Clinical Research Directory

Pain in Aging Former Athletes, Master's Athletes, and Nonathletes

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine how male and female former athletes experience pain and respond to moderate-intensity exercise (strength versus aerobic) compared with both current master's athletes and nonathletes. The main questions this study aims to address are: 1. How do former athletes, master's athletes, and nonathletes experience pain? 2. How do different types of moderate-intensity exercise (strength versus aerobic exercise) influence pain in former athletes, master's athletes, and nonathletes? Participants will complete 3 different testing sessions: 1. Baseline testing including assessments of strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and pain; 2. Strength exercise: pain assessments will occur before and after moderate-intensity strength training exercise; 3. Aerobic exercise: pain assessments will occur before and after moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. There will be a washout period of approximately one week or greater between each of the three different testing sessions. The order of conditions (strength versus aerobic exercise) will be randomized (crossover randomized trial design).

L-serine and Strength Training in the Elderly

This study investigates whether taking the amino acid L-serine, either alone or in combination with targeted strength training, can have a positive effect on mental performance, brain function, and physical fitness in older people. Healthy, independent women and men aged 65 to 85 are eligible to participate. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: placebo, L-serine, or L-serine combined with strength training. Cognitive tests, physical performance tests, and blood and brain tests will be conducted over a period of 48 weeks. The aim is to gain a better understanding of how nutrition and exercise can contribute to healthy aging.

Fall Risk Assessment and an Exercise Intervention for Prevention of Falls in Multiple Myeloma Patients

Approximately one third of the population over the age of 65 falls at least once a year. The risk of falling is in increased in older patients with tumor diseases. In addition to high treatment and care costs for the healthcare system, falls often lead to a decrease of quality of life, a reduction in physical performance and a loss of independence. Despite the high risk, falls in cancer patients have not yet been scientifically investigated in detail. For patients with multiple myeloma in particular, very little data is available on the prevalence, risk factors and effects of falls. In this study, a fall risk assessment is carried out in patients with multiple myeloma. Furthermore, a patient-specific training intervention for fall prevention will be implemented. The aim of the study is to identify possible fall risk factors in multiple myeloma patients and to establish a structured exercise intervention that minimizes the risk of falls and injuries.

Dry-land Strength and Conditioning for Competitive Youth Swimmers

Starts and turns play an important role in swimming performance, with starts accounting for around a quarter of the total time achieved in a 50m freestyle race and have been recommended as a high priority area for improvement by York City Baths Club (YCBC). The relationship between starts and turns and plyometric and general strength training is well documented. However, few studies have explored this relationship in competitive youth swimmers. This non-randomised controlled trial will evaluate the effects of a dry-land strength and conditioning programme, when added to usual swim training, on the physical fitness and start and turn performance of regional- and national-level age-group swimmers. The study intervention will involve two supervised gym sessions per week for 10 weeks. Study outcomes will be assessed before the intervention, at the midpoint and at 1 week and 3 weeks post-intervention. The following testing will occur: Pool-based testing (50m Freestyle; a Time to 7.5m test; Turn time); Gym-based testing (Counter-movement jump; Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull; Athletic Shoulder (ASH)) The dive and turn measures will be assessed via video recordings.

Strength and Plyometric Training in Swimming

A total of 18 participants are planned to be included in the study. Participants will be randomly assigned into two groups in the order of their arrival. One group will perform strength exercises in addition to standard swim training (strength group), while the other group will perform plyometric exercises in addition to standard swim training (plyometric group). Both groups will participate in two training sessions per week for a duration of 8 weeks. The 50m sprint biomechanics, stroke frequency, or overall performance will be evaluated before and after the intervention.

Comparison of the Effects of Static Stretching and Full Range of Motion Strength Training on Posterior Band Flexibility

The study will be conducted in 2025. The methods used in the study are non-invasive methods. One study group will perform 2 series of static stretching of the posterior band once a week. The stretching time in each series will be 60s, and the duration of the intervention will be 6 weeks. The test subjects will maintain a maximum prone position with their knee joints straight for a specified period of time during the stretching. The second study group will perform full range of motion strength training in the form of 3 series of 10 repetitions of the Romanian Deadlift (RDL) once a week, with the intervention duration also being 6 weeks. Prior to the start of the study, participants will undergo a toe-to-floor test to assess posterior band flexibility. The test will be repeated again after the intervention. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Impact of Creatine Monohydrate Micronized Supplementation With or Without Multicomponent Training in Older Adults.

