby Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Effects of Neuro-Athletic Training on Goalkeeper Performance

This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of an 8-week neuro-athletic training (NAT) program on dynamic balance, explosive strength, grip strength, and agility in elite soccer goalkeepers. Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving NAT in addition to regular training or a control group continuing standard training. Pre- and post-intervention performance assessments were conducted to determine the effectiveness of the intervention.

Effect of Reactive Balance Training Versus Conventional Balance Training on Dynamic Stability and Change-of-Direction Performance in Competitive Tennis Players

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of reactive balance training versus conventional balance training on dynamic stability and change of direction performance. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups. Each group will receive its respective intervention over a 6-week period. Outcome measures, including dynamic stability assessed by the Y-Balance Test and change-of-direction performance measured using the 505 Agility Test, will be evaluated at baseline and after the intervention. The study is designed to determine which training approach is more effective in improving balance and functional performance.

Acute Effects of Exercise Bars on Proprioception, ReactionTime, Power and Upper Extremity Performance

This study will be conducted between May and August 2026 at Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Health Sciences, with male individuals aged 18-35. For the study, cases will first be divided into 3 groups by computer-assisted randomization.The first group will be the Flex-i bar group, the second group will be the Theraband Flex bar group, and the third group will be the Sham bar group. Group 1 will perform the exercises with the Flex-i bar, while Group 2 will perform them with the Theraband Flex bar. The control group will perform the exercises with a rolling pin.After group assignment of cases is completed, demographic information such as age, height and weight of the participants will be recorded. Then, pre-exercise assessments of the participants will be conducted. The assessment will include proprioception, reaction time, power and upper extremity performance. Following the initial assessment, each group will perform their exercises with their own exercise material. Measurements will be repeated after the exercises. Measurements will be taken three times during the assessments and the best result will be recorded.

Comparing High-Protein and Low-Protein Multi-Ingredient Supplements for Body Composition and Performance in Elite Rugby Players

The purpose of this 12-week study is to compare the effects of two different post-exercise nutritional supplements on the body composition and exercise performance of elite male university rugby players. Athletes often consume very high amounts of protein to build muscle and recover, but excessive protein intake might pose potential health risks. Study Hypothesis: The researchers hypothesize that a multi-ingredient supplement with a lower total protein content (about 20 grams) will yield comparable or even superior improvements in body composition and physical performance compared to a standard high-dose whey protein supplement (40 grams). Study Design: Twenty elite male college rugby players will be randomly divided into two equal groups. One group will receive the high-dose whey protein, while the other group will receive the lower-dose multi-ingredient supplement (which includes protein, leucine, creatine, red amaranth, and elderberry). Participants will consume their assigned supplement immediately after their training sessions, four times a week for 12 weeks. Assessments: Before and after the 12-week intervention, the researchers will measure the participants' body composition (muscle and fat mass), maximum muscle strength, power, agility, and aerobic endurance. The overall goal is to determine if athletes can achieve optimal performance and muscle growth with a lower, more efficient protein intake strategy.

DEVELOPMENT AND PSYCHOMETRIC EVALUATION OF THE NEUROCOGNITIVE UPPER EXTREMITY TESTS: A RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY STUDY

The goal of this observational study is to develop an upper extremity neurocognitive performance test battery, determine its reliability and validity, and investigate the effect of neurocognitive load on test performance in athletes and healthy volunteers aged 18-40. The main questions it aims to answer are: Are the developed upper extremity neurocognitive tests reliable and valid tool for assessment? Does the addition of neurocognitive load significantly affect upper extremity physical performance scores? Are the neurocognitive performance test results related to shoulder rotator cuff muscle strength, rate of force development, and shoulder function? Researchers will compare the neurocognitive performance of athletes to healthy non-athlete individuals to see if the test battery can effectively differentiate between these two groups (discriminative validity). Participants will: Complete demographic forms and questionnaires regarding activity level and shoulder function. Undergo shoulder range of motion and isometric strength/rate of force development assessments. Perform a battery of 4 neurocognitive tests integrated with a light-based reaction system. Perform the same functional tests without neurocognitive load to serve as a baseline for comparison. (Athletes only) Attend additional sessions to evaluate the feasibility of the tests and to assess test-retest reliability with a one-week interval.

