Clinical Research Directory

Acute Effects of Fibular Repositioning Taping on Balance, Jumping, and Sprint Performance

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the acute effects of fibular repositioning taping on balance, jumping, and sprint performance in healthy young women. Eligible participants are randomly allocated to one of three groups: fibular repositioning taping, sham taping, or control. Physical performance and dynamic balance are assessed at baseline and after the intervention using functional outcome measures, including jumping tests, a 10-meter sprint test, and the Y Balance Test. The study is designed to determine whether fibular repositioning taping produces short-term changes in selected performance parameters compared with sham taping and no intervention.

Effects of Supplementation on Performance in Football Players

This study investigated the effects of short-term supplementation with taurine, caffeine, and phosphatidylserine on physical and cognitive performance in professional male football players. Eighty-one players were randomly assigned to one of three groups: placebo, taurine plus caffeine, or taurine plus caffeine combined with phosphatidylserine. Supplementation was administered for 10 days, with a final dose taken 60 minutes before a standardized 105-minute football training session. Primary and secondary outcomes included sprint performance, reaction time, GPS-derived locomotor variables, and technical and tactical performance indicators. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether combined multi-ingredient supplementation could improve performance and attenuate fatigue-related declines under match-like conditions.

Effects of Multi-component Exercise on Physical Performance and Sleep Quality in Older Adults

This quasi-experimental study evaluated the effects of an 8-week multi-component group exercise program on physical performance and sleep quality among community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan. Participants were recruited from four community care sites in central Taiwan. The intervention group participated in a structured exercise program consisting of aerobic, resistance, balance, and flexibility training conducted at a university-affiliated senior fitness club, while the control group maintained their usual community activities. Primary outcomes included physical performance and sleep quality. Physical performance was assessed using gait speed, chair stand, arm curl, grip strength, balance, and walking tests. Sleep quality was measured using the Chinese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (CPSQI). Heart rate recovery was evaluated as a secondary outcome. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted to determine the effectiveness of the intervention.

Lower Limb Strength and Power as Predictors of Brain Blood Flow During Exercise

This study aims to investigate the predictive value of lower limb muscle strength and explosive power on exercise-induced prefrontal hemodynamic responses. Using an interpretable machine learning framework (GCAT-Net), the research analyzes how various physical performance indicators-such as isokinetic muscle strength, 1RM leg press, and vertical jump metrics-can predict oxygenated hemoglobin (ΔHbO) changes in the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) during moderate-intensity cycling.

Effects of Conditioning Activities in Female Athletes

This study will investigate how different warm-up strategies affect physical performance in female athletes who practice invasion sports (e.g., soccer, handball, and basketball). Participants will complete three different conditions: a standard warm-up only, a warm-up followed by a performance-enhancing activity, and a warm-up followed by a low-intensity activity designed to simulate the same expectations without real physiological effects. After each condition, athletes will perform tests of vertical jump performance and change-of-direction speed. In addition, participants will report their perceived effort, expectations, muscle soreness, and recovery status. The study will include eighteen female athletes and will be conducted under controlled conditions, including standardized hydration, recovery, and environmental factors. The design will allow comparison of the physical and psychological effects of the different warm-up strategies on performance.

The Acute Effect of Squat Exercises Performed at Different Depths on Muscle Activation and Jump Performance

This study examined the acute effects of different squat depths (partial, parallel, full) on lower extremity muscle activation and jump performance (countermovement jump - CMJ). Fourteen healthy sports science students participated in this randomized crossover study. Participants performed three sets of squats at their 5-repetition maximum (5RM) load across three different depths. Surface electromyography (SEMG) was recorded from the vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF), and biceps femoris (BF) muscles during each set, while CMJ performance was assessed before and after the squat protocols.

Effects of Six-Week Accentuated Eccentric Load Training on Balance and Strength in Young Football Players

This study aims to investigate the effects of a structured training intervention on selected physical performance parameters in athletes. The primary objective is to determine whether the intervention leads to measurable improvements in performance outcomes such as balance, strength, sprint, change of direction, or jump performance. Participants will undergo baseline performance assessments before the intervention period. Following the baseline testing, participants will complete a supervised training program lasting several weeks. After the intervention, the same performance tests will be repeated under standardized conditions to evaluate changes in performance. All assessments will be conducted by trained researchers using validated measurement tools in a controlled training environment. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of the training intervention and contribute to the development of evidence-based training strategies for athletes.

