Athletic PerformanceUnlocking PAPENCT07511348
Neuromuscular Adaptations Following Eight Weeks of French Contrast Training in Elite Youth Football Players: Implications for Athlete Health and Performance
A study testing French Contrast Training + Standard football training (8 weeks) in people with Athletic Performance and Neuromuscular Adaptations, run by Gümüşhane Universıty at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-week French Contrast Training (FCT) intervention on reactive strength index (RSI), sprint performance, and anaerobic profile in elite youth football players Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 25 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Athletic Performance, Neuromuscular Adaptations
- What is being tested?
- French Contrast Training + Standard football training (8 weeks)
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 28 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 10 Apr 2026to 30 Jun 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- 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 18 to 25 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Minimum 3 years football training
- ≥80% training attendance
- Injury-free for 6 months
- Licensed academy player
Who cannot join
- Musculoskeletal injury
- Neurological disorder
- Additional training programs
- Ergogenic aid use
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Gumushane Univetsity
Gümüşhane, Trabzon, Ordu, Giresun, Rize, Artvin, Gümüşhane, 29600
About this study
This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-week French Contrast Training (FCT) intervention on reactive strength index (RSI), sprint performance, and anaerobic profile in elite youth football players
Read the detailed description
This study was designed as a parallel-group, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the chronic effects of French Contrast Training on neuromuscular performance and anaerobic capacity. A total of 28 elite male youth football players were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The intervention lasted 8 weeks, with performance assessments conducted pre- and post-intervention.
- Conditions
- Athletic Performance, Neuromuscular Adaptations
- Being tested
- French Contrast Training + Standard football training (8 weeks), Control
- Keywords
- Football, French Contrast Training, PAPE, Reactive Strength Index, Anaerobic Power
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
French Contrast Training + Standard football training (8 weeks)Other
Also called French Contrast Training
Participants in the experimental group performed French Contrast Training twice per week for 8 weeks, including heavy resistance, plyometric, loaded power, and assisted exercises.
ControlOther
Also called Standard football training
Standard football training
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| French Contrast Training + Standard football training (8 weeks) | Experimental | Participants in the experimental group performed French Contrast Training twice per week for 8 weeks, including heavy resistance, plyometric, loaded power, and assisted exercises. Receives: Other: French Contrast Training + Standard football training (8 weeks); Other: Control |
| Control Group | No intervention | Standard football training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Reactive Strength Index
The pre-test and post-test Relative Strength Index (RSI) values of the sample group were obtained using the countermovement jump (CMJ) test. Participants started from an upright standing position on the platform with their feet shoulder-width apart and hands placed on their hips to eliminate arm swing. From this position, they were instructed to perform a rapid downward movement by flexing the hips and knees, immediately followed by a maximal vertical jump without any pause between the eccentric and concentric phases. Participants were required to keep their hands on their hips throughout the movement and to take off and land with both feet while attempting to jump as high as possible.
Measured: 8 weeks
Anaerobic Power
Anaerobic profile (anaerobic capacity and fatigue index values) of the football players were assessed using a mechanically braked cycle ergometer connected to a computer and compatible software Wingate 894E test system. Prior to testing, the saddle height and pedal position were individually adjusted for each athlete to ensure an approximately 10% knee flexion angle at the lowest pedal position. After entering the athletes' descriptive information into the computer, the resistance load was automatically calculated by the system as 75 g per kg of body mass and subsequently applied to the ergometer's braking mechanism
Measured: 8 week
Secondary outcomes (2)
Sprint Performance (10-meter)
The 10-meter sprint performance of the football players was assessed using a photocell timing system (Optojump, Microgate, Italy). Two pairs of photocells connected to an electronic timing system with dual-beam functionality and a measurement accuracy of ±0.001 s were positioned at the start and finish lines along a straight 10-meter track, with the sensors mounted 90 cm above the ground to ensure precise detection of the participants' movements. Participants began each trial from a standing start position, with one foot placed slightly forward, positioned 50 cm behind the starting photocell gate to standardize the initial stance.
Measured: 8 week
Fatigue Index
Wingate Test
Measured: 8 week
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted6 Apr 2026
- Study start10 Apr 2026
- Primary completion25 Jun 2026
- Study completion30 Jun 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Athletic PerformanceStudies 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
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-week French Contrast Training (FCT) intervention on reactive strength index (RSI), sprint performance, and anaerobic profile in elite youth football players.
