Clinical Research Directory

Differences in Ankle Sprain Risk Factors, Anterior Talofibular Ligament, Calcaneofibular Ligament and Lower Leg Muscles' Size Among Athletes With and Without Ankle Sprain Injury History: A Retrospective Study

This study aims to comprehensively explore the relationship between changes in muscle architecture and connective tissue structure in athletes with ankle sprains and the intrinsic biomechanical risk factors observed in these individuals. The main goal of the research is to compare the risk factors associated with ankle sprains, characteristics of lower extremity muscle architecture, and structural features of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) between athletes with and without a history of ankle sprains. Additionally, the study seeks to identify intrinsic factors that may lead to lateral ankle sprains and to investigate the link between these factors and structural changes related to chronic ankle instability. Overall, the study aims to contribute scientifically to the early detection of sprain risk in athletes and the development of personalised preventative intervention strategies. The hypotheses of the study are as follows: Hypothesis 1: In athletes with a history of ankle sprains, the strength of the muscles surrounding the ankle differs from that of their uninjured ankles and ankles of the athletes without a history of sprains. Hypothesis 2: Athletes with a history of ankle sprains have a different level of proprioception (position sense) compared to athletes without a history of sprains. Hypothesis 3: Athletes with a history of ankle sprains have different muscle and ligament sizes compared to their uninjured legs and the legs of athletes without a history of sprains. Hypothesis 4: Dynamic balance differs between athletes with a history of ankle sprains and those without a history of ankle sprains.

Effects of an Elderberry-Based Functional Beverage on Exercise Performance, Muscle Structure, and the Gut-Muscle Axis

Introduction: Increasing sedentary lifestyle, microbiota imbalance and exercise-induced muscle fatigue are among the main causes of metabolic stress and performance decline, even in young individuals. The potential effects of functional foods-particularly polyphenol and anthocyanin-rich beverages-on both gut microbiota and muscle performance have attracted attention in recent years. In this context, intervention studies focused on the gut-muscle axis represent a promising and valuable area of research. Objective: This study aims to investigate the effects of a functional beverage enriched with anthocyanins and polyphenols -extracted from Sambucus nigra L. (black elderberry)- combined with a regular exercise program on muscle performance, muscle morphology, fatigue level, and gut microbiota composition in healthy individuals. Method: This 12-week double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial will include participants adhering to a berry-free diet. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: the intervention group will consume a functional elderberry beverage formulated with high-purity anthocyanins obtained via supercritical CO₂ extraction; the control group will receive a placebo beverage with matched taste and energy content but without active compounds. Both groups will engage in a structured combined exercise program (3 days/week). Pre- and post-intervention assessments will include gut microbiota profiling (16S rRNA sequencing), short-chain fatty acid analysis, systemic biomarkers, muscle morphology (via ultrasound), exercise performance, and body composition. Mediator analyses will be used to explore the role of the gut-muscle axis in the observed effects. Unique value: This project represents one of the few human-based intervention studies systematically evaluating the interaction between functional beverages, exercise, and microbiota through the lens of muscle fiber-type-specific adaptations. Furthermore, by integrating mediator analyses and multi-level outcome measures, the study aims to elucidate the physiological relevance of the gut-muscle axis in a holistic manner. The development, standardization, and sensory evaluation of the elderberry-based beverage also contribute valuable insights to functional product innovation.