Clinical Research Directory

Optimizing Gait Symmetry After Stroke Using Mechanical Constraints and Sensory Feedback

This single-session study aims to evaluate a novel gait training protocol that integrates mechanical constraints and sensory feedback to enhance paretic leg propulsion in individuals post-stroke. The study will include 15 individuals who have experienced a stroke and 15 healthy adults, each aged 20 years or older. Participants will walk on both tied-belt and split-belt treadmills under various training conditions, including backward-directed resistance (applied at the pelvis, ankle, or both) and real-time sensory feedback (visual, auditory, or combined). These interventions will be applied individually and in combination to identify the most effective environment for promoting symmetrical gait patterns. Each session will last approximately two hours. The equipment used is non-invasive, and the risk to participants is minimal.

Comparison of the Effects of Free Weight and Machine-Based Exercises on Muscular Parameters

The aim of our study is to compare and investigate the effects of resistance exercises performed with free weights and those performed using machine systems on muscular parameters and neuromuscular control.

Effect of Resistance Exercise on Energy Balance and Appetite Regulation in Males and Females

There is growing evidence that males and females may exhibit different acute responses and long-term adaptations to exercise training. Accordingly, contemporary exercise physiology research increasingly recognizes sex as an important biological variable that may influence appetite regulation and energy balance. This year's project aims to investigate: (1) appetite regulation and energy balance following acute resistance exercise, and (2) potential sex-based differences in appetite regulation and energy balance in response to resistance exercise. Understanding both the overall effects of resistance exercise and sex-related variability in these responses is important for improving the physiological interpretation of exercise-induced changes in appetite and energy balance. Such knowledge may help to reduce heterogeneity in exercise research findings and support the development of more precise, evidence-based exercise prescriptions that are applicable to both males and females.

Impact of Haskap Berries on Recovery From High Intensity Resistance Training

The purpose of this clinical trial is to determine how certain food items affect oxidative stress, inflammation, and performance recovery from exercise induced muscle damage in a resistance trained population. The main questions The investigators aim to answer are the following: * Do Haskaps speed the recovery of oxidative stress and inflammation markers after an intense lower body workout in resistance trained adults? * Do Haskaps speed the recovery of performance measures after an intense lower body workout in resistance trained adults? * The data collected in this investigation may also be used to ask additional questions not yet identified. For example, the investigators may use the stored samples to evaluate how the blood metabolites of participants differ before and after intense exercise. These additional questions are called secondary analyses. Please note that no genetic analysis will be conducted and racial and ethnic differences among participants will not be used in any secondary analyses. Researches will compare Haskap juice to a color, flavor and carbohydrate matched placebo to see if Haskaps speed recovery in inflammation, oxidative stress and performance. * Participants will be asked to drink either Haskap juice or placebo and follow a low polyphenolic diet * Participants will perform an intense resistance workout * Participants will have their blood drawn before and after the workout * Performance will be analyzed at 24, 48 and 72 hours after the workout

Combined Upper Extremity Resistance and Aerobic Exercise Training in Patients With Breast Cancer

According to updated data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) for 2022, breast cancer in women is responsible for one in four cancer cases and one in six cancer deaths worldwide and is the second leading cause of global cancer incidence, accounting for 11.6% of all cancer cases, and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, accounting for 6.9% of all cancer deaths. During or after breast cancer treatments, there is exposure to a variety of direct (local/regional treatment, systemic treatment and supportive care) and indirect factors (modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors) that may have adverse effects on treatment-related haematological, cardiovascular, pulmonary and musculoskeletal components. Upper limb dysfunction and lymphoedema have been reported to be two of the most common side effects affecting the quality of life of breast cancer patients after breast cancer treatments. The elastic resistance band, which is widely used in strength training, has the advantage of being applied to various classes because it provides resistance angles in various postures and has a low risk of injury. However, few studies have been conducted on elastic resistance band application in patients with breast cancer. At the same time, evidence on the effectiveness of upper extremity aerobic exercise training in patients with breast cancer is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of upper extremity aerobic exercise training combined with progressive resistance training and upper extremity aerobic exercise training alone on upper extremity exercise capacity, upper extremity functionality, sarcopenia, frailty, quality of life and lymphedema in patients with breast cancer.

The Acute Effect of Different Resistance Exercise Loads on Irisin and Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor in Blood Serum and Plasma

The aim of this study is to investigate different resistance training loads on BNDF and irisin levels in platelets, blood serum and plasma.

Resistance Exercise and Sleep Quality by Chronotype

This study examines whether doing moderate resistance exercises in the morning can improve sleep quality and well-being in young adults. Participants with different daily activity patterns (morning or evening types) will take part in an 8-week online exercise program. The study will compare how exercise affects sleep, mood, and daily rhythm across these groups.

Effects of Elastic Band Resistance Exercise on Muscle Strength and Depression in Hospitalized Elderly.

With improved a five-day intensive, low-resistance elastic band exercise program to evaluate its effectiveness in improving total muscle mass, upper and lower extremity muscle strength, self-perceived fear of falling, and depression among hospitalized elderly individuals. This study is a random control trial. Data collection includes elderly patient's total muscle mass, upper and lower extremity muscle strength, self-perceived fear of falling, and depression among hospitalized. The total muscle mass and upper and lower extremity muscle strength will be calculated in kilograms.

The Effect of the Menstrual Cycle on Immune Cell Activity and Recovery After Resistance Exercise

The goal of this observational study is to learn how the menstrual cycle affects immune cell activation, recruitment, and recovery responses after resistance exercise in healthy, resistance-trained women aged 18-40. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does the menstrual cycle influence neutrophil recruitment and adhesion after resistance exercise? Does the menstrual cycle affect markers of muscle damage and functional recovery? Researchers will compare three menstrual phases (early follicular, late follicular, and mid-luteal) to see if immune responses and recovery outcomes differ across these phases. Participants will: Complete resistance exercise protocols across three different menstrual cycle phases. Provide blood samples to assess immune cell activation and muscle damage markers. Track sleep, mood, and recovery with questionnaires and wear an accelerometer.