Clinical Research Directory

Musculotendinous Adaptations to Strength and Endurance Training in Cyclists

This study investigated whether adding strength training to regular endurance training improves performance and muscle function in competitive cyclists. Endurance training is essential for cycling performance, while strength training has been widely recognised as a complementary strategy that may enhance performance and reduce injury risk. However, in practice, strength training is often performed only during limited periods of the training season, and it remains unclear to what extent the adaptations achieved are maintained during subsequent phases of endurance-focused training. Male competitive cyclists were assigned to either a 10-week off-season combined strength and endurance training programme or an endurance-only training programme. The strength training group performed two weekly strength sessions in addition to their usual cycling training, while the control group continued with endurance training only. Participants were assessed at four time points: before the intervention, after the initial 10-week training period, after a high-volume endurance training camp, and during a competition preparation phase. Measurements included body composition, muscle strength, explosive force production, muscle and tendon structure, and cycling performance variables such as maximal power output and aerobic capacity. The primary aim of the study was to determine whether short-term strength training enhances neuromuscular performance and muscle-tendon characteristics in trained cyclists, and whether these adaptations are maintained or reduced when strength training is discontinued. A secondary aim was to examine how these changes interact with endurance adaptations across different phases of the training season. It was hypothesised that strength training would improve muscle strength, power, and muscle-tendon structure, but that these adaptations would be partially reduced during subsequent training phases without continued strength stimulus.

The Effects of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Mechanical Performance, Acid-Base Balance, Oxidative Stress, and Enzymatic Antioxidant Defence During Repeated Wingate Anaerobic Tests Under Normoxic and Hypoxic Conditions

Beta-alanine is a dietary supplement that increases skeletal muscle carnosine concentration and may enhance the muscle's ability to buffer hydrogen ions produced during high-intensity exercise. This buffering effect could potentially delay fatigue and improve exercise performance, particularly under conditions that increase metabolic stress, such as hypoxia. However, previous studies examining the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on repeated sprint performance under hypoxic conditions have produced inconsistent findings. The purpose of this study is to determine whether four weeks of beta-alanine supplementation improves repeated high-intensity cycling performance and influences markers of acid-base balance in trained male cyclists exercising under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Participants will perform repeated Wingate anaerobic cycling tests before and after a four-week supplementation period with either beta-alanine or placebo. Mechanical performance outcomes, including peak power, mean power, total work, and fatigue indices, will be assessed alongside physiological measures of metabolic stress, including blood lactate concentration, pH, bicarbonate concentration, and base excess. Performance and physiological responses will be compared between supplementation groups and environmental conditions. The findings of this study may contribute to a better understanding of the ergogenic potential of beta-alanine supplementation during repeated high-intensity exercise and provide practical information for athletes and practitioners regarding the effectiveness of beta-alanine under conditions of reduced oxygen availability.

Comparative Effects of Sciatic Nerve Flossing and Active Release Technique in Cyclists With Sciatica

Thus the aim of my study is to determine the comparative effects of sciatic nerve flossing and active release technique on pain, flexibility, and functionality in lower limbs of cyclists with sciatica.