CompletedNot Applicable

Mechanistic Drivers of Acute PAPE Responsiveness: Muscle Architecture, Contractile Kinetics, and Excitability in a Randomized Controlled Trial

Poland44 participantsStarted 2025-02-02

Plain-language summary

The goal of this study is to find out if one short set of heavy half-squats can help football players jump higher right away-and to understand what happens inside their muscles and nerves to make that boost happen. Key questions * Will performing 2-3 half-squats at 90% of one-rep max give a bigger jump boost than jogging on a treadmill for five minutes? * After each warm-up, how do muscle speed and stiffness, muscle size and fiber angle, and nerve signals change over the next 12 minutes? * Does each player's contribution of fast and slow muscle fibers affect how much and how long their jump improves? Study Plan Researches will invite 44 healthy football players, ages 18-21, who train regularly and meet our health rules. No one will know which warm-up each player does until the end. Participants will: * Get baseline tests of jump height, muscle speed and stiffness (using a harmless electrical sensor), muscle size and fiber angle (using ultrasound), and nerve signals (using sticky pads on the skin). * Be randomly assigned to either: 1. Heavy-squat group: 2-3 half-squats at 90% of their one-rep max 2. Jogging group: easy jog or walk on a treadmill for five minutes * Repeat all tests right after the warm-up and again at 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 minutes to see how jump height and all muscle and nerve measures change over time. * Have their muscle fiber mix estimated from the first muscle-speed test to see if fiber type explains who gets the biggest jump boost. All tests are safe, painless, and approved by an ethics board. Players can stop at any time without giving a reason. This study will help athletes and coaches choose the best warm-up to get stronger, faster jumps right before a game or practice.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 23 Years

Sex

MALE

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: * Male football players aged 18-23 years * Minimum of 3 structured training sessions per week for the past 6 months * No history of lower-limb musculoskeletal injuries (e.g., ligament sprain, muscle tear) within the past 2 months * No diagnosed dermatological conditions affecting electrode placement (e.g., psoriasis, eczema) * No cardiovascular disease (e.g., hypertension, arrhythmia) * No neuromuscular disorders (e.g., neuropathy, myopathy) on clinical examination * Able to complete a 1RM half-squat protocol and countermovement jump without pain Exclusion Criteria: * Use of performance-enhancing supplements/medications within 2 weeks prior to enrollment * Missed more than 4 scheduled training sessions per month over the past 2 months * Blood pressure \>140/90 mmHg at rest or resting heart rate \>90 bpm * Any contraindication to electrical stimulation (e.g., pacemaker, implanted metal device) * Failure to provide written informed consent or withdrawal of consent at any time

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

Jump Height 4 Minute

Timeframe: 4 minutes post-intervention

Jump Height 6 Minute

Timeframe: 6 minutes post-intervention

Jump Height 8 Minute

Timeframe: 8 minutes post-intervention

Jump Height 10 Minute

Timeframe: 10 minutes post-intervention

Jump Height 12 Minute

Timeframe: 12 minute post-intervention

Muscle Thickness Post

Timeframe: Immediate post-intervention

Muscle Thickness 4 Minute

Timeframe: 4 minute post-intervention (single session)

Muscle Thickness 6 Minute

Timeframe: 6 minutes post-intervention

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06982937

SponsorThe Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-06-25

Results submitted2025-11-17

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Neuromuscular Function trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 23 Years

Sex

MALE

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Jump Height 4 Minute

Timeframe: 4 minutes post-intervention

Jump Height 6 Minute

Timeframe: 6 minutes post-intervention

Jump Height 8 Minute

Timeframe: 8 minutes post-intervention

Jump Height 10 Minute

Timeframe: 10 minutes post-intervention

Jump Height 12 Minute

Timeframe: 12 minute post-intervention

Muscle Thickness Post

Timeframe: Immediate post-intervention

Muscle Thickness 4 Minute

Timeframe: 4 minute post-intervention (single session)

Muscle Thickness 6 Minute

Timeframe: 6 minutes post-intervention