Balance, Agility, and Strength in Amateur Badminton Players - Novel Badminton Specific Square-Stepping Exercise

The goal of this study was to determine whether a novel badminton-specific square-stepping exercise (bs-SSE) programme could improve dynamic balance, agility, and ankle strength in amateur badminton players. It also examined whether the programme produced greater improvements than usual activity alone. The main questions it aimed to answer were: Does an 8-week bs-SSE programme improve dynamic balance in amateur badminton players? Does the programme improve agility and ankle dorsiflexor and plantar flexor strength? Are these improvements greater than those seen in players who continue their usual activity? Researchers compared an experimental group that completed the bs-SSE programme with a control group that maintained their usual activity. Outcomes were measured at baseline, week 4, and week 8 using the Y-Balance Test for dynamic balance, the Agility T-test for agility, and a handheld dynamometer for ankle strength. Participants in the bs-SSE group showed significant improvements over time in dynamic balance, ankle strength, and agility, while the control group showed minimal non-significant changes. By week 8, both within-group and between-group comparisons favored the experimental group in several balance reach directions, bilateral dorsiflexion and plantarflexion strength, and agility. Post hoc analysis further showed that the intervention effects were most evident between baseline and week 8, with fewer significant differences at week 4. The findings suggest that the bs-SSE programme is a promising sport-specific training approach for amateur badminton players, with potential benefits for performance enhancement and reduction of sports-related musculoskeletal injury risk.

COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study: Effects on Falls and Physical Performance

The COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS; NCT02422745) is a randomized clinical trial of cocoa extract supplement (containing a total of 500 mg/d flavanols, including 80 mg. (-)-epicatechins), and a standard multivitamin supplement to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer among men aged 60 years and older and women aged 65 years and older. This ancillary study is being conducted among participants in COSMOS and will examine whether the cocoa extract supplement or the multivitamin supplement improve musculoskeletal health and prevent falls and declining physical performance in the increasing number of older adults in the U.S. with potential for clinical and public health benefits.

Sanghuangporus Sanghuang Supplementation to Improve Anti-Fatigue Performance in Healthy Adults

This clinical study aims to evaluate the anti-fatigue and muscle performance-enhancing effects of Sanghuangporus sanghuang mycelia (SS-MN4) capsules in healthy adults. As muscle mass and function naturally decline with age or sedentary lifestyle, there is growing interest in nutritional interventions that may help preserve physical performance and reduce fatigue. Sanghuangporus sanghuang, a traditional medicinal fungus, contains bioactive compounds such as hispidin, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 60 healthy male participants aged 20 to 35 years with no regular exercise habits. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either SS-MN4 capsules (1000 mg/day) or a placebo for 42 days. The intervention aims to determine whether SS-MN4 improves exercise performance, muscle strength, and biochemical markers related to fatigue and muscle damage. Throughout the study, blood samples, urine samples, exercise tests (e.g., anaerobic power, isometric strength), and body composition analyses (DEXA) will be conducted at multiple time points, including before, during, and after the intervention. In addition, intestinal microbiota analysis and nutritional intake records will be included to assess secondary outcomes. This research will provide scientific evidence for the health benefits of SS-MN4 in reducing exercise-induced fatigue and improving muscle function. The data collected may support future applications for anti-fatigue health food certification in Taiwan and the development of novel functional supplements for global markets.

The Effects of Liquid IV's Multi-Ingredient Recovery Supplement on Muscle Recovery Following Exercise

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a multi-ingredient recovery supplement . The research will focus on strength recovery and performance maintenance assessing reductions in soreness and inflammation, as well as muscle repair and damage mitigation. By investigating these key recovery metrics, this study aims to investigate the efficacy of this supplement as a solution for active individuals seeking to optimize post-exercise recovery.

Effect of Micronized Creatine Monohydrate on Muscle Mass, Strength and Performance in Older Adults Submitted to Total Knee Arthroplasty

Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial with two parallel arms. The main objective is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of creatine supplementation in older adults who have been operated on for total knee arthroplasty and undergoing a usual rehabilitation program. The intervention will consist of daily creatine monohydrate supplementation for 12 weeks. The intervention will start after surgery with a loading dose of 20g/day for 1 week and then continue with a maintenance dose of 5g/day for 11 weeks. Main outcome mesures included muscle mass, muscle strenght, sarcopenia, frailty, functional capacity and physical performance and will be assessed at baseline, 3 and 6 months follow-up.

