HealthyASYMRUNNCT06808399
The Magnitude of Inter-limb Asymmetry and Its Assocation with Inter-limb Asymmetry in Distance Runners and Non-runners
An observational study of Healthy, run by Vrije Universiteit Brussel at 1 site in Belgium.
Trial summary
Distance running is one of the most popular and most accessible ways to engage in physical activity. Although distance running offers numerous health-related benefits and protects against noncommunicable diseases (e.g., type 2 diabetic, obesity, hypertension), research has indicated a high prevalence of… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 50 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Healthy
- How many people
- 72 participants
- Where
- 1 siteBelgium
- Study dates
- 1 Jan 2023to 1 Jun 2025
- 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 20 to 50 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Study population: Healthy population (see eligibility criteria)
Who may be able to join
- • Being aged between 20 and 50 years at Tfamiliarization
- Being free from any medical attention injury (i.e., injury that results in a participant receiving medical attention) for at least 6 months upon Tfamiliarization
- Speaking Dutch, French or English
- Highly trained distance runners:
- Running at least 150km per month for at least 3 months
- Moderately-trained runners:
Show all 11Show fewer
- Running between 40 - 150 km per month for at least 6 months
- Novice distance runners:
- Running not more than 10km per week for the past 12 months
- Control group of non-athletes
- Performing <75min of systematic moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity per week and having no experience in systematic (un)structured running activities for the past 5 years
Who cannot join
- • Being younger than 20 years or older than 50 years at Tfamiliarization
- Any known relevant medical history or current condition (e.g., neurological diseases, inner ear diseases) that could affect the performance of the functional tests (e.g., balance in repeated hop tests)
- Participants that have undergone a surgery at lower limb level during the past 6 months
- Medication or drug use (e.g., blood pressure medicines)that could affect the performance of the functional tests (e.g., balance in repeated hop tests)
- Participants performing more than two hours per week of unilateral sports (e.g., tennis or soccer)
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Belgium1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
MOVE Research group
Ixelles-Elsene, Brussels Capital, 1050
Joachim D'Hondt, Joachim.dhondt@vub.be
About this study
Official title: Lower Limb Functional Asymmetry in Healthy Novice, Moderately and Highly-trained Distance Runners Versus Non-athletes
Distance running is one of the most popular and most accessible ways to engage in physical activity. Although distance running offers numerous health-related benefits and protects against noncommunicable diseases (e.g., type 2 diabetic, obesity, hypertension), research has indicated a high prevalence of running-related injuries with a more pronounced incidence among novice runners (i.e., 17.8 injuries per 1000h) compared to their highly trained peers (i.e., 7.2 injuries per 1000h).
Interlimb asymmetry has previously been related to higher injury risk as well as to impaired sports performances. Nevertheless, to date, research on the degree and evolution of functional asymmetry (e.g., unequal strength between limbs) in distance runners is scarce and the role of functional asymmetries in running performance and running-related injuries remains unclear. Moreover, and despite the great number of unilateral tests available in the literature, there currently exists no reliable and run-specific field-based test battery to examine the degree of lower limb asymmetry in distance runners. Therefore, this study aims to assess the test-retest, intra- and inter-rater reliability of a newly created running-specific field-based test battery to assess the presence and degree of functional lower limb asymmetry among novice, moderatly and highly trained distance runners as well as a control group of non-athletes. The second objective is to assess the association between inter-limb asymmetry and running performance.
- Conditions
- Healthy
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Highly-trained distance runners | This study is an observational study and not an interventional study. | |
| Novice distance runners | This study is an observational study and not an interventional study. | |
| Non-Athletes | This study is an observational study and not an interventional study. | |
| Moderately trained distance runners | This study is an observational study and not an interventional stud |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Lean mass
Measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
Measured: Baseline
Fat mass
Measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
Measured: Baseline
Bone mineral density
Measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
Measured: Baseline
Phase angle
Measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis.
Measured: Baseline
Lean mass
Measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis.
Measured: Baseline
Fat mass
Measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis.
Measured: Baseline
Total segmental water
Measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis.
Measured: Baseline
Extracellular water
Measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis.
Measured: Baseline
5 repeated vertical hop test.
Measured using an Optojump device
Measured: 3 test occasions: baseline, 2 weeks after baseline and 4 weeks after baseline.
5 repeated horizontal hop test
Measured using an Optojump device
Measured: 3 test occasions: baseline, 2 weeks after baseline and 4 weeks after baseline.
ankle dorsiflexion range of motion
The maximal dorsiflexion range of motion (cm from a wall) will be measured with tape measure.
Measured: 3 test occasions: baseline, 2 weeks after baseline and 4 weeks after baseline.
