Musculoskeletal HealthNCT06801210
The Weight of Victory: Exploring Short- and Long-term Health Outcomes in Former Male & Female Elite Athletes From Weight-sensitive Sports
An observational study of Musculoskeletal Health and Fertility, run by Norwegian School of Sport Sciences at 1 site in Norway.
Trial summary
The health of former elite athletes has been identified as a critical research gap where there is limited knowledge about both short- and long-term consequences after ending their careers. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Musculoskeletal Health, Fertility, Mental Health
- How many people
- 1,500 participants
- Where
- 1 siteNorway
- Study dates
- 5 Jun 2025to 31 Aug 2026
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 18 years and older
- All sexes
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: Former male and female Norwegian elite athletes and a age matched controls from the general population
Who may be able to join
- Represented the national team at senior and/or junior level, (Non-organized sports) competed at national and/or international level. , >1 year since retirement , >18 years old,and a proficient level of Norwegian reading and writing skills
Who cannot join
- -
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: The Weight of Victory: Exploring Short- and Long-term Health Outcomes in Former Male & Female Elite Atheltes From Weight-sensitive Sports
The health of former elite athletes has been identified as a critical research gap where there is limited knowledge about both short- and long-term consequences after ending their careers. The transition phase from an active elite career to everyday life has been shown to be particularly problematic, yet this issue has been little studied among former Norwegian elite athletes. Furthermore, questions remain regarding the health of athletes from weight-sensitive sports, such as weight-class, aesthetic, and certain endurance sports. These athletes face specific challenges related to maintaining a certain physique and frequent changes in body weight during their active careers. This group has been shown to be vulnerable to a range of problematic health outcomes related to low energy availability, and little is known about the long-term effects of a career involving this.
Therefore, the overall purpose of the project is to map the mental and physical health of former elite athletes. At the same time, there will be a particular focus on the differences between weight-sensitive and less weight-sensitive sports, different types of sports, gender, as well as previous dieting and eating behaviors.
Read the detailed description
The project will be a quantitative cross-sectional study that includes former elite athletes from both weight-sensitive and less weight-sensitive sports, as well as a sample from the general population for comparison. Information will be collected via an electronic questionnaire that surveys a range of physical and mental health variables among the participants. In addition, behavioral variables related to impulse control, eating and dieting patterns, and weight regulation will be assessed.
Furthermore, the project is expected to contribute new knowledge by identifying health challenges and the explanatory variables for these challenges among former elite athletes. Thus, the project can inform the development of targeted preventive measures, interventions, and policy changes that can improve health and quality of life both during and after athletes' careers and be of significant importance for future athletes.
- Conditions
- Musculoskeletal Health, Fertility, Mental Health, Quality of Life, Body Image, Disordered Eating
- Keywords
- Elite athletes, Mental health, Somatic health, Disordered eating, Musculoskeletal health, Quality of life, Anxiety and depression, Behavioral, Reproductive health, Fertility, Harassment, Body acceptance, Personality traits, Weight regulation
- Medical subject headings
- Psychological Well-Being, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Behavior
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Former elite athletes from weight-sensitive sports | Former elite athletes from weight-sensitive sports. Including former elite athletes from weight-class, gravitational, aesthetic, and certain endurance type of sports. | |
| Former elite athletes from less weight-sensitive sports | Former elite athletes from less weight-sensitive sports. Including team sports (e.g. handball, soccer, basketball) | |
| General population | An age matched reference group for the groups of former elite athletes. Includes a sample from the general population without a background as an elite athlete. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Symptoms of eating disorders (Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, EDE-Q)
This outcome measure will use the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) to assess the frequency and severity of eating disorder symptoms. The EDE-Q is a validated self-report questionnaire covering dietary restraint, eating concern, shape concern, and weight concern
Measured: January 2025 to June 2025
Pain, function, and overall well-being connected to musculoskeletal status (Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire, MSK-HQ)
This outcome measure will use the Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire (MSK-HQ) to assess self-reported musculoskeletal health. The MSK-HQ is a validated instrument covering key domains such as pain, function, and overall well-being in individuals with musculoskeletal conditions. It provides a comprehensive overview of the patient's musculoskeletal status, including symptoms and the impact on daily activities.
Measured: From January 2025 to June 2025
Menstrual function and history & fertility function and history (The Low Energy Availability in Males Questionnaire, LEAM-Q, Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire, LEAF-Q, and The Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study, MoBa)
Items from The validated Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q) will be included to assess menstrual function (Melin et al., 2014). Items from The Low Energy Availability in Males Questionnaire (LEAM-Q) (Lundy et al., 2022) will be included for assessing reproductive health among the male participants. In addition, questions from The Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) will be included to cover fertility status.