Flywheel vs Traditional Resistance Training for Change of Direction in Elite Soccer Players

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the effects of unilateral flywheel resistance training and unilateral traditional resistance training on change-of-direction performance in elite male soccer players. A total of 22 elite soccer players will be randomly assigned to either a flywheel resistance training group or a traditional resistance training group. Both groups will perform supervised training twice per week for 8 weeks in addition to their regular soccer training. Performance outcomes will include linear sprint tests (10 m and 30 m), pre-planned change-of-direction tests (Pro-agility, T-test, Arrowhead test), and agility tests under no-ball and with-ball conditions (AFL agility test). The primary outcome is change-of-direction performance assessed by the T-test. Secondary outcomes include direction-specific change-of-direction ability and agility performance. It is hypothesized that unilateral flywheel resistance training will produce greater improvements in change-of-direction performance compared with traditional resistance training, particularly in tasks involving braking and re-acceleration.

Horizontal Plyometric Training and Sprint Mechanics in Early-Adolescent Track-and-Field Athletes

This field-based exploratory pre-post study examined the effects of a six-week horizontally oriented plyometric training program on sprint performance and sprint-related temporal-kinematic outcomes in early-adolescent male track-and-field athletes. Participants completed 12 supervised plyometric training sessions integrated into their regular athletics practice. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after the intervention using field-based sprint testing, video-derived temporal-kinematic analysis, and horizontal jump performance measures. The study was conducted in a low-resource community sport setting in Antioquia, Colombia. The intervention was designed according to the participants' age, training background, and usual sport practice demands, with progressive exercise exposure, supervision, adequate recovery, and safety monitoring throughout the training period.

Unilateral vs Bilateral Isometric Training in Youth Soccer Players

This randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of unilateral and bilateral isometric strength training integrated into an 8-week complex training program on neuromuscular performance in elite youth soccer players. Forty-one male players competing at the national level will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: unilateral isometric training (UNI), bilateral isometric training (BI), or a control group performing the same training program without additional isometric exercises. All participants will complete a structured complex strength training program once per week for eight weeks during the competitive season. Neuromuscular performance will be assessed before and after the intervention using countermovement jump height, broad jump distance, maximal isometric squat peak force and 30-m sprint time. The aim of the study is to determine whether the mode of isometric training (unilateral vs bilateral) influences adaptations in strength, power and sprint performance in youth soccer players. An additional objective of the study is to determine whether the type of isometric training intervention influences inter-limb asymmetries in neuromuscular performance. Selected tests will therefore be performed both bilaterally and unilaterally to assess potential differences between dominant and non-dominant limbs.

Sideritis Supplementation and Performance

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of sideritis consumption on physiological and performance indicators in adult subjects and compare it with the control trial.

Whey Protein Supplementation in High School Athletes

The overall aim of this project is to compare protein supplementation on performance, recovery, and body composition changes in adolescent soccer players between the whey protein and the control group in response to the 10-12-week intervention.

Effects of Six-Week Accentuated Eccentric Load Training on Balance and Strength in Young Football Players

This study aims to investigate the effects of a structured training intervention on selected physical performance parameters in athletes. The primary objective is to determine whether the intervention leads to measurable improvements in performance outcomes such as balance, strength, sprint, change of direction, or jump performance. Participants will undergo baseline performance assessments before the intervention period. Following the baseline testing, participants will complete a supervised training program lasting several weeks. After the intervention, the same performance tests will be repeated under standardized conditions to evaluate changes in performance. All assessments will be conducted by trained researchers using validated measurement tools in a controlled training environment. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of the training intervention and contribute to the development of evidence-based training strategies for athletes.

ACL Mechanical Property Changes in Female Collegiate Basketball Players During a Competitive Season

This prospective cohort study aims to investigate whether the mechanical properties of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) undergo measurable changes throughout a competitive basketball season in female collegiate athletes. Female athletes are at a significantly higher risk for non-contact ACL injuries compared to males. Beyond acute injuries, cumulative stress from high-intensity sports may lead to subclinical alterations in the ligament's biomechanical properties, potentially increasing injury risk. Using non-invasive shear wave elastography (SWE) and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests, the study will monitor 60 elite players before and after the University Basketball League (UBL) season. The findings will help identify potential signs of cumulative loading and contribute to the development of early detection markers for injury risk in female athletes.

Different Drop Height Plyometric Training in Soccer Players

This randomized controlled trial aims to determine the effects of different drop height plyometric training protocols on lower limb explosive strength, anaerobic power, and change of direction (COD) performance in soccer players. A total of 56 competitive soccer players aged 18-30 years will be randomly allocated into three intervention groups using sealed envelope randomization: low drop height (30 cm), moderate drop height (45 cm), and high drop height (60 cm) plyometric training groups. Participants will undergo supervised plyometric training three times per week for six weeks. Outcome measures including Vertical Jump Test, Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST), and T-Test Agility Test will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS version 25 to determine within-group and between-group differences.

