Athletic PerformanceNCT07754669
Priming Using Contrast Training Exercise
A study testing Morning Complex-Contrast Training in people with Athletic Performance, run by The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice at 1 site in Poland.
Trial summary
This study investigated the effects of a morning complex-contrast training session on afternoon sport-specific and physical performance in competitive judokas. The study focused on identifying whether a stimulus targeting both force and velocity components of the force-velocity curve could induce a "delayed… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 22 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Athletic Performance
- What is being tested?
- Morning Complex-Contrast Training
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 16 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePoland
- Study dates
- 1 Mar 2026to 10 Apr 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 22 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- age between 18 and 22 years;
- competitive male or female judo athlete;
- minimum of 3 years of experience in structured judo training;
- previous experience with and technical proficiency in resistance and ballistic training exercises;
- ability to correctly perform the back squat, bench press, countermovement jump, and wall ball slam;
- technical proficiency in performing the Ippon Seoi-Nage throwing technique; previous experience with the Special Judo Fitness Test;
Show all 9Show fewer
- absence of musculoskeletal injuries or medical conditions that would restrict participation in maximal physical exercise;
- ability to complete both experimental conditions and all required performance assessments;
- provision of written informed consent before participation.
Who cannot join
- less than 3 years of structured judo training experience;
- insufficient technical proficiency in the back squat, bench press, countermovement jump, or wall ball slam;
- inability to correctly perform the Ippon Seoi-Nage technique;
- no previous experience with the Special Judo Fitness Test;
- current musculoskeletal pain or injury that could affect resistance exercise, jumping, handgrip assessment, or judo-specific performance;
- presence of a medical condition that could restrict maximal physical effort or - make participation in the intervention unsafe;
- inability to complete either experimental condition or the required testing procedures
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Poland1 site
Academy of Physical Education in Katowice
Katowice, Silesian Voivodeship, 40-065
About this study
Official title: Effects of Morning Contrast Training Exercise on the Afternoon Priming of Judoka's Athletic and Sport-specific Performance
This study investigated the effects of a morning complex-contrast training session on afternoon sport-specific and physical performance in competitive judokas. The study focused on identifying whether a stimulus targeting both force and velocity components of the force-velocity curve could induce a "delayed potentiation" effect 6 hours later and whether these responses differed by sex.
Read the detailed description
A randomized, counterbalanced crossover design was utilized to evaluate the efficacy of a morning priming protocol (using complex-contrast training exercises) compared to a control condition. Competitive male and female judo athletes performed a low-volume, high-intensity priming session consisting of heavy resistance and ballistic exercises in a set-by-set fashion. Physical performance was assessed using the Special Judo Fitness Test, handgrip strength, and countermovement jump height. Results were analyzed to determine the fatigue-potentiation balance over a 6-hour recovery window and to examine sex-based interactions in the priming response.
- Conditions
- Athletic Performance
- Being tested
- Morning Complex-Contrast Training, Time-Matched Walking Control Condition
- Keywords
- athletic performance, muscle strength, resistance training, plyometric exercise, human physical conditioning, martial arts
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Morning Complex-Contrast TrainingBehavioural
At approximately 9:00 AM, participants completed a standardized warm-up consisting of a 10-minute self-paced jog followed by dynamic stretching. Baseline countermovement jump and maximum isometric handgrip strength measurements were subsequently performed.
The CCT intervention consisted of:
3 lower-body contrast sets, with 6 repetitions of the back squat paired with 6 maximal countermovement jumps; 3 upper-body contrast sets, with 6 repetitions of the bench press paired with 6 maximal wall ball slams.
After completing the morning session, participants underwent a 6-hour passive recovery period. At approximately 3:00 PM, they repeated the standardized warm-up and completed the countermovement jump, maximum isometric handgrip strength, and Special Judo Fitness Test assessments.
Time-Matched Walking Control ConditionBehavioural
At approximately 9:00 AM, participants completed a standardized warm-up consisting of a 10-minute self-paced jog followed by dynamic stretching. Baseline countermovement jump and maximum isometric handgrip strength measurements were then performed.
Following the baseline measurements, participants walked for the duration required to complete the CCT protocol in the experimental condition. After the 6-hour recovery interval, participants returned at approximately 3:00 PM, repeated the standardized warm-up, and completed the countermovement jump, maximum isometric handgrip strength, and Special Judo Fitness Test assessments.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Complex-Contrast Training Priming Condition | Experimental | Participants performed a morning complex-contrast training (CCT) session designed to induce a delayed priming effect on afternoon judo-specific and neuromuscular performance. The session consisted of lower- and upper-body contrast exercise pairs combining heavy resistance exercises with biomechanically related ballistic exercises.
