Clinical Research Directory

A Multiphase Analysis of Next-generation Trail Footwear

This study will investigate how different advanced-foam trail-running footwear configurations affect running economy, performance, comfort, and fatigue in competitive trail runners. The project aims to determine whether footwear characteristics, particularly foam properties and stack height, influence physiological and biomechanical responses during both controlled laboratory running and real-world trail running. Approximately 30 competitive trail runners with experience in technical trail running and no musculoskeletal injury during the previous six months will participate. The study will use a two-phase experimental design. In Phase 1, participants will complete running economy assessments in three footwear conditions in randomized order. The footwear conditions will include a high-stack advanced-foam prototype, a medium-stack advanced-foam prototype, and a conventional-foam shoe. Laboratory testing will be performed during uphill and downhill treadmill running. Participants will also complete field-based running economy trials on real trail terrain at a controlled speed, followed by a short time trial to establish a representative running pace. In Phase 2, participants will complete prolonged trail-running sessions in the two advanced-foam footwear configurations on a 15-km trail course. Running economy and fatigue-related responses will be assessed repeatedly during the prolonged exercise sessions to evaluate changes in physiological and biomechanical efficiency over time. The primary physiological outcome will be running economy, assessed through oxygen consumption and energy cost. Additional outcomes will include heart rate, step frequency, step length, ground contact time, perceived exertion, comfort, perceived performance, and pacing-related measures. The study will compare laboratory and field responses to determine whether differences in running economy observed under controlled conditions are maintained during real trail running and whether footwear configuration influences the deterioration of running economy and fatigue during prolonged exercise.

Study of the Psychological, Physiological and Biomechanical Responses to Trail Running in a Hot, Humid Environment

The determinants of trail performance have been extensively studied, and the results have revealed the significant influence of physiological, psychological and biomechanical parameters. Although there are numerous publications on the physiological responses of thermoregulation to exercise, the impact of heat and humidity on emotional regulation has never been studied in trail running. To the litterature, no study has looked at the evolution of biomechanical parameters during alternating ascents and descents in trail running. No study has compared patterns of motivation between men and women during exercise, even though the hypothesis of a higher level of 'mental fitness' is put forward to explain the very high level of performance of women in long-distance events.

Study of Running Injuries and Treatment Habits in Romanian Speakers

This study examines running injuries, quality of life, and treatment habits among Romanian-speaking runners. A key objective is the Romanian language adaptation and validation of the University of Wisconsin Running Injury and Recovery Index (UWRI), a running-specific questionnaire. The purpose is to understand: * What types of running injuries are most common * How injuries affect runners' daily life and well-being * What prevention and treatment methods runners currently use * What healthcare services runners use for injuries * To provide a validated Romanian version of the UWRI questionnaire Participants will complete an online questionnaire about their running experience, any injuries they have had, how these injuries affected their life, and what treatments they tried. The survey takes about 25-30 minutes to complete. All information is confidential and anonymous. This research will help healthcare providers better understand and treat running injuries in the Romanian-speaking community.

Effects of Polarized and Threshold Intensity Distribution Models on Race Time and Body Composition in Recreational Runners Aged 20-45 Years.

This study aims to compare the effects of two intensity distribution training (TID) models-polarized and threshold-on 5-km race time and body composition in recreational runners aged 20 to 45 years. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups and will complete a 12-week structured training program. The primary outcome will be 5-km race time, while secondary outcomes will include changes in body composition. Assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention period.

Plyometric Exercises During the Winter Pre-season in Sprinters

Background. Plyometric training is an effective strategy to improve power and performance in sprint-based sports; however, evidence regarding its actual effects in athletes during the winter season and its potential influence on the occurrence of health problems remains limited. Objective. To analyse the association between participation in a plyometric exercise programme during the winter pre-season and competitive performance, as well as the occurrence of lower-limb health problems in sprinters. Methods. This will be a prospective observational cohort study with fully online data collection. Federated sprinters or athletes affiliated with athletics clubs will be included. The main exposure will be participation in a plyometric exercise programme (≥2 sessions per week in January). Outcomes will be winter competitive performance (best official time) and lower-limb health problems assessed using the OSTRC-H2 questionnaire. Control variables will include sleep quality (PSQI), internal training load (session-RPE), injury history, and competitive level. Statistical analyses will include linear and logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders. Expected results. A positive association is expected between engagement in plyometric training and competitive performance, along with a lower frequency of lower-limb health problems, particularly among athletes with adequate sleep quality and a well-balanced training load.