Menstrual Cycle and Women's Performance

This study examines how different phases of the menstrual cycle are associated with selected performance and musculoskeletal parameters in physically active women aged 18-35 years. Participants will track their menstrual cycle using a mobile app for approximately 2 months and attend 3 laboratory visits scheduled to specific cycle phases. At each visit, participants will complete non-invasive assessments including lower-limb strength/performance testing, musculoskeletal measurements (muscle and tendon properties), body composition assessment, and symptom-related questionnaires. The goal is to improve understanding of physiological variability across the menstrual cycle and support evidence-based planning of training, testing, and clinical practice in women.

Timing of Broccoli Sprout Intake to Improve Exercise Performance

This study examines how the timing of intake of a broccoli sprout-based drink (a natural source of isothiocyanates, ITCs) affects physiological responses, recovery, and performance after a standardized endurance cycling session. Healthy, endurance-trained adults (18-64 years) will complete four laboratory visits at the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH): one screening/physiology test visit and three intervention visits in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over design. On intervention visits, participants will ingest either an active broccoli sprout drink (50 g sprouts) or a placebo drink based on alfalfa sprouts (50 g sprouts) according to randomization. The drink will be consumed either approximately 16 hours before exercise (the evening before) or approximately 3 hours before exercise (the morning of the test), enabling comparison of timing in relation to a standardized \~2-hour cycling protocol (individualized intensity) followed by a 10 km cycling time trial. Outcomes include measures of performance, heart rate, perceived exertion and recovery, blood glucose and lactate, and metabolic responses. Venous blood samples are collected at multiple time points before and after exercise and during the subsequent laboratory recovery period, and muscle biopsies are obtained at defined time points to assess muscle metabolism and recovery-related markers. Participants return \~24 hours after exercise for follow-up sampling after an overnight fast, including a glucose tolerance test

Lower-Limb Muscle Mass and Cardiovascular and Muscular Performance in Males and Females

The aim of this study will be to examine the relationship between leg muscle mass and muscle strength, aerobic capacity, anaerobic power, and jumping performance in young adults. In addition, these physical performance measures will be compared between male and female participants. Recreationally active young adults will be recruited to participate in the study. Body weight and leg muscle mass will be assessed using a body composition analyzer. Participants will perform isokinetic and isometric leg strength tests, an aerobic fitness test (VO₂max), an anaerobic power test (Wingate), and a countermovement jump (CMJ) test. This study aims to improve the understanding of the effects of leg muscle mass on physical performance and to identify possible differences between males and females. The findings are expected to contribute to exercise prescription, performance assessment, and future research in sports and health sciences.

Characteristics of Performance in Collegiate Cheerleaders and Dancers

This study aims to investigate performance differences between collegiate cheerleaders and dancers classified as normal weight obese and those classified as normal weight lean. The study will assess differences in physical performance, lifestyle behaviors, muscle quality, and nutrition-related factors between groups. Performance testing, body composition assessment, and questionnaire-based measures will be used to characterize these relationships.

Body Composition and Lifestyle Factors in ROTC

This study aims to investigates the relationships between body composition, sleep, diet, and physical fitness in ROTC cadets. Further, it aims to evaluate the accuracy of body composition screening methods and identify lifestyle factors linked to performance. Methods include body composition testing, surveys, accelerometry, and fitness score collection from cadets.

Kinesiophobia and Physical Function in Elderly With Musculoskeletal Pain

This study aims to investigate how kinesiophobia (fear of movement), pain intensity, and physical performance are related in older adults experiencing musculoskeletal pain. Musculoskeletal pain is highly common in the elderly due to age-related degenerative changes, such as osteoarthritis, chronic low back pain, osteoporosis, and muscle weakness. These conditions often lead to reduced mobility, impaired balance, and limitations in daily living activities. As a result, many older adults may avoid physical activity due to fear of pain or reinjury, which may further decrease their functional capacity. The primary purpose of this study is to understand whether kinesiophobia contributes to lower physical performance in elderly individuals who have musculoskeletal pain. The study will also examine how pain intensity relates to balance, upper and lower limb strength, and overall functional ability. Participants aged 65 years and older will complete a set of standard assessments in a single 30-minute session. Kinesiophobia will be measured using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, a 17-item questionnaire designed to assess fear of movement and avoidance behaviors. Balance will be evaluated with the Berg Balance Scale, which includes 14 tasks commonly performed in daily life. Lower limb strength will be assessed with the 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test, while upper limb strength will be measured with a handgrip dynamometer. Understanding these relationships may help clinicians design better rehabilitation programs that reduce fear, improve physical performance, and support healthy aging. The findings of this study may also contribute to strategies for preventing disability and promoting independence in older adults with musculoskeletal pain.