Measured: From January 2025 to June 2025
Secondary outcomes (5)
Symptoms of Psychological Distress (Symptom Checklist-10, SCL-10)
This outcome measure will use the Symptom Checklist-10 (SCL-10) to assess the frequency and severity of common mental distress symptoms. The SCL-10 is a validated, abbreviated version of the SCL family of instruments (e.g., SCL-25, SCL-90) that covers core areas such as anxiety, depression, and somatic complaints. It provides an overall indication of the level of psychological distress and can be used for both screening and monitoring changes over time.
Measured: From January 2025 to June 2025
Alchohol and drug use (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test - Consumption, AUDIT-C and Drug Use Disorders Identification Test, DUDIT)
The AUDIT-C assesses alcohol consumption, drinking behaviors, and alcohol-related issues (Babor et al., 2001). The Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT) will be included. The DUDIT assesses symptoms of substance abuse, as well as harmful use, and drug dependence.
Measured: From January 2025 to June 2025
Satisfaction With Life (Satisfaction With Life Scale, SWLS)
This outcome measure will use the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) to evaluate individuals' overall assessments of their own life satisfaction. The SWLS is a validated, brief questionnaire comprising five statements that respondents rate based on their level of agreement. It captures the cognitive judgment of one's life quality, providing a reliable indicator of subjective well-being and overall life satisfaction.
Measured: From January 2025 to June 2025
Cognitive Function (PROMIS® v2.0 Cognitive Function-Short Form 6a)
This outcome measure will utilize the PROMIS® v2.0 Cognitive Function-Short Form 6a to assess individuals' self-reported cognitive abilities. The PROMIS Cognitive Function-Short Form 6a is a validated, brief questionnaire designed to evaluate various aspects of cognitive performance, including memory, concentration, and mental clarity
Measured: From January 2025 to June 2025
Body Appreciation and Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Symptoms (Body Appreciation Scale-2, BAS-2, and the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory, MDDI)
The Body appreciation scale-2 (BAS-2) is a 10-item measure of an individual's acceptance, opinions and respect of their own body, The questionnaire is validated. Body satisfaction will be measured with the inclusion of the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI). The MDDI is a 13-item self-report measure which have three sub-scales assessing clinical features associated with muscle dysmorphia (MD), including drive for size, functional impairment, and appearance intolerance
Measured: From January 2025 to June 2025
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted30 Jan 2025
- Study start5 Jun 2025
- Primary completion31 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Aug 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Musculoskeletal HealthStudies 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
- Other
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 1,500 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Norwegian School of Sport Sciences
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Professor Jorunn Sundgot-Borgen, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06801210
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 841008
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 16 Jan 2025
- Last updated
- 28 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 28 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Weight of Victory: Exploring Short- and Long-term Health Outcomes in Former Male & Female Elite Atheltes From Weight-sensitive Sports
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06801210
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 841008
- Conditions
- Musculoskeletal Health, Fertility, Mental Health, Quality of Life, Body Image, Disordered Eating
- Keywords
- Elite athletes, Mental health, Somatic health, Disordered eating, Musculoskeletal health, Quality of life, Anxiety and depression, Behavioral
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Enrolling by invitation
- Enrolment
- 1,500 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Norwegian School of Sport SciencesUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 5 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 30 Jan 2025 (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.
The health of former elite athletes has been identified as a critical research gap where there is limited knowledge about both short- and long-term consequences after ending their careers. The transition phase from an active elite career to everyday life has been shown to be particularly problematic, yet this issue has been little studied among former Norwegian elite athletes. Furthermore, questions remain regarding the health of athletes from weight-sensitive sports, such as weight-class, aesthetic, and certain endurance sports. These athletes face specific challenges related to maintaining a certain physique and frequent changes in body weight during their active careers. This group has been shown to be vulnerable to a range of problematic health outcomes related to low energy availability, and little is known about the long-term effects of a career involving this.
Therefore, the overall purpose of the project is to map the mental and physical health of former elite athletes. At the same time, there will be a particular focus on the differences between weight-sensitive and less weight-sensitive sports, different types of sports, gender, as well as previous dieting and eating behaviors.
