Long Distance RunningIRCT-LDRNCT07784140
Immediate, Residual, and Cumulative Effects of Fartlek, Hill Circuit, and Roll-On Training in Long-Distance Runners
A study testing Fartlek training, Hill Circuit and Roll-On in people with Long Distance Running, run by Debre Markos University.
Trial summary
This randomized controlled trial will compare Fartlek, hill circuit, and roll-on training in well-trained long-distance runners. Twenty-one eligible runners will be randomly assigned to one of three training groups and will complete a 12-week intervention comprising 24 prescribed training sessions. 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
- Long Distance Running
- What is being tested?
- Fartlek training, Hill Circuit and Roll-On
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 21 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- 21 Sep 2026to 26 Nov 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- 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 to 25 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Male long-distance runners aged 18-25 years VO₂max greater than 60 mL/kg/min Weekly training volume of at least 60 km Training experience of at least 4 years Mercier score greater than 600 Currently engaged in regular long-distance running training Willing to participate in the 12-week training intervention Able to complete all required testing and monitoring procedures Provides written informed consent to participate in the study
Who cannot join
- Current musculoskeletal injury that prevents participation in training or testing Known cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, or other medical condition that limits strenuous exercise Current illness or condition that prevents participation in the intervention Use of medication or other treatment that may substantially affect exercise performance or physiological responses Failure to meet the required training or eligibility criteria Planned absence that would prevent adequate participation in the intervention Withdrawal of informed consent Any condition identified by the research team that makes continued participation unsafe
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: Immediate, Residual, and Cumulative Effects of Fartlek, Hill Circuit, and Roll-On Training Modalities: A Comprehensive Examination of Conditioning in Long-Distance Runners
This randomized controlled trial will compare Fartlek, hill circuit, and roll-on training in well-trained long-distance runners. Twenty-one eligible runners will be randomly assigned to one of three training groups and will complete a 12-week intervention comprising 24 prescribed training sessions. The study will evaluate immediate responses to conditioning, 24-hour recovery responses, and cumulative changes in running performance, aerobic fitness, and training-related responses. Outcomes will include heart rate, blood lactate concentration, rating of perceived exertion, delayed-onset muscle soreness, recovery and wellness indicators, internal training load, 5-km time-trial performance, and VO₂max. The findings will provide evidence regarding the comparative responses to these three conditioning modalities in well-trained long-distance runners.
Read the detailed description
Long-distance running places substantial physiological and mechanical demands on athletes. Appropriate conditioning is therefore important for developing the capacity to tolerate training stress, recover effectively, and maintain or improve running performance. Different conditioning modalities may impose distinct physiological and mechanical demands, which may result in differences in immediate exercise responses, post-exercise recovery, training load, and longer-term adaptation.
This randomized controlled trial will compare three conditioning modalities. Fartlek training, hill circuit training, and roll-on training in well-trained long-distance runners. Twenty-one eligible runners will be randomly allocated to one of three parallel training groups: the Fartlek Training Group, Hill Circuit Training Group, or Roll-On Training Group. Each group will complete its assigned conditioning modality for 12 weeks, comprising 24 prescribed training sessions.
The study will examine three dimensions of response to conditioning. Immediate responses will include physiological and perceptual responses measured during or immediately after training. Residual responses will focus on recovery-related responses during the 24 hours following conditioning sessions. Cumulative responses will examine changes that develop over repeated exposure to the training intervention, including changes in running performance and aerobic fitness.
Repeated measurements will be collected throughout the intervention to characterize responses to the three conditioning modalities. Measures will include heart rate, blood lactate concentration, rating of perceived exertion, delayed-onset muscle soreness, recovery and wellness indicators, internal training load, 5-km time-trial performance, and VO₂max. Training-load measures will be derived from session rating of perceived exertion and session duration and will be used to characterize the training demands accumulated during the intervention.
The study will compare the response patterns among the three intervention groups to determine whether Fartlek, hill circuit, or roll-on training produces different immediate, residual, and cumulative responses in well-trained long-distance runners. The findings are intended to contribute evidence for the selection and progression of conditioning modalities while considering training stimulus, recovery, and performance-related responses.
- Conditions
- Long Distance Running
- Being tested
- Fartlek training, Hill Circuit, Roll-On
- Keywords
- Fartlek Training, Hill Circuit Training, Roll-On Training
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Fartlek trainingBehavioural
A structured variable-intensity running intervention administered for 12 weeks to trained long-distance runners. Each prescribed session includes standardized warm-up and cool-down periods, alternating faster and slower running at prescribed intensities, and prescribed recovery periods. Running duration, intensity, repetitions, recovery intervals, and workload progression are standardized according to the study protocol. Training sessions are supervised, and exercise intensity is monitored using heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, running pace, and prescribed workload.