Following the intervention, participants completed a 6-hour passive recovery period before the afternoon performance assessment. Receives: Behavioral: Morning Complex-Contrast Training |
| Time-Matched Walking Control Condition | Active comparator | Participants completed the same standardized morning warm-up and baseline measurements as in the experimental condition. Following the baseline measurements, participants walked for a period corresponding to the duration of the complex-contrast training protocol. No resistance or ballistic exercises were performed. After the walking period, participants underwent a 6-hour recovery interval before completing the afternoon performance assessments. Receives: Behavioral: Time-Matched Walking Control Condition |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Special Judo Fitness Test Index
Judo-specific performance efficiency assessed using the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT). The test consisted of three work periods: one 15-second period followed by two 30-second periods, separated by 10-second recovery intervals.
During each period, the participant moved between two partners positioned 3 meters apart and performed the Ippon Seoi-Nage throwing technique as many times as possible. Heart rate was measured immediately after the test and 1 minute after test completion using a chest strap-based heart rate monitor.
The SJFT index was calculated using the total number of completed throws and the heart rate values recorded immediately and 1 minute after the test. A lower SJFT index represents better judo-specific performance efficiency.
Measured: Approximately 6 hours post-intervention
Secondary outcomes (7)
Total Number of Throws During the Special Judo Fitness Test
The total number of successfully completed Ippon Seoi-Nage throws during all three periods of the Special Judo Fitness Test. The result was calculated as the sum of throws completed during the 15-second period and the two 30-second periods. A higher number of throws indicates better judo-specific performance.
Measured: Approximately 6 hours post-intervention
Number of Throws During Individual Special Judo Fitness Test Periods
The number of successfully completed Ippon Seoi-Nage throws was recorded separately during each of the three SJFT periods:
Set 1: 15 seconds; Set 2: 30 seconds; Set 3: 30 seconds.
The work periods were separated by 10-second recovery intervals. Results were reported as the number of completed throws in each set.
Measured: Approximately 6 hours post-intervention
Left-Hand Maximum Isometric Handgrip Strength
Maximum isometric handgrip strength of the left hand measured using a handheld Jamar dynamometer (Lafayette, California, USA).
Participants were seated upright with their feet flat on the floor, the upper arm positioned close to the torso, the elbow flexed to 90°, and the wrist maintained in a neutral position. During each trial, participants exerted maximal force against the dynamometer for 5 seconds. Attempts were alternated between the left and right hands, with a 1-minute recovery interval between trials.
Handgrip strength was reported in kilograms (kg).
Measured: Baseline and approximately 6 hours post-intervention
Right-Hand Maximum Isometric Handgrip Strength
Maximum isometric handgrip strength of the right hand measured using a handheld Jamar dynamometer (Lafayette, California, USA).
Participants were seated upright with their feet flat on the floor, the upper arm positioned close to the torso, the elbow flexed to 90°, and the wrist maintained in a neutral position. During each trial, participants exerted maximal force against the dynamometer for 5 seconds. Attempts were alternated between the left and right hands, with a 1-minute recovery interval between trials.
Handgrip strength was reported in kilograms (kg).
Measured: Baseline and approximately 6 hours post-intervention
Countermovement Jump Height
Vertical jump height measured during a countermovement jump using a portable force platform sampling at 2000 Hz.
Participants performed three maximal-effort countermovement jumps with their hands positioned on their hips and were allowed to use a self-selected countermovement depth. A 1-minute recovery interval was provided between trials. Jump height was reported in centimeters (cm).
Measured: Baseline and approximately 6 hours post-intervention
Heart Rate Immediately After the Special Judo Fitness Test
Heart rate measured immediately following completion of the Special Judo Fitness Test using a chest strap-based heart rate monitor. Heart rate was reported in beats per minute (bpm).
Measured: Immediately after the Special Judo Fitness Test performed approximately 6 hours post-intervention
Heart Rate One Minute After the Special Judo Fitness Test
Heart rate measured 1 minute following completion of the Special Judo Fitness Test using a chest strap-based heart rate monitor. Heart rate was reported in beats per minute (bpm).
Measured: One minute after the Special Judo Fitness Test performed approximately 6 hours post-intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted10 Aug 2026
- Study start1 Mar 2026
- Primary completion20 Mar 2026
- Study completion10 Apr 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (3)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- 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
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Model description
- A within-subject, randomized crossover design with counterbalancing was used to investigate the priming effects of the morning complex-contrast training protocol on afternoon judo-specific performance and neuromuscular readiness. This study design ensured that each subject experienced both control and priming conditions and served as their own control to minimize the influence of inter-individual variability. The randomization was done using a 1:1 allocation ratio for both males and females with an online tool (www.randomizer.org).