Detailed description
The project will be a quantitative cross-sectional study that includes former elite athletes from both weight-sensitive and less weight-sensitive sports, as well as a sample from the general population for comparison. Information will be collected via an electronic questionnaire that surveys a range of physical and mental health variables among the participants. In addition, behavioral variables related to impulse control, eating and dieting patterns, and weight regulation will be assessed.
Furthermore, the project is expected to contribute new knowledge by identifying health challenges and the explanatory variables for these challenges among former elite athletes. Thus, the project can inform the development of targeted preventive measures, interventions, and policy changes that can improve health and quality of life both during and after athletes' careers and be of significant importance for future athletes.
Study design
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Former elite athletes from weight-sensitive sports | – | –Former elite athletes from weight-sensitive sports. Including former elite athletes from weight-class, gravitational, aesthetic, and certain endurance type of sports. |
| Former elite athletes from less weight-sensitive sports | – | –Former elite athletes from less weight-sensitive sports. Including team sports (e.g. handball, soccer, basketball) |
| General population | – | –An age matched reference group for the groups of former elite athletes. Includes a sample from the general population without a background as an elite athlete. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- Former male and female Norwegian elite athletes and a age matched controls from the general population
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Represented the national team at senior and/or junior level, (Non-organized sports) competed at national and/or international level. , >1 year since retirement , >18 years old,and a proficient level of Norwegian reading and writing skills
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- -
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Primary outcome
Symptoms of eating disorders (Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, EDE-Q)
Time frame: January 2025 to June 2025
This outcome measure will use the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) to assess the frequency and severity of eating disorder symptoms. The EDE-Q is a validated self-report questionnaire covering dietary restraint, eating concern, shape concern, and weight concern
Pain, function, and overall well-being connected to musculoskeletal status (Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire, MSK-HQ)
Time frame: From January 2025 to June 2025
This outcome measure will use the Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire (MSK-HQ) to assess self-reported musculoskeletal health. The MSK-HQ is a validated instrument covering key domains such as pain, function, and overall well-being in individuals with musculoskeletal conditions. It provides a comprehensive overview of the patient's musculoskeletal status, including symptoms and the impact on daily activities.
Menstrual function and history & fertility function and history (The Low Energy Availability in Males Questionnaire, LEAM-Q, Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire, LEAF-Q, and The Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study, MoBa)
Time frame: From January 2025 to June 2025
Items from The validated Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q) will be included to assess menstrual function (Melin et al., 2014). Items from The Low Energy Availability in Males Questionnaire (LEAM-Q) (Lundy et al., 2022) will be included for assessing reproductive health among the male participants. In addition, questions from The Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) will be included to cover fertility status.
5 secondary outcomes
Symptoms of Psychological Distress (Symptom Checklist-10, SCL-10)
Time frame: From January 2025 to June 2025
Alchohol and drug use (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test - Consumption, AUDIT-C and Drug Use Disorders Identification Test, DUDIT)
Time frame: From January 2025 to June 2025
Satisfaction With Life (Satisfaction With Life Scale, SWLS)
Time frame: From January 2025 to June 2025
Cognitive Function (PROMIS® v2.0 Cognitive Function-Short Form 6a)
Time frame: From January 2025 to June 2025
Body Appreciation and Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Symptoms (Body Appreciation Scale-2, BAS-2, and the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory, MDDI)
Time frame: From January 2025 to June 2025
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 28 Aug 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
Related trials for Musculoskeletal Health
Recruiting
Hybrid mHealth and Telerehabilitation vs Conventional Physiotherapy for Subacromial Pain Syndrome
Subacromial Pain Syndrome
RecruitingObservational study
Exploring Factors Linked to Worsening Over Time in People With Early-stage Knee Osteoarthritis and Those With Prior Proven Acute Knee Injury.
Knee Osteoarthritis
Recruiting
Assisted Ambulation to Improve Health Outcomes for Older Medical Inpatients
Mobility Limitation, Frailty
Active, not recruiting
AI-Supported Mobile High-Impact and Strengthening Exercise Program in Postmenopausal Women With Low Bone Density
Osteopenia
Recruiting
GenAI-Assisted Rheumatoid Arthritis Bone Erosion Risk Assessment and DMARD Selection
Rheumatoid Arthritis
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.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Musculoskeletal Health and Fertility, run by Norwegian School of Sport Sciences at 1 site in Norway.
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 1 inclusion and 1 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: enrolling by invitation, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Norway. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
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?
Symptoms of eating disorders (Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, EDE-Q) (time frame: January 2025 to June 2025). The study lists 3 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 28 Aug 2026.