Clinical Research Directory

Effects of Microdosed Plyometric Training on Lower-Limb Neuromuscular Function and Sport-Specific Performance in Rope-Skipping Athletes

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare two ways of scheduling plyometric training in rope-skipping athletes. The study will examine whether short and frequent training sessions have different effects on lower-limb muscle function, rope-skipping performance, and perceived fatigue compared with longer training sessions performed less often. Approximately 60 rope-skipping athletes will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Both groups will continue their regular rope-skipping training and complete an additional 8-week plyometric training program. One group will perform short plyometric training sessions five days per week. The other group will perform concentrated plyometric training sessions twice per week. The exercise content, weekly training volume, and training progression will be kept as similar as possible between the two groups. Researchers will assess lower-limb muscle function and rope-skipping-specific performance before and after the intervention. Training attendance, completion, perceived exertion, muscle soreness, and adverse events will also be recorded. The study aims to determine whether distributing plyometric training across more frequent and shorter sessions produces different training effects from concentrating the training into fewer sessions.

Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Physical Function, Muscle Adaptations, and Performance in Roller Skaters

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effects of adding blood flow restriction training to regular roller skating training on neuromuscular function under non-fatigued and fatigued conditions, muscle morphology, body composition, physiological responses, lower-limb strength, and roller skating performance in competitive roller skaters. Thirty participants aged 18 to 25 years will be randomly assigned to either a blood flow restriction training group or a regular training control group. Both groups will complete the same standardized 10-week roller skating training program. The blood flow restriction training group will wear pressure cuffs individualized according to each participant's arterial occlusion pressure during selected training sessions three times per week, while the control group will complete the same training without blood flow restriction. Before and after the intervention, participants will complete standardized assessments of muscle morphology using musculoskeletal ultrasound, body composition using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and lower-limb strength using handheld dynamometry and one-repetition maximum tests. Physiological responses will be evaluated using blood lactate concentration and heart rate variability. Roller skating performance will be assessed using sprint, repeated-sprint, and endurance skating tests. Neuromuscular function, jump performance, and balance will also be assessed under both non-fatigued and fatigued conditions. Surface electromyography and force-platform data will be collected simultaneously during selected jump and single-leg balance tasks. The Y-Balance Test will be conducted separately without surface electromyography. The study aims to determine whether blood flow restriction training improves muscle and neuromuscular adaptations, body composition, strength, physiological responses, and roller skating performance, and whether it helps roller skaters maintain neuromuscular function, jump performance, and balance during fatigue.

Load-Matched Unilateral Versus Bilateral Squat Training in Elite Youth Futsal Players

This randomised controlled trial compared the effects of two load-matched squat training modalities on physical performance in elite youth futsal players. Seventeen players from the Antioqueña regional futsal squad in Colombia were randomly allocated to either a unilateral squat training group or a bilateral squat training group. Both groups completed a six-week velocity-based training programme, with two supervised sessions per week, while continuing their usual futsal training. Training intensity was prescribed using mean propulsive velocity targets across three two-week blocks. The main outcomes were countermovement jump height, single-leg countermovement jump height for the right and left limbs, 10-metre sprint time, and estimated squat one-repetition maximum. Secondary descriptive data included 20-metre sprint time. The study aimed to determine whether unilateral squat training produced superior adaptations compared with bilateral squat training when training load was objectively standardised.

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 Plant vs Animal Protein Supplementation on Body Composition in Youth Soccer Players

This prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial investigates the comparative effects of plant-based protein (soy and rice blend) versus animal-based protein (whey) supplementation on body composition parameters in elite male youth soccer players. Twenty-five players (ages 16-18.7 years) from Udinese Calcio's Primavera (U-19) category are randomized into three groups: Plant Protein Group (n=8), Animal Protein Group (n=9), and Placebo Group (n=8). The intervention consists of post-training protein supplementation (17g protein/dose) administered within 15-30 minutes after each training session over a 4-week microcycle during the competitive season. Body composition is assessed using a multi-compartmental model including anthropometry (ISAK protocol), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).