Longitudinal Changes in Achilles Tendon and Medial Gastrocnemius Muscle Architecture During a 156… (NCT06297317) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Longitudinal Changes in Achilles Tendon and Medial Gastrocnemius Muscle Architecture During a 156-km Ultradistance Trail Running Event
France55 participantsStarted 2021-11-11
Plain-language summary
This study aimed to assess the longitudinal changes in triceps surae muscle-tendon architecture to an ultra distance trail running. Experienced trail runners (N=55, 78% men, age: 45.2 \[13.5\] years) participated in a 156-km trail run (6000m climbing) consisting in six 26-km laps. The resting architectural properties of triceps surae muscle-tendon were measured using ultrasound imaging for Achille tendon cross-sectional area (AT CSA), medial gastrocnemius muscle pennation angle, thickness, length and fiber length. Measurements were performed the day before the race (Baseline), at 52-km (T1), at 104-km (T2), at 156-km (T3) and 12 hours after the race (H12).
Who can participate
Age range
25 Years – 70 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
* Experienced runners voluntarily participating in the Trail Scientifique de Clécy (156 km/6000 D+)
* Participants who had already completed 2 ultratrail races (+160 km and -160 km), at least one of them in the past 24 months; the participants had to justify their events and rankings
* Participants affiliated with a social security system or those who were a beneficiary of such a system
* Participants who could speak and read the French language
* Participants with the ability to physically participate in the ultraendurance race
* Participants with the ability to provide written consent for participation in the study
Exclusion criteria
* Participants with cardiac or extracardiac contraindications to intense physical activity
* Participants who had run a mountain ultramarathon (160 km) after September 2, 2021
* Pregnant or breastfeeding women
* Minor participants
* Participants included in another biomedical research protocol during this study
* Participants with recent muscular and orthopedic injuries, limiting running for \<15 days
* Participants with a history of ankle joint surgery (eg, arthrodesis)
* Participants with a history of foot or ankle surgery
* Participants with lower-limb pathology or trauma
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Achille tendon cross sectional area
Timeframe: Five time points: (1) at baseline, the day before the 156-km race, (2) during the race, at 52-km, (3) during the race, at 104-km, (4) immediately after the race, at 156-km and (5) at 12-hours after arrival.
2
Medial gastrocnemius thickness
Timeframe: Five time points: (1) at baseline, the day before the 156-km race, (2) during the race, at 52-km, (3) during the race, at 104-km, (4) immediately after the race, at 156-km and (5) at 12-hours after arrival.
3
Medial gastrocnemius pennation angle
Timeframe: Five time points: (1) at baseline, the day before the 156-km race, (2) during the race, at 52-km, (3) during the race, at 104-km, (4) immediately after the race, at 156-km and (5) at 12-hours after arrival.
4
Medial gastrocnemius fascicle length
Timeframe: Five time points: (1) at baseline, the day before the 156-km race, (2) during the race, at 52-km, (3) during the race, at 104-km, (4) immediately after the race, at 156-km and (5) at 12-hours after arrival.
5
Medial gastrocnemius muscle length
Timeframe: Five time points: (1) at baseline, the day before the 156-km race, (2) during the race, at 52-km, (3) during the race, at 104-km, (4) immediately after the race, at 156-km and (5) at 12-hours after arrival.