The Effects of Visual Input on Cognitive Function, Physical Performance, and Postural Stability in Adolescent Male Basketball Players

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of exercises performed with stroboscopic glasses-recently gaining popularity in sports-on cognitive function, physical performance, and postural stability, which are among the key skills in athletic performance. The originality of the study lies in being the first to examine the effects of stroboscopic glasses-based exercises on basketball players. Hypotheses of the study: H1: Exercises performed with stroboscopic glasses have an effect on athletes' cognitive functions. H2: Exercises performed with stroboscopic glasses have an effect on athletes' physical performance. H3: Exercises performed with stroboscopic glasses have an effect on athletes' static and dynamic postural stability.

Assessment of Physical Performance in Children

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat buildup that may affect health . Body mass index(BMI) is the main property to define and classify the obesity . One of the most considerable public health problem of the 21st century is childhood obesity . Based on the worldwide estimation in 2016, 124 million children and adolescents aged between 5 and 19 were obese, and there were 213 million overweight individuals. The health complications associated with overweight and obesity in childhood-often not noticeable until adulthood-include cardiovascular diseases (particularly heart disease and stroke), diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders (especially osteoarthritis), and certain types of cancer (endometrial, breast, and colon). Engaging in screen time of more than 2-3 hours per day reduces physical activity levels and increases food intake in children. A study in Turkey reported that 36.2% of children aged between 6 to 9, spend more than two hours per day watching TV or using a computer on weekdays, and this rate increases to 69.9% on weekends. There are revised regional reference values accessible for the anthropometric assessment of Turkish children. Health-related physical fitness in children is correlated with flexibility, muscular and cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and body composition. Also, performance-related or sport-specific abilities are associated to agility, power, speed, coordination, and balance. Sevimay implemented the motor performance test (agility parameter) in 1986, which is developed by Morris, Atwater, Williams and Wilmore in 1980, on 205 children aged between 3 and 6. In this study, same test is applied to assess motor performance in children. In order to assess static balance with minimal equipment, the One-leg standing test is used. To assess lower extremity motor performance, the 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test was used . Evaluation of physical performance levels of obese, overweight, and normal-weight children is the aim of this study.

A Multi-language Smartphone-based Healthy Lifestyle Intervention for Firefighters

The goal of this cluster randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the effects of a smartphone-based Healthy Lifestyle (HLS) intervention on firefighters' mental and physical health in firefighters in Tainan, Taiwan. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does the Traditional Chinese version of the HLS mobile App improve firefighters' mental and physical health compared to usual care? * Can the intervention effectively promote a healthy lifestyle and reduce the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases among firefighters? Researchers will compare firefighters receiving the smartphone-based HLS intervention to those receiving usual care to determine whether the intervention leads to improved health and fitness outcomes over 3 to 6 months. Participants will: * Use the Traditional Chinese version of the HLS mobile App, originally developed at Cambridge Health Alliance, Harvard Medical School, and adapted for firefighters in Taiwan. * Be randomly assigned to either the intervention group (HLS App) or the control group (usual care). * Undergo health and fitness assessments at baseline and at 3 to 6 months post-intervention. Anticipated outcomes are improvements in mental and physical health among firefighters receiving the intervention compared to the control group.

