Clinical Research Directory

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.

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.