Musculotendinous Adaptations in High and Low- Performance Triathletes

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF BRASILIA · Mar 15, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how training for triathlons affects the muscles and tendons in the legs, specifically focusing on the Achilles tendon and the triceps surae muscles, in both high-performance and low-performance triathletes. The researchers want to understand if differences in training and performance levels lead to different changes in these muscles and tendons, which may also relate to the risk of injuries. The study will involve 20 high-performance triathletes, 20 low-performance triathletes, and 20 healthy individuals who exercise regularly. Participants will undergo ultrasound imaging to assess their muscle and tendon structures, and they will also complete a questionnaire to evaluate any pain or functional issues related to their Achilles tendon.

To be eligible for the study, high and low-performance triathletes must have been competing for over a year and completed at least two triathlons, training at least four times a week. Healthy participants need to engage in regular physical activity at least three times a week. The trial is not yet recruiting participants, and all individuals must be between the ages of 17 and 52. It’s important to note that those with specific injuries, illnesses, or certain medication use will not be eligible to participate. If you qualify and choose to take part, you’ll help contribute valuable insights into how different levels of triathlon training affect muscle and tendon health.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• High and Low-Performance Triathlete Groups:
• • Be a triathlete practicing the sport for more than one year.
• • Have participated in and completed at least two triathlon events.
• • Maintain regular training at least 4 times per week.
• • Be between 17 and 52 years old.
• Control Group:
• • Be between 17 and 52 years old.
• • Engage in regular physical activity (minimum 3 times per week).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• High and Low-Performance Triathlete Groups:
• • Have any disease or injury limiting training and competitions at the time of assessment.
• • Not have been training regularly in the last 2 weeks prior to assessment.
• • Present acute inflammation, acute pain, or delayed onset muscle soreness on the assessment day.
• • Use anabolic steroids.
• • Have used steroidal anti-inflammatories in the last 4 weeks before assessment.
• • Have used Fluoroquinolone antibiotics in the last 4 weeks before assessment, as they may alter collagen synthesis and induce tendinopathies (ALVES; MENDES; MARQUES, 2019).
• • Engage in regular practice of another sport.
• Control Group:
• • Have any disease or injury limiting physical activity.
• • Regularly engage in street running (run at least 20km per week).
• • Present acute inflammation, acute pain, or delayed onset muscle soreness on the assessment day.
• • Use anabolic steroids.
• • Have used steroidal anti-inflammatories in the last 4 weeks before assessment.
• • Have used Fluoroquinolone antibiotics in the last 6 months before assessment, as they may alter collagen synthesis and induce tendinopathies (ALVES; MENDES; MARQUES, 2019).
• • Have regularly practiced street running at any point in life.