HealthyNCT06709599
Dynamics of Fatigue and Recovery in MMA Training
An observational study of Healthy, run by Poznan University of Physical Education.
Trial summary
This observational study aims to understand how strength and conditioning training impacts biochemical and psychological markers of fatigue and recovery in mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 25 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Healthy
- What is being tested?
- Three-Week Strength and Conditioning Program
- How many people
- 20 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- 6 Sep 2014to 30 May 2015
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 20 to 25 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Study population: The study population consisted of male mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes affiliated with a sports club, actively engaged in regular training. All participants had a minimum of five years of training experience and at least two years of competitive fighting experience. They trained at least three times per week, maintained a balanced diet throughout the study, and did not use anabolic steroids, nutritional supplements, or medications that could influence the study results. The study was conducted during a training program that was an integral part of their preparation for competition. Athletes with injuries, clinical conditions, or those undergoing weight-cutting periods were excluded to ensure homogeneity and reliability of the results.
Who may be able to join
- Minimum of 5 years of training experience in mixed martial arts (MMA).
- Training at least three times per week.
- At least two years of competitive fighting experience.
- Not using anabolic steroids, nutritional supplements, or medications that could influence study results.
- Maintaining a balanced diet throughout the study.
- Non-smoker.
Who cannot join
- Presence of any injury or clinical condition preventing participation in the study.
- Use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Undergoing a weight-cutting period during the study.
About this study
Official title: Temporal Dynamics of Biochemical and Psychological Markers of Fatigue and Recovery in Mixed Martial Arts Athletes Undergoing Strength and Conditioning Training
This observational study aims to understand how strength and conditioning training impacts biochemical and psychological markers of fatigue and recovery in mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes. The main questions it aims to answer are:
How does a high-intensity training program affect key biochemical markers, such as cortisol, inflammation, and muscle damage indicators? How does this training influence psychological factors, such as stress, mood, and recovery states? Researchers will compare measurements taken at four time points during the study to see if the training program leads to changes in these markers and whether it effectively balances stress and recovery.
Read more
Participants will:
Undergo a structured strength and conditioning program for three weeks. Provide blood samples for biochemical analysis at four different times. Complete psychological questionnaires assessing mood, stress, and recovery states.
The findings aim to help optimize training programs and improve athlete well-being while minimizing the risk of overtraining.
Read the detailed description
This study investigates the physiological and psychological responses of mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes to a structured high-intensity strength and conditioning training program. The primary focus is on monitoring temporal changes in key biochemical markers (e.g., cortisol, catecholamines, inflammatory cytokines) and psychological factors (e.g., mood profiles, stress, recovery states) to understand the balance between training-induced fatigue and recovery.
The study is conducted over three weeks, during which athletes follow a standardized training regimen comprising strength, endurance, and technical drills. Training intensity and volume are carefully managed, with no changes introduced during the observation period to ensure consistent data collection. Baseline measurements are taken 48 hours after a rest period to eliminate the effects of prior workouts.
Key Features:
Biochemical Analysis:
Blood samples are collected at four time points (pre-study, and after each training week) under standardized conditions, including morning fasting to minimize variability due to circadian rhythms.
Markers such as cortisol, catecholamines, hs-CRP, myoglobin, and urea are analyzed using validated ELISA protocols and biochemical kits.
Psychological Assessment:
The RESTQ-76 SPORT (Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes) and POMS (Profile of Mood States) questionnaires are administered before each blood sample collection to evaluate athletes' stress-recovery balance and mood states.
Training Protocol:
Athletes train six days a week for approximately 15 hours total per week. Training includes a mix of circuit training, weightlifting, technique drills, and sparring, designed to mimic typical MMA preparation.
Study Goals:
This study aims to determine the effects of a high-intensity training regimen on the interaction between physiological stress markers and psychological states. It seeks to provide insights into early indicators of overtraining and inform personalized approaches to athlete training that optimize performance while reducing injury risk.
By integrating biochemical and psychological data, this research highlights the need for a holistic approach to training management in MMA athletes, with implications for broader sports science and athletic performance enhancement.