Acute Effects of Isometric Conditioning on Sprint, Jump and Change of Direction Performance in Youth Soccer Players

This study aims to examine the acute effects of an isometric conditioning activity on sprinting, jumping, and change-of-direction performance in elite youth soccer players. Twelve male soccer players aged 15-19 years from a professional academy will participate in a randomized crossover study. Each participant will complete two experimental sessions separated by one week. During each session, participants will perform a standardized warm-up followed by baseline performance tests including countermovement jumps, drop jumps, a 30-m sprint test, and a 505 change-of-direction test. After baseline testing, participants will complete one of two conditions in randomized order: (1) an isometric conditioning activity consisting of unilateral standing isometric calf raises, or (2) a control condition consisting of low-intensity treadmill walking. Performance tests will be repeated seven minutes after the intervention to assess acute changes in neuromuscular performance. Jump performance will be assessed using a dual force plate system sampling at 1000 Hz, and sprint performance will be measured using electronic timing gates. The study will be conducted on an indoor athletics runway located in a gymnasium. The results will help determine whether isometric conditioning activities can acutely enhance explosive performance in youth soccer players.

Effect of Foot Core Exercises on Jump Performance in Professional Volleyball Players

Brief Summary The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of foot core exercises on jump performance in professional volleyball players. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups. The first group will perform a strength training program only, while the second group will perform foot core exercises in addition to the same strength training program. Jump performance will be assessed using the Countermovement Jump (CMJ) test, and performance scores will be obtained through force-time analysis using the ForceDecks system. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the development of training programs aimed at improving performance and reducing injury risk in professional volleyball players.

Impact of Mindfulness on Athletic Performance and Functional Movement in Collegiate Athletes

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of a mindfulness training program on sports performance and mental health in university basketball players. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does the mindfulness program improve basketball skills, body movement control, and psychological health? 2. Does the program's effectiveness differ between male and female athletes? 3. Is there an association between athletes' current psychological states and their athletic performance before training? Researchers will compare a mindfulness group to a psychological skills training group and a standard control group to see if the mindfulness program leads to significantly greater improvements in performance and well-being. Participants will: 1. Complete surveys about their mental health and stress. 2. Perform physical fitness tests, such as jumping, running, and strength exercises. 3. Perform basketball skill tests, including shooting, dribbling, and passing. 4. Play in standardized 5-on-5 basketball games that are video-recorded for analysis . 5. Attend 15-to-20-minute training sessions 3 times a week for 8 weeks (if assigned to a training group) .

Dynamic Q Angle and Core Endurance in Adolescent Athletes With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

This cross-sectional observational study aims to compare trunk mobility, lower extremity flexibility, and functional balance performance across different sports branches in adolescent elite male athletes. Trunk mobility will be assessed using a digital inclinometer in flexion, extension, and rotational movements; hamstring flexibility will be evaluated using the Straight Leg Raise test; and functional balance will be measured using the normalized Y-Balance Test. The study seeks to identify sport-specific biomechanical characteristics and potential indicators related to injury risk and performance adaptations in adolescent competitive athletes.

The Effects of Neuromuscular Training on Knee Biomechanics During Jump-Landing Among College Basketball Players Post ACL Reconstruction and Rehabilitation

Basketball players often injure the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), a key structure that stabilizes the knee. Even after surgery and standard rehabilitation, many athletes continue to have problems with knee stability, movement control, and performance during jumping and landing. These issues increase the risk of re-injury and can limit their ability to return to competition. Neuromuscular training (NMT) is a type of exercise program that focuses on improving balance, muscle coordination, and movement patterns. It uses activities such as jump-landing drills, balance tasks, agility exercises, and core training. Previous research shows that NMT can help athletes land more safely, reduce harmful knee movements, and improve sport performance. However, little is known about its long-term benefits in college basketball players who are more than one year post-ACL surgery. This study aims to evaluate whether a 12-week NMT program, added to standard basketball training, can improve knee biomechanics, stability, and performance in college basketball players with a history of ACL reconstruction. Thirty participants will be randomly assigned to either an NMT group or a control group. Both groups will complete basketball training, but only the NMT group will receive the additional neuromuscular exercises. Knee movement will be measured using 3D motion capture and force plates, and performance will be tested through vertical jumps and other sport-specific tasks. The main outcomes will include knee angles during landing, ground reaction forces, dynamic stability, and jump height. The expected outcome is that athletes who undergo NMT will demonstrate safer landing strategies, better knee control, and improved performance compared to those who only receive standard basketball training. These findings may help coaches and healthcare providers design safer, more effective rehabilitation programs for athletes after ACL surgery.

