Clinical Research Directory

Effects of Taekwondo Match-Simulated Fatigue on Balance Performance in Female Athletes

Taekwondo is a high-intensity combat sport characterized by repeated explosive kicking actions and rapid changes in body position, requiring well-developed postural control to maintain technical performance and reduce injury risk. Although fatigue has been reported to impair balance performance, previous studies have primarily induced fatigue using non-specific laboratory protocols that do not adequately reflect the physiological and neuromuscular demands of taekwondo competition. Consequently, the effects of taekwondo-specific fatigue on static and dynamic balance performance remain insufficiently understood. The primary objective of this study will be to investigate the effects of a taekwondo match-simulated fatigue protocol on static and dynamic balance performance in female taekwondo athletes. Eighteen competitive female taekwondo athletes will participate in this single-group repeated-measures study. Following a familiarization session, participants will complete a standardized taekwondo match-simulated fatigue protocol consisting of three 2-minute rounds separated by 1-minute passive recovery periods, replicating the official Olympic competition format. Static and dynamic balance performance will be assessed before and immediately after the fatigue protocol using the Biodex Balance System (Biodex Medical Systems Inc., Shirley, NY, USA). Balance performance will be evaluated under static and dynamic testing conditions, and the Overall Stability Index, Anteroposterior Stability Index, and Mediolateral Stability Index will be recorded. The findings of this study are expected to improve understanding of the acute effects of sport-specific fatigue on postural control in female taekwondo athletes and may contribute to the development of evidence-based training and injury prevention strategies.

Sex Differences in Knee Strength and Speed in Male and Female Football Players

Force-velocity (F-V) profiling is increasingly used to describe the mechanical capacities of the knee extensors and knee flexors in football, but almost all available reference data come from male players. It is not established whether male and female players differ in the parameters of the isokinetic force-velocity relationship, or whether any such differences persist once differences in body size are accounted for. This single-centre, cross-sectional observational study compared the isokinetic force-velocity profiles of the knee extensors and knee flexors between male and female competitive football players. Eligible participants were competitive players aged 18 to 35 years, training at least three times per week, free of current lower limb pain or injury and with no history of knee or hip surgery. During a single testing session, participants performed bilateral concentric isokinetic knee extension and flexion at five angular velocities (30, 60, 180, 240 and 300 degrees per second) on an isokinetic dynamometer, after a standardised warm-up, individual gravity correction and a familiarisation session. For each participant, limb and muscle group, peak torque was regressed against angular velocity to fit an individual linear torque-angular velocity relationship. The following parameters were derived: theoretical maximal torque (F0), theoretical maximal angular velocity (V0), the slope of the relationship, maximal theoretical power (Pmax), and torque and power at the extremes of the tested velocity range. The participant, defined as the mean of both limbs, was the unit of analysis. Male and female players were compared in absolute terms and after adjustment for body size, using ratio scaling to body mass, log-log allometric models and analysis of covariance with body mass and age as covariates. Secondary comparisons included the conventional hamstring-to-quadriceps ratio, inter-limb asymmetry and the orientation of the profile (F0/V0 ratio). The purpose of the study is to determine which sex differences in isokinetic force-velocity parameters are explained by body size and which persist after adjustment, in order to establish whether reference values obtained in male players can legitimately be applied to female players.

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.

Effects of a 10-Week High-Intensity Interval Training Programme on Biochemical and Hormonal Responses in Elite Female Futsal Players

This study aims to investigate the biochemical, hormonal, and physiological adaptations to a 10-week periodized high-intensity interval training (HIIT) programme in elite female futsal players. The study will examine changes in aerobic fitness, blood lactate kinetics, muscle damage biomarkers, inflammatory markers, and reproductive hormones throughout the intervention. In addition, the influence of menstrual cycle phases on these physiological responses will be evaluated to improve understanding of sex-specific training adaptations and recovery. The findings are expected to contribute to evidence-based, individualized training and recovery strategies for female futsal athletes.

Investigating the Effects of Time-of-day and Menstrual Cycle Phase (Low and High Progesterone) on Female's Cognitive and Strength Performance

This study is designed to determine whether time-of-day and menstrual cycle phase influence athletic performance and is expected to contribute valuable insight into how both time-of-day, and hormonal factors can influence performance and expand existing research. This study aims to support more inclusive, effective and personalised approaches to training and competition schedules for female athletes. The study will involve two testing days that require a participant to complete a compilation of tests at 07:00, 12:00 and 18:00 hours. The testing days will be arranged for when a participant is in phase 1 (lowest levels of progesterone in the menstrual cycle) and phase 4 (highest level of progesterone in the menstrual cycle). The tests will examine a participant's executive function and physical strength. This study will aim to recruit thirty 18-30-year-old females from Lancaster University who identify with a sport that they train \~3 times a week for with a purpose to compete. The females recruited must have a regular menstrual cycle and no history of sleep disorders. Aim: To investigate the effects of time-of-day and menstrual cycle phase (low and high progesterone levels) on executive function and strength in females. Objectives: 1. To determine the effects of time-of-day on executive function and strength tests. 2. To determine the effects of menstrual cycle phase on executive function and strength tests. 3. To examine if there is an interaction between time-of-day and menstrual cycle phase on executive function and strength tests.

Effects of β-alanine and Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation on Physical Capacity and Biochemical Markers Concentrations

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study aims to evaluate the potential synergistic effect of beta-alanine (BA) and sodium bicarbonate (SB) supplementation, compared to their separate administration or placebo (PL), on physical performance and selected blood biochemical markers in highly trained female basketball players.

Pre-Sleep Creatine Enhances Anaerobic Power in Recreationally Active Females

This study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to examine the effects of pre-sleep creatine monohydrate supplementation on anaerobic performance and muscle damage markers in recreationally active females. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either 5 grams of creatine monohydrate or a placebo 30 minutes before sleep for seven consecutive days. Anaerobic performance will be assessed using the Wingate Anaerobic Test, evaluating peak and average power output and fatigue index. Blood samples will be collected before and after the supplementation period to analyze markers of muscle damage, including creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase. This study aims to provide insight into the efficacy of short-term, time-specific creatine supplementation for enhancing performance and recovery.