- Conditions
- Healthy
- Being tested
- Three-Week Strength and Conditioning Program
- Keywords
- Athletes, Training, Fatigue, Recovery
- Medical subject headings
- Fatigue
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Three-Week Strength and Conditioning ProgramOther
Athletes train six days a week for three weeks, totaling approximately 15 hours of training per week. Training includes circuit training, weightlifting, technique drills, and sparring, designed to mimic typical MMA preparation.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| MMA athletes | Healthy, trained athletes Receives: Other: Three-Week Strength and Conditioning Program |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Changes from baseline in cortisol level.
Marker of stress level.
Measured: At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training
Changes from baseline in epinephrine level.
Marker of sympathetic nervous system activity
Measured: At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training
Changes from baseline in norepinephrine level.
Marker of sympathetic nervous system activity, indicating stress response.
Measured: At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training
Changes from baseline in testosterone level.
Marker of the anabolic processes level.
Measured: At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training
Changes from baseline in hs CRP level.
Marker inflammatory response.
Measured: At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training
Changes from baseline in creatine kinase level.
Marker muscle damage.
Measured: At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training
Changes from baseline in total protein level.
Marker of protein catabolism, and recovery processes.
Measured: At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training
Changes from baseline in urea level.
Marker of balance between protein breakdown and recovery.
Measured: At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training
Changes from baseline in uric acid level.
Marker of oxidative stress and, purine metabolism.
Measured: At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training
Mood Profile of Athletes Before Exercise Test Using POMS Questionnaire.
The Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire measures mood states and emotional well-being.
Measured: At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted29 Nov 2024
- Study start6 Sep 2014
- Primary completion20 Sep 2014
- Study completion30 May 2015
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for HealthyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Retrospective
- Enrolment
- 20 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Poznan University of Physical Education
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Joanna Ostapiuk-Karolczuk, Poznan University of Physical Education
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06709599
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- MMA546/11
- Status last verified
- May 2025
- First submitted
- 22 Nov 2024
- Last updated
- 25 Jun 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: There is not a plan to make individual participant data (IPD) available because protecting participant confidentiality is a priority, especially given the sensitive nature of personal health and performance data collected in this study. Additionally, there may be limitations in data-sharing infrastructure and resources needed to anonymize and securely manage IPD for external access. Ensuring compliance with privacy regulations and ethical standards also restricts the feasibility of making IPD broadly available to other researchers.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 25 Jun 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Temporal Dynamics of Biochemical and Psychological Markers of Fatigue and Recovery in Mixed Martial Arts Athletes Undergoing Strength and Conditioning Training
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06709599
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- MMA546/11
- Conditions
- Healthy
- Keywords
- Athletes, Training, Fatigue, Recovery
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 20 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Poznan University of Physical EducationUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 6 Sep 2014 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 20 Sep 2014 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 May 2015 (actual)
- First posted
- 29 Nov 2024 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This observational study aims to understand how strength and conditioning training impacts biochemical and psychological markers of fatigue and recovery in mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes. The main questions it aims to answer are:
How does a high-intensity training program affect key biochemical markers, such as cortisol, inflammation, and muscle damage indicators? How does this training influence psychological factors, such as stress, mood, and recovery states? Researchers will compare measurements taken at four time points during the study to see if the training program leads to changes in these markers and whether it effectively balances stress and recovery.
Participants will:
Undergo a structured strength and conditioning program for three weeks. Provide blood samples for biochemical analysis at four different times. Complete psychological questionnaires assessing mood, stress, and recovery states.
The findings aim to help optimize training programs and improve athlete well-being while minimizing the risk of overtraining.
Detailed description
This study investigates the physiological and psychological responses of mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes to a structured high-intensity strength and conditioning training program. The primary focus is on monitoring temporal changes in key biochemical markers (e.g., cortisol, catecholamines, inflammatory cytokines) and psychological factors (e.g., mood profiles, stress, recovery states) to understand the balance between training-induced fatigue and recovery.
The study is conducted over three weeks, during which athletes follow a standardized training regimen comprising strength, endurance, and technical drills. Training intensity and volume are carefully managed, with no changes introduced during the observation period to ensure consistent data collection. Baseline measurements are taken 48 hours after a rest period to eliminate the effects of prior workouts.