Side bridge endurance test
The side bridge endurance test will be carried out in which, the participants will lie on one side of the body fully extended (i.e., hip and torso at 0°) in a plank position with the feet elevated on a 15-cm step and with the superior feet placed in front. The participants will be instructed to lift the hips until the body is in straight position with the arms folded across the chest. The time until a drop (lasting more than 3s) of the hips from the optimal position will manually be recorded. To control for a full range of motion upon the execution of this muscle capacity tests, a reference dowel will be used to indiciate the desired range of motion.
Measured: 3 test occasions: baseline, 2 weeks after baseline and 4 weeks after baseline.
Hip adduction strength
Measured with a handheld dynamometer.
Measured: 3 test occasions: baseline, 2 weeks after baseline and 4 weeks after baseline.
Hip abduction strength
Measured using a hand-held dynamometer.
Measured: 3 test occasions: baseline, 2 weeks after baseline and 4 weeks after baseline.
Knee extension strength
Measured using a hand-held dynamometer.
Measured: 3 test occasions: baseline, 2 weeks after baseline and 4 weeks after baseline.
Knee flexion strength
Measured using a hand-held dynamometer.
Measured: 3 test occasions: baseline, 2 weeks after baseline and 4 weeks after baseline.
Ankle dorsiflexion strength
Measured using a hand-held dynamometer.
Measured: 3 test occasions: baseline, 2 weeks after baseline and 4 weeks after baseline.
Ankle plantar flexion strength
Measured using a hand-held dynamometer.
Measured: 3 test occasions: baseline, 2 weeks after baseline and 4 weeks after baseline.
Cooper test
Maximal distance covered in 12 minutes.
Measured: This test will be carried out on the second test occasion (two weeks after baseline).
Training volume
Surveyed with an online questionnaire and quantified in hours/week (per sport performed).
Measured: Baseline
Contact time while running
Measures with an Optojump device
Measured: This test will be carried out on the third test occasion (four weeks after baseline).
Flight time while running
Measured using an Optojump device.
Measured: This test will be carried out on the third test occasion (four weeks after baseline).
Stride length
Measured using an Optojump device.
Measured: This test will be carried out on the third test occasion (four weeks after baseline).
Secondary outcomes (4)
Weight
Measured: Baseline
Height
Measured: Baseline
Leg length
Measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and a tape measure.
Measured: Baseline
Bone mineral content
Measured busing dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
Measured: Baseline
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted5 Feb 2025
- Study start1 Jan 2023
- Primary completion1 Jun 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Jun 2025 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for HealthyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Vrije Universiteit BrusselThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- 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
- Case-control
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 72 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Joachim D'Hondt, Vrije Universiteit Brussel
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06808399
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 22381Asymrun
- Acronym
- ASYMRUN
- Status last verified
- Feb 2025
- First submitted
- 29 Nov 2022
- Last updated
- 5 Feb 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Publications
D'Hondt J, D'Hondt E, Aerenhouts D, De Pauw K, Clarys P, Chapelle L. Variations in lower-limb body composition asymmetry and leg length discrepancy by sex and training level, and their association with performance in recreational endurance runners: a cross-sectional study. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2026 Aug 8;18(1):557. doi: 10.1186/s13102-026-01952-x.
PubMed 42983494
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 5 Feb 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Lower Limb Functional Asymmetry in Healthy Novice, Moderately and Highly-trained Distance Runners Versus Non-athletes
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06808399
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ASYMRUN / 22381Asymrun
- Conditions
- Healthy
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 72 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Vrije Universiteit BrusselUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jan 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Jun 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Jun 2025 (estimated)
- First posted
- 5 Feb 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.
Distance running is one of the most popular and most accessible ways to engage in physical activity. Although distance running offers numerous health-related benefits and protects against noncommunicable diseases (e.g., type 2 diabetic, obesity, hypertension), research has indicated a high prevalence of running-related injuries with a more pronounced incidence among novice runners (i.e., 17.8 injuries per 1000h) compared to their highly trained peers (i.e., 7.2 injuries per 1000h).
Interlimb asymmetry has previously been related to higher injury risk as well as to impaired sports performances. Nevertheless, to date, research on the degree and evolution of functional asymmetry (e.g., unequal strength between limbs) in distance runners is scarce and the role of functional asymmetries in running performance and running-related injuries remains unclear. Moreover, and despite the great number of unilateral tests available in the literature, there currently exists no reliable and run-specific field-based test battery to examine the degree of lower limb asymmetry in distance runners. Therefore, this study aims to assess the test-retest, intra- and inter-rater reliability of a newly created running-specific field-based test battery to assess the presence and degree of functional lower limb asymmetry among novice, moderatly and highly trained distance runners as well as a control group of non-athletes. The second objective is to assess the association between inter-limb asymmetry and running performance.
