Clinical Research Directory

Augmented Feedback Effects on Shoulder Rotator Performance

The existing literature demonstrates that motor learning strategies are effective in enhancing sports performance. One of these strategies, augmented feedback, is widely used in athletic training to help athletes achieve their goals more effectively, support the learning process, and motivate improvements in performance. Although studies in the literature have demonstrated the positive effects of augmented feedback provided during training on performance, no study has been found that examines the acute effects of such feedback on peak force and rate of force development during isometric training of the shoulder internal and external rotator muscles. The aim of this study is to investigate the acute effects of outcome feedback on isometric peak force and rate of force development during isometric training of the shoulder internal and external rotator muscles, as well as the short-term retention of these effects. It is expected that augmented feedback on isometric peak force and rate of force development, provided during isometric training of the shoulder internal and external rotator muscles, will have both acute and short-term retention effects on strength parameters. Healthy and physically active individuals will participate in isometric strength training targeting the dominant side shoulder internal and external rotator muscles across two separate sessions. Within a randomized crossover design, all participants will perform the isometric training program under two different conditions: with augmented feedback and without augmented feedback. The order of the conditions will be determined using a computer-based randomization program.To minimize potential learning effects, a washout period of 5-7 days will be provided between the two training conditions. Testing and training protocols will be conducted using an isometric dynamometer (ForceFrame, VALD Performance, Australia). The reported intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) of the ForceFrame dynamometer for shoulder strength measurements range between 0.85 and 0.91, indicating good to excellent test-retest reliability. All testing and training procedures will be performed in accordance with the standard testing positions recommended by the manufacturer.

Effects of Short-term Acute Creatine Supplementation on Power, Speed and Muscular Strengths in Young Football Players

Creatine has been widely studies within the strength and conditioning background and has been seen to show positive effects on performance assess the effects of creatine on sports requiring a range of different fitness components to be successful such as football. Previous research has suggested benefits of creatine supplementation such as increasing PCr (phosphocreatine) stores to aid ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production, increasing muscle water retention resulting in enhanced protein synthesis, reduced muscle damage and anti-inflammation. Identifying supplements that are scientifically proved to aid performance can help optimise training and develop physical ability of athletes to enhance performance.

Impact of Psychosocial Support Web-Based Toolkit

At times of crisis, early childhood development (ECD) workers, and schools/centers play an important role in the lives of children in the early childhood stage (less than 8 years old) and their parents; they are intended to act as the "great equalizer", offering not only curriculum teaching, but also additional social-emotional learning and educational opportunities for vulnerable children who are more likely to suffer in such situations. CD teachers, despite this responsibility, often lack tools and methods to promote their well-being, and to cope with vulnerable children and difficult situations. They are also rarely recognized as members of a workforce with specialized knowledge or competencies, and they hardly receive the support needed to uphold this great responsibility to young children, their families, and society.

Effects of DHA in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

This clinical trial will investigate the effects of combining therapeutic exercise with DHA supplementation in 100 patients with multiple sclerosis using a randomized controlled design. Participants, diagnosed according to the McDonald criteria, will undergo functional, cognitive, fatigue, and quality-of-life assessments through tools such as the EDSS, BRB-N, MFIS, EVA-f, and MSQoL-54. Physiological evaluations will include infrared thermography, isokinetic strength testing, perceived exertion (Modified Borg Scale), balance (Timed Up and Go), lower-limb power (Sit-to-Stand app), and handgrip strength. The study hypothesizes that this combined intervention will improve motor function, cognition, fatigue management, and overall quality of life by enhancing neuromuscular activation and metabolic efficiency.

Photomedicine Project 14: PBMT for Performance Enhancement in SOF

Special Operations Forces (SOF) train continually to maintain peak performance. Thus, they are nearly always in a state of recovery, and in need of noninvasive therapies to address the taxing workload. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is a noninvasive treatment where a low-level laser is applied to the body to enhance healing, recovery, and performance. Army Tactical Human Optimization Rapid Rehabilitation and Reconditioning (THOR3) provides a consistent avenue for implementation of PBMT as a modality. Studies in athletes have shown performance and recovery benefits with pre-and post-workout focal application of PBMT. While there is less evidence on the potential cognitive/behavioral effects of a systematic application of PBMT, self-reported fatigue has also been found to be significantly lower in groups with focal PBMT application as compared to placebo. Further, PBMT research in healthy military tactical athletes is limited. PBMT may be a promising tool for enhancing physical performance by accelerating musculoskeletal and psychological recovery in the SOF population. The investigators aim to study the physiologic and behavioral effects of PBMT application post-exercise on performance in SOF Operators. The Intent: The investigators propose to conduct a single-blinded randomized-control trial with sham control to investigate the effectiveness of providing PBMT post physical training in a SOF population. The specific aims of this study are to: 1. Analyze and describe the physiologic effects, if any, of PBMT application post-exercise in Special Forces Operators undergoing coach-led training. 2. Analyze and describe the behavioral effects, if any, of PBMT application post-exercise in Special Forces Operators undergoing coach-led training. 3. Evaluate the overall clinical utility of focal PBMT subsequent to physical training in a US Army SOF, tactical athlete population.