Key Features:
Biochemical Analysis:
Blood samples are collected at four time points (pre-study, and after each training week) under standardized conditions, including morning fasting to minimize variability due to circadian rhythms.
Markers such as cortisol, catecholamines, hs-CRP, myoglobin, and urea are analyzed using validated ELISA protocols and biochemical kits.
Psychological Assessment:
The RESTQ-76 SPORT (Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes) and POMS (Profile of Mood States) questionnaires are administered before each blood sample collection to evaluate athletes' stress-recovery balance and mood states.
Training Protocol:
Athletes train six days a week for approximately 15 hours total per week. Training includes a mix of circuit training, weightlifting, technique drills, and sparring, designed to mimic typical MMA preparation.
Study Goals:
This study aims to determine the effects of a high-intensity training regimen on the interaction between physiological stress markers and psychological states. It seeks to provide insights into early indicators of overtraining and inform personalized approaches to athlete training that optimize performance while reducing injury risk.
By integrating biochemical and psychological data, this research highlights the need for a holistic approach to training management in MMA athletes, with implications for broader sports science and athletic performance enhancement.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Retrospective
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| MMA athletes | – | Other: Three-Week Strength and Conditioning ProgramHealthy, trained athletes |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 25 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
- Study population
- The study population consisted of male mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes affiliated with a sports club, actively engaged in regular training. All participants had a minimum of five years of training experience and at least two years of competitive fighting experience. They trained at least three times per week, maintained a balanced diet throughout the study, and did not use anabolic steroids, nutritional supplements, or medications that could influence the study results. The study was conducted during a training program that was an integral part of their preparation for competition. Athletes with injuries, clinical conditions, or those undergoing weight-cutting periods were excluded to ensure homogeneity and reliability of the results.
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Minimum of 5 years of training experience in mixed martial arts (MMA).
- Training at least three times per week.
- At least two years of competitive fighting experience.
- Not using anabolic steroids, nutritional supplements, or medications that could influence study results.
- Maintaining a balanced diet throughout the study.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Presence of any injury or clinical condition preventing participation in the study.
- Use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Undergoing a weight-cutting period during the study.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Three-Week Strength and Conditioning ProgramAthletes train six days a week for three weeks, totaling approximately 15 hours of training per week. Training includes circuit training, weightlifting, technique drills, and sparring, designed to mimic typical MMA preparation. | Other | MMA athletes |
Primary outcome
Changes from baseline in cortisol level.
Time frame: At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training
Marker of stress level.
Changes from baseline in epinephrine level.
Time frame: At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training
Marker of sympathetic nervous system activity
Changes from baseline in norepinephrine level.
Time frame: At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training
Marker of sympathetic nervous system activity, indicating stress response.
Changes from baseline in testosterone level.
Time frame: At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training
Marker of the anabolic processes level.
Changes from baseline in hs CRP level.
Time frame: At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training
Marker inflammatory response.
Changes from baseline in creatine kinase level.
Time frame: At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training
Marker muscle damage.
Changes from baseline in total protein level.
Time frame: At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training
Marker of protein catabolism, and recovery processes.
Changes from baseline in urea level.
Time frame: At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training
Marker of balance between protein breakdown and recovery.
Changes from baseline in uric acid level.
Time frame: At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training
Marker of oxidative stress and, purine metabolism.
Mood Profile of Athletes Before Exercise Test Using POMS Questionnaire.
Time frame: At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training
The Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire measures mood states and emotional well-being.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 25 Jun 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. There is not a plan to make individual participant data (IPD) available because protecting participant confidentiality is a priority, especially given the sensitive nature of personal health and performance data collected in this study. Additionally, there may be limitations in data-sharing infrastructure and resources needed to anonymize and securely manage IPD for external access. Ensuring compliance with privacy regulations and ethical standards also restricts the feasibility of making IPD broadly available to other researchers.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Healthy, run by Poznan University of Physical Education.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 Jun 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Changes from baseline in cortisol level. (time frame: At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training). The study lists 10 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 25 Jun 2025.