Assessment of the Functional Capacity of Patients with Fibromyalgia: Clinical Validity

Fibromyalgia is one of the main causes of chronic pain without a specific etiology, affecting 8% of the Spanish population, especially women. Its most characteristic symptoms include generalized pain, fatigue, difficulty falling asleep, joint stiffness, anxiety, and depression. Due to the lack of objective data confirming the condition and the subjectivity of the symptoms, the current diagnosis is purely clinical. Moreover, despite the significant impact on the quality of life of those who suffer from it, there is a lack of scientific evidence to assess the degree to which it affects their functional and work capacity. This concept is gaining relevance in the growing context of patients seeking work disability. Thus, due to the lack of international consensus and standardized protocols, this study hypothesizes that the functional capacity of Spanish women with fibromyalgia, aged 30 to 64, evaluated with various validated tests such as the six-minute walking test (6MWT), handgrip strength dynamometry, and the 8-foot up \& go, correlates directly with their quality of life, physical activity measured by accelerometry, and social and psychological impact, provided there is no economic benefit. Therefore, the primary aim of this research is to validate a standardized protocol for evaluating the functional and work capacity of Spanish women with fibromyalgia and to assess its correlation with quality of life, physical activity, and psychosocial impact. The study will include a total sample of 160 women, divided into four groups of 40 participants: women with fibromyalgia who are actively working, women with fibromyalgia on sick leave, women with fibromyalgia with permanent work disability (officially recognized by the National Institute of Social Security, INSS), and a control group of healthy women. The patients will be required to attend in person to complete the full protocol, with a one-week interval between sessions. Subsequently, two follow-ups will be conducted at 6 and 12 months, where the work situation will be reassessed, and questionnaires will be administered. The protocol includes the following variables for study: age, weight, height, marital status, country of origin, socioeconomic level, educational level, occupation, work situation, generalized pain index questionnaire, symptom severity questionnaire, fibromyalgia impact questionnaire, allodynia test, six-minute walking test, 8-foot up and go, handgrip strength dynamometry, tender points, false points, SF-36 questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, multidimensional perceived social support scale, and accelerometry. The aim of this study is to analyze in greater depth the validity of the tests currently used in clinics to objectively assess the functional capacity of patients with fibromyalgia. In this way, this study will become the first to present and evaluate the validity and reliability of a protocol for assessing functional capacity. If the proposed hypothesis is proven, these tests and evaluation methods will be highly useful for systematic incorporation into the routine of functional capacity assessment services, as well as in daily clinical practice.

Multicomponent vs Pilates on Mass, Strength, and Physical Performance in Older Adults

Introduction: The aging process can result in several physiological changes, such as the loss of muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance, collectively defined as sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is considered one of the primary health challenges among older adults. To prevent this condition and improve related health outcomes, regular physical exercise is the most recommended strategy, with multicomponent exercises being particularly effective for older individuals. Pilates is another potential form of physical exercise that has gained popularity among older adults seeking to improve muscle mass, strength, and physical performance. However, significant gaps remain in the literature, with a notable lack of studies evaluating the efficacy of Pilates in improving sarcopenic outcomes. Objective: To compare the efficacy of multicomponent training programs versus Pilates in improving muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance in older adults. Methods: A total of 100 older adults aged 60 to 80 years, of both sexes, will be randomized into two intervention groups: the Multicomponent Training Group (n=50) and the Pilates Group (n=50). Evaluations will be conducted at three time points: baseline (before the intervention), mid-treatment (3 months), and post-treatment (6 months). The following instruments will be used: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) will be used to assess muscle mass. Muscle strength will be evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer for the lower limbs and a handgrip dynamometer for the upper limbs. Physical performance will be assessed through the Brazilian version of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), the gait speed test, and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. The Feeling Scale will be applied to determine the affective valence of the exercise programs. The Shapiro-Wilk test will be performed to check the normality of the data, Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U test will be used depending on whether the distribution is parametric or non-parametric, and ANCOVA will be used to compare the groups post-intervention, considering a 95% confidence interval (p\<0.05). The data will be analyzed using SPSS 25.0 software.

Speed, Agility, and Quickness Training

This study aims to evaluate the effects of Speed, Agility, and Quickness (SAQ) training on the physical, cognitive, and skill performance of university soccer major students in China. The hypothesis is that SAQ training will significantly improve students' physical fitness (e.g., speed, agility), cognitive functions (e.g., reaction time, decision-making), and soccer skills (e.g., ball control, passing). The study will recruit 52 university soccer major students, randomly assigned to an intervention group and a control group, with 26 students in each group. The study will last for 12 weeks, and tests will be conducted before, during, and after the intervention. The expected outcome is that the intervention group will show superior performance in various tests compared to the control group, thereby validating the effectiveness of SAQ training.