Study design
- Observational model
- Case-control
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Number of arms
- 4
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Highly-trained distance runners | – | –This study is an observational study and not an interventional study. |
| Novice distance runners | – | –This study is an observational study and not an interventional study. |
| Non-Athletes | – | –This study is an observational study and not an interventional study. |
| Moderately trained distance runners | – | –This study is an observational study and not an interventional stud |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 50 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
- Study population
- Healthy population (see eligibility criteria)
Key inclusion criteria (11 listed)
- • Being aged between 20 and 50 years at Tfamiliarization
- Highly trained distance runners:
- Running between 40 - 150 km per month for at least 6 months
- Running not more than 10km per week for the past 12 months
- Performing <75min of systematic moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity per week and having no experience in systematic (un)structured running activities for the past 5 years
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- • Being younger than 20 years or older than 50 years at Tfamiliarization
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
Lean mass
Time frame: Baseline
Measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
Fat mass
Time frame: Baseline
Measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
Bone mineral density
Time frame: Baseline
Measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
Phase angle
Time frame: Baseline
Measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis.
Lean mass
Time frame: Baseline
Measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis.
Fat mass
Time frame: Baseline
Measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis.
Total segmental water
Time frame: Baseline
Measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis.
Extracellular water
Time frame: Baseline
Measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis.
5 repeated vertical hop test.
Time frame: 3 test occasions: baseline, 2 weeks after baseline and 4 weeks after baseline.
Measured using an Optojump device
5 repeated horizontal hop test
Time frame: 3 test occasions: baseline, 2 weeks after baseline and 4 weeks after baseline.
Measured using an Optojump device
ankle dorsiflexion range of motion
Time frame: 3 test occasions: baseline, 2 weeks after baseline and 4 weeks after baseline.
The maximal dorsiflexion range of motion (cm from a wall) will be measured with tape measure.
Side bridge endurance test
Time frame: 3 test occasions: baseline, 2 weeks after baseline and 4 weeks after baseline.
The side bridge endurance test will be carried out in which, the participants will lie on one side of the body fully extended (i.e., hip and torso at 0°) in a plank position with the feet elevated on a 15-cm step and with the superior feet placed in front. The participants will be instructed to lift the hips until the body is in straight position with the arms folded across the chest. The time until a drop (lasting more than 3s) of the hips from the optimal position will manually be recorded. To control for a full range of motion upon the execution of this muscle capacity tests, a reference dowel will be used to indiciate the desired range of motion.
Hip adduction strength
Time frame: 3 test occasions: baseline, 2 weeks after baseline and 4 weeks after baseline.
Measured with a handheld dynamometer.
Hip abduction strength
Time frame: 3 test occasions: baseline, 2 weeks after baseline and 4 weeks after baseline.
Measured using a hand-held dynamometer.
Knee extension strength
Time frame: 3 test occasions: baseline, 2 weeks after baseline and 4 weeks after baseline.
Measured using a hand-held dynamometer.
Knee flexion strength
Time frame: 3 test occasions: baseline, 2 weeks after baseline and 4 weeks after baseline.
Measured using a hand-held dynamometer.
Ankle dorsiflexion strength
Time frame: 3 test occasions: baseline, 2 weeks after baseline and 4 weeks after baseline.
Measured using a hand-held dynamometer.
Ankle plantar flexion strength
Time frame: 3 test occasions: baseline, 2 weeks after baseline and 4 weeks after baseline.
Measured using a hand-held dynamometer.
Cooper test
Time frame: This test will be carried out on the second test occasion (two weeks after baseline).
Maximal distance covered in 12 minutes.
Training volume
Time frame: Baseline
Surveyed with an online questionnaire and quantified in hours/week (per sport performed).
Contact time while running
Time frame: This test will be carried out on the third test occasion (four weeks after baseline).
Measures with an Optojump device
Flight time while running
Time frame: This test will be carried out on the third test occasion (four weeks after baseline).
Measured using an Optojump device.
Stride length
Time frame: This test will be carried out on the third test occasion (four weeks after baseline).
Measured using an Optojump device.
4 secondary outcomes
Weight
Time frame: Baseline
Height
Time frame: Baseline
Leg length
Time frame: Baseline
Bone mineral content
Time frame: Baseline
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 5 Feb 2025.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 42983494D'Hondt J, D'Hondt E, Aerenhouts D, De Pauw K, Clarys P, Chapelle L. Variations in lower-limb body composition asymmetry and leg length discrepancy by sex and training level, and their association with performance in recreational endurance runners: a cross-sectional study. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2026 Aug 8;18(1):557. doi: 10.1186/s13102-026-01952-x.
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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.
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 Healthy, run by Vrije Universiteit Brussel at 1 site in Belgium.
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 11 inclusion and 5 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 5 Feb 2025. 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 Belgium. 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?
Contact Joachim D'Hondt (+32 (0) 629 27 35, Joachim.dhondt@vub.be), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Lean mass (time frame: Baseline). The study lists 23 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06808399, which also lists 1 linked publication.
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 5 Feb 2025.