The goal of this clinical trial is to study and evaluate whether a protocol of creatine supplementation, with or without multicomponent training, improves functional and cognitive capacity in individuals over 75 years old. The results of this study will further our understanding of creatine supplementation effects in the context of older patients and in combination with multicomponent training, thereby enhancing patient care strategies. Additionally, the goal is to improve the quality of life for the elderly and the efficiency of the healthcare system. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does creatine supplementation alone provide physical, functional and cognitive benefits to people over 75 years of age? 2. Is creatine supplementation safe for people over 75 years old? Researchers will compare creatine monohydrate supplementation with or without multicomponent training intervention to placebo supplementation with or without multicomponent training intervention to see if the creatine supplementation protocol leads to significant improvements in functional and cognitive outcomes. This comparison will help determine the effectiveness of the supplementation intervention in enhancing the overall well-being of elderly patients. Participants will: * Engage in a structured multicomponent exercise program designed specifically for elderly patients. This program will include activities focused on strength training, balance exercises, and walking to improve mobility and reduce the risk of falls. * Attend supervised exercise sessions several times a week, allowing for individualized attention and adjustments based on each participants abilities and health status. * Be monitored for changes in functional capacity using standardized assessments, which will measure improvements in mobility, strength, and overall physical functioning. * Undergo cognitive assessments to evaluate any changes in cognitive status throughout the intervention and during follow-up periods after discharge. * Participate in surveys and interviews to assess their quality of life, including physical, emotional, and social well-being, before and after the intervention. * Attend follow-up assessments at designated intervals to track their progress and outcomes, ensuring that any long-term benefits of the exercise program are recognized and documented. Inclusion criteria will focus on individuals aged over 75 years. Participants must be capable of communication and ambulation, either independently or with assistance. * Life expectancy ≥ 6 months. * Barthel Index \> 60. Exclusion criteria will ensure the safety and appropriateness of the intervention. Individuals who explicitly refuse to participate or cannot provide informed consent will be excluded. Additionally, those with a life expectancy of less than three months, terminal illnesses, or significant medical contraindications for exercise will not be eligible. Participants with moderate to severe neurocognitive disorders or disabilities that severely limit mobility will also be excluded to maintain the integrity of the intervention. This clinical trial aims to recruit a total of 120 participants from the Geriatric Department or Primary Care, providing a comprehensive dataset to analyze the effectiveness and safety of the multicomponent exercise program. By examining the outcomes related to functional capacity, cognitive status, and quality of life, the study seeks to provide valuable insights into the benefits of physical activity for elderly patients during hospitalization.

Impact of Hip Strength Training on Jump and Throw Performance in Young Female Handball Players

This study aims to investigate the effects of an 8-week Hip Strength Exercise Training program, implemented in addition to the athletes' regular training routines, on hip muscle strength, jump distance, and three-step jump shot performance in female handball players aged 15 to 19. Furthermore, the study seeks to explore the potential relationships between throwing performance and various physical parameters, including anthropometric measurements, handgrip strength, and body fat percentage.

Controlled Evaluation of an Exercise Program for Overweight Adolescents

Physical activity decreases as young people get older, especially during the shift from early to late adolescence. Unfortunately, around 81% of school-aged children worldwide between the ages of 11 and 17 do not meet the recommendation of at least one hour of physical activity per day - and this is also true in Switzerland. Not being active enough, whether normal weight or overweight, can lead to long-term health problems and is a major factor in becoming overweight over time. This results in healthcare costs and negatively affects quality of life. Supporting physical activity in overweight youth requires well-rounded, thoughtful programs. The investigators studying the impact of the movement programs now! and now!+ on the physical activity and health of young people. The goal is to look at both physical and mental changes equally. Taking part in this study involves minimal physical or mental risk for the participants. These small risks from the testing methods and activities are taken into account in how the program is explained and carried out. The benefits for the participants - feeling healthier and fitter physically, and more confident and capable mentally - clearly outweigh any potential risks, thanks to the additional, guided, and personalized exercise program. The participants take part in the now! and now!+ exercise programs run by the Basel-Stadt Sports Office and the DSBG. now! is a 90-minute group session with up to 14 young people, while now!+ is a 90-minute small-group session with 2 to 4 participants. Both programs take place once a week over a 12-month period and pause during school holidays (38 training weeks in total). Each session includes a warm-up, a strength or endurance training block, and a coordination phase. The program is modular and adapted to the physical and personal needs of each participant. This ensures that overweight adolescents are not overstrained and don't develop symptoms like pain, frustration, or lack of motivation (Behringer et al., 2011), while still allowing for a training stimulus that supports physical improvement. The results of the evaluations are directly used to improve and further develop the exercise program. The overall project includes three rounds, each consisting of one year of training and three test sessions, each lasting about two hours. The now! and now!+ programs are held weekly for a total of 38 weeks per year, with breaks during school holidays. Each of the three test sessions includes the same set of assessments (see "Study Intervention") and follows a set order: The process begins with measuring body size and blood pressure, followed by a static retinal vessel analysis. After these medical checks, participants do a 5-minute warm-up on a stationary bike at a set resistance level. Then, strength tests are performed: knee extension on the IsoMed 2000, handgrip strength, and jump power on the Leonardo force plate. The endurance test using spiroergometry marks the end of the physical assessments. Finally, impulse control is tested, and participants complete a set of questionnaires. At the end of the session, each participant is given an actigraph (a small motion sensor worn on the body) to track their physical activity over the following seven days.