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Care provider, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 28 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Gümüşhane Universıty
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Coşkun YILMAZ, Gümüşhane Universıty
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07511348
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- E-95674917-108.99-379723
- Acronym
- Unlocking PAPE
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 28 Mar 2026
- Last updated
- 16 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared to protect participant privacy and in accordance with institutional ethical guidelines.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 16 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Neuromuscular Adaptations Following Eight Weeks of French Contrast Training in Elite Youth Football Players: Implications for Athlete Health and Performance
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07511348
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Unlocking PAPE / E-95674917-108.99-379723
- Conditions
- Athletic Performance, Neuromuscular Adaptations
- Keywords
- Football, French Contrast Training, PAPE, Reactive Strength Index, Anaerobic Power
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 28 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Gümüşhane UniversıtyUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 10 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 25 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Jun 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 6 Apr 2026 (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 randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-week French Contrast Training (FCT) intervention on reactive strength index (RSI), sprint performance, and anaerobic profile in elite youth football players
Detailed description
This study was designed as a parallel-group, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the chronic effects of French Contrast Training on neuromuscular performance and anaerobic capacity. A total of 28 elite male youth football players were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The intervention lasted 8 weeks, with performance assessments conducted pre- and post-intervention.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (care provider, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-week French Contrast Training (FCT) intervention on reactive strength index (RSI), sprint performance, and anaerobic profile in elite youth football players.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| French Contrast Training + Standard football training (8 weeks) | Experimental | Other: French Contrast Training + Standard football training (8 weeks), Other: ControlParticipants in the experimental group performed French Contrast Training twice per week for 8 weeks, including heavy resistance, plyometric, loaded power, and assisted exercises. |
| Control Group | No intervention | –Standard football training |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 25 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Minimum 3 years football training
- ≥80% training attendance
- Injury-free for 6 months
- Licensed academy player
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Musculoskeletal injury
- Neurological disorder
- Additional training programs
- Ergogenic aid use
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 |
|---|---|---|
| French Contrast Training + Standard football training (8 weeks)Also: French Contrast TrainingParticipants in the experimental group performed French Contrast Training twice per week for 8 weeks, including heavy resistance, plyometric, loaded power, and assisted exercises. | Other | French Contrast Training + Standard football training (8 weeks) |
| ControlAlso: Standard football trainingStandard football training | Other | French Contrast Training + Standard football training (8 weeks) |
Primary outcome
Reactive Strength Index
Time frame: 8 weeks
The pre-test and post-test Relative Strength Index (RSI) values of the sample group were obtained using the countermovement jump (CMJ) test. Participants started from an upright standing position on the platform with their feet shoulder-width apart and hands placed on their hips to eliminate arm swing. From this position, they were instructed to perform a rapid downward movement by flexing the hips and knees, immediately followed by a maximal vertical jump without any pause between the eccentric and concentric phases. Participants were required to keep their hands on their hips throughout the movement and to take off and land with both feet while attempting to jump as high as possible.
Anaerobic Power
Time frame: 8 week
Anaerobic profile (anaerobic capacity and fatigue index values) of the football players were assessed using a mechanically braked cycle ergometer connected to a computer and compatible software Wingate 894E test system. Prior to testing, the saddle height and pedal position were individually adjusted for each athlete to ensure an approximately 10% knee flexion angle at the lowest pedal position. After entering the athletes' descriptive information into the computer, the resistance load was automatically calculated by the system as 75 g per kg of body mass and subsequently applied to the ergometer's braking mechanism
2 secondary outcomes
Sprint Performance (10-meter)
Time frame: 8 week
Fatigue Index
Time frame: 8 week
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 16 Oct 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared to protect participant privacy and in accordance with institutional ethical guidelines.
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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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing French Contrast Training + Standard football training (8 weeks) in people with Athletic Performance and Neuromuscular Adaptations, run by Gümüşhane Universıty at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
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 4 inclusion and 4 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 16 Oct 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 Turkey (Türkiye). 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?
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?
Reactive Strength Index (time frame: 8 weeks). The study lists 2 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 16 Oct 2026.