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 16 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Jakub Jarosz, PhD, Principal investigator, Academy of Physical Education in Katowice
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07754669
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- RRU/SPES/IRB/2025-26/16
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 4 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 10 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: De-identified individual participant data will be shared upon reasonable request after publication of the study results. Requests should be directed to the corresponding author.
Publications
Pereira LA, Zmijewski P, Golas A, Kotula K, McGuigan MR, Loturco I. Priming Exercises and Their Potential Impact on Speed and Power Performance: A Narrative Review. J Hum Kinet. 2025 Jun 25;98:153-168. doi: 10.5114/jhk/204371. eCollection 2025 Jul.
PubMed 40837515Thapa RK, Weldon A, Freitas TT, Boullosa D, Afonso J, Granacher U, Ramirez-Campillo R. What do we Know about Complex-Contrast Training? A Systematic Scoping Review. Sports Med Open. 2024 Sep 27;10(1):104. doi: 10.1186/s40798-024-00771-z.
PubMed 39333341Gepfert M, Terbalyan A, Helbin J, Thapa RK, Stastny P, Krzysztofik M, Jarosz J. Priming magnitude and retention in highly trained male volleyball players are unaffected by exercise type, muscle temperature, or viscoelasticity. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2026 Apr 25;18(1):270. doi: 10.1186/s13102-026-01705-w.
PubMed 42035131
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 10 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Morning Contrast Training Exercise on the Afternoon Priming of Judoka's Athletic and Sport-specific Performance
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07754669
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- RRU/SPES/IRB/2025-26/16
- Conditions
- Athletic Performance
- Keywords
- athletic performance, muscle strength, resistance training, plyometric exercise, human physical conditioning, martial arts
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 16 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in KatowiceUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 20 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 10 Apr 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 10 Aug 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 study investigated the effects of a morning complex-contrast training session on afternoon sport-specific and physical performance in competitive judokas. The study focused on identifying whether a stimulus targeting both force and velocity components of the force-velocity curve could induce a "delayed potentiation" effect 6 hours later and whether these responses differed by sex.
Detailed description
A randomized, counterbalanced crossover design was utilized to evaluate the efficacy of a morning priming protocol (using complex-contrast training exercises) compared to a control condition. Competitive male and female judo athletes performed a low-volume, high-intensity priming session consisting of heavy resistance and ballistic exercises in a set-by-set fashion. Physical performance was assessed using the Special Judo Fitness Test, handgrip strength, and countermovement jump height. Results were analyzed to determine the fatigue-potentiation balance over a 6-hour recovery window and to examine sex-based interactions in the priming response.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- A within-subject, randomized crossover design with counterbalancing was used to investigate the priming effects of the morning complex-contrast training protocol on afternoon judo-specific performance and neuromuscular readiness. This study design ensured that each subject experienced both control and priming conditions and served as their own control to minimize the influence of inter-individual variability. The randomization was done using a 1:1 allocation ratio for both males and females with an online tool (www.randomizer.org).
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Complex-Contrast Training Priming Condition | Experimental | Behavioral: Morning Complex-Contrast TrainingParticipants performed a morning complex-contrast training (CCT) session designed to induce a delayed priming effect on afternoon judo-specific and neuromuscular performance. The session consisted of lower- and upper-body contrast exercise pairs combining heavy resistance exercises with biomechanically related ballistic exercises. Following the intervention, participants completed a 6-hour passive recovery period before the afternoon performance assessment. |
| Time-Matched Walking Control Condition | Active comparator | Behavioral: Time-Matched Walking Control ConditionParticipants completed the same standardized morning warm-up and baseline measurements as in the experimental condition. Following the baseline measurements, participants walked for a period corresponding to the duration of the complex-contrast training protocol. No resistance or ballistic exercises were performed. After the walking period, participants underwent a 6-hour recovery interval before completing the afternoon performance assessments. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 22 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (9 listed)
- age between 18 and 22 years;
- competitive male or female judo athlete;
- minimum of 3 years of experience in structured judo training;
- previous experience with and technical proficiency in resistance and ballistic training exercises;
- ability to correctly perform the back squat, bench press, countermovement jump, and wall ball slam;
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- less than 3 years of structured judo training experience;