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 Magnesium L-Threonate on Sleep, Recovery, and Athletic Performance in Collegiate Athletes

This study is testing whether a special form of magnesium called magnesium L-threonate can help improve sleep quality, recovery, and physical performance in college athletes. Magnesium is important for muscle recovery and sleep, but many forms of it do not enter the brain well. Magnesium L-threonate is unique in that it can cross the blood-brain barrier and may improve deep and REM sleep, heart rate variability, and brain recovery. In this study, healthy UCLA varsity athletes aged 18 to 35 will be randomly assigned to take either magnesium L-threonate or a placebo each evening for 4 weeks. They will wear a WHOOP strap to track sleep, recovery, and heart rate data. Performance tests including jump height, grip strength, and reaction time will be completed before and after the 4-week period. This study will help researchers determine if this supplement can support recovery and training in athletes and whether wearable technology can help monitor these changes in real time.

The Effect of a Training Programme in the Variation of Fitness Parameters, Physiological, Hematological and Biochemical Indicators of Soccer Players During the Preseason Period

The goal of this study is to investigate the effects of varying friendly match-play exposure during the late pre-season on physiological, biochemical, and performance adaptations in soccer players. It is hypothesized that (i) significant changes will occur across the pre-season in both the extended- and limited-play groups when analysed independently; (ii) distinct group-specific adaptations will emerge by the end of the preparatory period; and (iii) match-play exposure, when analysed across all participants, will be significantly correlated with physiological and performance outcomes at pre-season completion. Players from a randomly selected team will be assessed at three time points: pre-season start, mid-pre-season (MPS), and pre-competition phase (PC). Assessments will include anthropometry, physical performance, and markers of muscle damage, inflammation, hormonal status, and haematology. Based on the total match-play time of 8 friendly games during the late pre-season, players will be retrospectively categorised into extended-play (EP) and limited-play (LP) cohorts.time of 8 friendly games during the late pre-season, players will be retrospectively categorised into extended-play (EP) and limited-play (LP) cohorts.

The Impact of the Menstrual Cycle on Physical Exercise and Performance

The menstrual cycle implies a basic difference in the biology of women and men but the effect of the hormonal variation on training protocols and physical performance is still not fully understood. Despite no existing evidence, the advice to periodize exercise according to the menstrual cycle has been widely spread among elite athletes, coaches, and sports federations. The advice is based on underpowered studies with considerable methodological weaknesses regarding determination of cycle phase, inclusion of athletes and lack of adequate control groups. The purpose of this randomized, controlled study is to evaluate the effect of exercise periodization on aerobic fitness during different phases of the menstrual cycle. Further, the effect will be related to premenstrual symptoms, body composition and skeletal muscle morphology, sex hormone receptors, metabolic enzymes, and markers of muscle protein synthesis. This study will be well controlled and follow methodology recommendations for menstrual cycle research in sports and exercise. Female athletes of fertile age will be randomized to different training regimens during three menstrual cycles (12 weeks): Group A: Training three times a week throughout the menstrual cycle. Group B: Follicular phase-based training five times a week during the follicular phase and thereafter once a week during the luteal phase. Group C: Luteal phase-based training five times a week during the luteal phase and once a week in the follicular phase. The exercise will consist of high intensity intermittent spinning classes. Assessment of aerobic fitness and power will be performed at baseline, and again after three completed menstrual cycles. On the same day, body composition will be examined by DXA and blood samples will be collected for analysis of hormones and binding proteins. To confirm menstrual cycle phase, blood samples will be collected for hormone determination, and urinary stick will be used for detection of ovulation. Subjective ratings of menstrual cycle related symptoms will be performed every day. In a subgroup of women, muscle biopsies will be collected from m vastus lateralis at baseline and at the end of the study. This study will contribute to improved knowledge about exercise periodization in relation to the menstrual cycle. Well-grounded data is crucial to give evidence-based recommendations to female athletes when planning their training protocol to optimize training results and performance.

Effects of Neuroathletic Training on Judokas' Physical, Cognitive, and Performance Abilities

The primary objective of this project is to comprehensively investigate the effects of the Neuroathletic Training (NAT) approach, integrated into the routine training program, on the physical fitness, cognitive skills, and sports performance of judokas aged 10 to 18 years. This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial involving 40 judokas randomly assigned to either the NAT group or the control group. The NAT program, implemented over eight weeks, includes exercises targeting visual-motor coordination, reaction time, balance, and proprioception. Outcome measures such as reaction time, agility, balance, flexibility, proprioception, attention, grip strength, and judo-specific physical fitness will be assessed using a pre-test and post-test design. The results are expected to contribute to the development of a novel training model aimed at enhancing judo performance and to provide original insights into the effects of neuroathletic training in sports sciences. Additionally, the NAT protocol aims to improve not only physical fitness parameters but also cognitive domains such as mental flexibility, decision-making speed, and concentration by enhancing neuromotor control parameters including balance, coordination, reaction time, and attention.