By InvitationNot Applicable

The Effect of a Training Programme in the Variation of Fitness Parameters, Physiological, Hematological and Biochemical Indicators of Soccer Players During the Preseason Period

Greece24 participantsStarted 2025-07-01

Plain-language summary

The goal of this study is to investigate the effects of varying friendly match-play exposure during the late pre-season on physiological, biochemical, and performance adaptations in soccer players. It is hypothesized that (i) significant changes will occur across the pre-season in both the extended- and limited-play groups when analysed independently; (ii) distinct group-specific adaptations will emerge by the end of the preparatory period; and (iii) match-play exposure, when analysed across all participants, will be significantly correlated with physiological and performance outcomes at pre-season completion. Players from a randomly selected team will be assessed at three time points: pre-season start, mid-pre-season (MPS), and pre-competition phase (PC). Assessments will include anthropometry, physical performance, and markers of muscle damage, inflammation, hormonal status, and haematology. Based on the total match-play time of 8 friendly games during the late pre-season, players will be retrospectively categorised into extended-play (EP) and limited-play (LP) cohorts.time of 8 friendly games during the late pre-season, players will be retrospectively categorised into extended-play (EP) and limited-play (LP) cohorts.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 35 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 participants * Aged 18 years or older * Non-smokers * Injury-free for the past 6 months * Medication-free for the past 6 months * Abstinent from alcohol * Living at an altitude below 1500 meters * Committed exclusively to soccer (no participation in other sports) Exclusion Criteria: * History of serious injuries (e.g., fractures, ligament tears) within the past 6 months * Chronic medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or respiratory disorders * Current use of performance-enhancing drugs or supplements * Participation in non-soccer-related sports or activities during the study period

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

Body Mass

Timeframe: Each measure assessed at Baseline (pre-season start), 4 weeks (mid-pre-season), and 8 weeks (pre-competition phase).

Body Fat

Timeframe: Each measure assessed at Baseline (pre-season start), 4 weeks (mid-pre-season), and 8 weeks (pre-competition phase).

Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE)

Timeframe: Each measure assessed at Baseline (pre-season start), 4 weeks (mid-pre-season), and 8 weeks (pre-competition phase).

Glucose

Timeframe: Each measure assessed at Baseline (pre-season start), 4 weeks (mid-pre-season), and 8 weeks (pre-competition phase).

Cholesterol

Timeframe: Each measure assessed at Baseline (pre-season start), 4 weeks (mid-pre-season), and 8 weeks (pre-competition phase).

Triglycerides

Timeframe: Each measure assessed at Baseline (pre-season start), 4 weeks (mid-pre-season), and 8 weeks (pre-competition phase).

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07170930

SponsorEmmanouil D. Zacharakis

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2025-09-15

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Athletic Performance trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 35 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

Body Mass

Timeframe: Each measure assessed at Baseline (pre-season start), 4 weeks (mid-pre-season), and 8 weeks (pre-competition phase).

Body Fat

Timeframe: Each measure assessed at Baseline (pre-season start), 4 weeks (mid-pre-season), and 8 weeks (pre-competition phase).

Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE)

Timeframe: Each measure assessed at Baseline (pre-season start), 4 weeks (mid-pre-season), and 8 weeks (pre-competition phase).

Glucose

Timeframe: Each measure assessed at Baseline (pre-season start), 4 weeks (mid-pre-season), and 8 weeks (pre-competition phase).

Cholesterol

Timeframe: Each measure assessed at Baseline (pre-season start), 4 weeks (mid-pre-season), and 8 weeks (pre-competition phase).

Triglycerides

Timeframe: Each measure assessed at Baseline (pre-season start), 4 weeks (mid-pre-season), and 8 weeks (pre-competition phase).