- insufficient technical proficiency in the back squat, bench press, countermovement jump, or wall ball slam;
- inability to correctly perform the Ippon Seoi-Nage technique;
- no previous experience with the Special Judo Fitness Test;
- current musculoskeletal pain or injury that could affect resistance exercise, jumping, handgrip assessment, or judo-specific performance;
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Complex-Contrast TrainingAt approximately 9:00 AM, participants completed a standardized warm-up consisting of a 10-minute self-paced jog followed by dynamic stretching. Baseline countermovement jump and maximum isometric handgrip strength measurements were subsequently performed. The CCT intervention consisted of: 3 lower-body contrast sets, with 6 repetitions of the back squat paired with 6 maximal countermovement jumps; 3 upper-body contrast sets, with 6 repetitions of the bench press paired with 6 maximal wall ball slams. After completing the morning session, participants underwent a 6-hour passive recovery period. At approximately 3:00 PM, they repeated the standardized warm-up and completed the countermovement jump, maximum isometric handgrip strength, and Special Judo Fitness Test assessments. | Behavioural | Complex-Contrast Training Priming Condition |
| Time-Matched Walking Control ConditionAt approximately 9:00 AM, participants completed a standardized warm-up consisting of a 10-minute self-paced jog followed by dynamic stretching. Baseline countermovement jump and maximum isometric handgrip strength measurements were then performed. Following the baseline measurements, participants walked for the duration required to complete the CCT protocol in the experimental condition. After the 6-hour recovery interval, participants returned at approximately 3:00 PM, repeated the standardized warm-up, and completed the countermovement jump, maximum isometric handgrip strength, and Special Judo Fitness Test assessments. | Behavioural | Time-Matched Walking Control Condition |
Primary outcome
Special Judo Fitness Test Index
Time frame: Approximately 6 hours post-intervention
Judo-specific performance efficiency assessed using the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT). The test consisted of three work periods: one 15-second period followed by two 30-second periods, separated by 10-second recovery intervals. During each period, the participant moved between two partners positioned 3 meters apart and performed the Ippon Seoi-Nage throwing technique as many times as possible. Heart rate was measured immediately after the test and 1 minute after test completion using a chest strap-based heart rate monitor. The SJFT index was calculated using the total number of completed throws and the heart rate values recorded immediately and 1 minute after the test. A lower SJFT index represents better judo-specific performance efficiency.
7 secondary outcomes
Total Number of Throws During the Special Judo Fitness Test
Time frame: Approximately 6 hours post-intervention
Number of Throws During Individual Special Judo Fitness Test Periods
Time frame: Approximately 6 hours post-intervention
Left-Hand Maximum Isometric Handgrip Strength
Time frame: Baseline and approximately 6 hours post-intervention
Right-Hand Maximum Isometric Handgrip Strength
Time frame: Baseline and approximately 6 hours post-intervention
Countermovement Jump Height
Time frame: Baseline and approximately 6 hours post-intervention
Heart Rate Immediately After the Special Judo Fitness Test
Time frame: Immediately after the Special Judo Fitness Test performed approximately 6 hours post-intervention
Heart Rate One Minute After the Special Judo Fitness Test
Time frame: One minute after the Special Judo Fitness Test performed approximately 6 hours post-intervention
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 10 Aug 2026.
- Background: PubMed 40837515Pereira LA, Zmijewski P, Golas A, Kotula K, McGuigan MR, Loturco I. Priming Exercises and Their Potential Impact on Speed and Power Performance: A Narrative Review. J Hum Kinet. 2025 Jun 25;98:153-168. doi: 10.5114/jhk/204371. eCollection 2025 Jul.
- Background: PubMed 39333341Thapa RK, Weldon A, Freitas TT, Boullosa D, Afonso J, Granacher U, Ramirez-Campillo R. What do we Know about Complex-Contrast Training? A Systematic Scoping Review. Sports Med Open. 2024 Sep 27;10(1):104. doi: 10.1186/s40798-024-00771-z.
- Background: PubMed 42035131Gepfert M, Terbalyan A, Helbin J, Thapa RK, Stastny P, Krzysztofik M, Jarosz J. Priming magnitude and retention in highly trained male volleyball players are unaffected by exercise type, muscle temperature, or viscoelasticity. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2026 Apr 25;18(1):270. doi: 10.1186/s13102-026-01705-w.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. De-identified individual participant data will be shared upon reasonable request after publication of the study results. Requests should be directed to the corresponding author.
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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.
Jakub Jarosz, PhD principal investigator
Academy of Physical Education in Katowice
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Morning Complex-Contrast Training in people with Athletic Performance, run by The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice at 1 site in Poland.
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 9 inclusion and 7 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 10 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 Poland. 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?
Special Judo Fitness Test Index (time frame: Approximately 6 hours post-intervention). 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 NCT07754669, which also lists 3 linked publications.
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 10 Aug 2026.