Hill CircuitBehavioural
A structured hill-running and circuit-based training intervention administered for 12 weeks to trained long-distance runners. Each prescribed session includes standardized warm-up and cool-down periods, repeated uphill running bouts, running-based circuit exercises, and prescribed recovery intervals. Hill gradient, running duration, repetitions, exercise intensity, recovery intervals, and workload progression are standardized according to the study protocol. Exercise intensity is monitored using heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, running pace, and prescribed workload.
Roll-OnBehavioural
A structured progressive running intervention administered for 12 weeks to trained long-distance runners. Each prescribed session includes standardized warm-up and cool-down periods, controlled running with planned gradual increases and decreases in running speed, and prescribed recovery periods where applicable. Running duration, speed progression, intensity, repetitions, recovery intervals, and workload progression are standardized according to the study protocol. Exercise intensity is monitored using heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, running pace, and prescribed workload.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Fartlek Training Group (FTG) | Experimental | A structured Fartlek running training intervention administered for 12 weeks to trained long-distance runners. The intervention consists of planned variable-intensity running bouts with prescribed duration, repetitions, running intensity, recovery periods, and progressive workload according to the study protocol. Training sessions will be supervised and standardized across participants. Receives: Behavioral: Fartlek training |
| Hill Circuit Training Group (HCTG) | Experimental | Participants assigned to the Hill Circuit Training Group (HCTG) will receive the prescribed Hill Circuit training intervention during the 12-week randomized controlled trial. The intervention consists of structured hill-running and circuit-based training designed for trained long-distance runners. Training intensity, duration, repetitions, recovery periods, and progression will be prescribed according to the study protocol. Receives: Behavioral: Hill Circuit |
| Roll-On Training Group (ROTG) | Experimental | Participants assigned to the Roll-On Training Group (ROTG) will receive the prescribed Roll-On training intervention during the 12-week randomized controlled trial. The intervention consists of structured progressive running sessions designed for trained long-distance runners. Training intensity, duration, repetitions, recovery periods, and progression will be prescribed according to the study protocol. Receives: Behavioral: Roll-On |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
5-km Time-Trial Performance
Change in 5-km time-trial completion time from baseline to Week 6 and Week 12, comparing the Fartlek Training Group (FTG), Hill Circuit Training Group (HCTG), and Roll-On Training Group (ROTG).
Measured: Baseline week 6 and Week 12
Secondary outcomes (6)
VO₂max
Change in maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max), measured in mL/kg/min, from baseline to Week 6 and Week 12, comparing FTG, HCTG, and ROTG.
Measured: Baseline, Week 6, and Week 12
Blood Lactate Concentration
Change in blood lactate concentration, measured in mmol/L, immediately following prescribed conditioning sessions to characterize the acute physiological response to Fartlek, Hill Circuit, and Roll-On training.
Measured: Immediately pre-training and post-training during intervention sessions in Weeks 1-12
Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE)
Session rating of perceived exertion will be measured using the OMNI perceived-exertion scale immediately following each conditioning session.
Measured: Immediately after each training session during Weeks 1-12
Heart Rate Response
Change in average and maximum heart rate during prescribed conditioning sessions to characterize the acute cardiovascular response to Fartlek, Hill Circuit, and Roll-On training.
Measured: During each training session during Weeks 1-12
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Change in selected hematological parameters, including hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell count parameters.
Measured: Baseline, Week 6, and Week 12
5-km Performance Score
Change in performance score calculated using the applicable World Athletics scoring table based on 5-km time-trial performance from baseline to Week 12, comparing FTG, HCTG, and ROTG.
Measured: Baseline and Week 12
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted25 Aug 2026
- Study start21 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion24 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion26 Nov 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Long Distance RunningStudies 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
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants are randomly allocated to one of three parallel training groups: Fartlek Training Group (FTG), Hill Circuit Training Group (HCTG), or Roll-On Training Group (ROTG). Each group receives its assigned training modality for 12 weeks, with outcomes assessed at baseline, Week 6, and Week 12.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 21 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Debre Markos University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Bahir Dar University
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Awoke Tibebu, Debre Markos University
- Investigators
- Alemayehu, PHd, Study director, University of GonderGashaw, PHd, Study chair, Bahir Dar University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07784140
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- IRERC-19-2025
- Other IDs
- bdu1500226
- Acronym
- IRCT-LDR
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 17 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 26 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: State that de-identified individual participant data and supporting information will be available upon reasonable request, subject to ethical approval and protection of participant confidentiality.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 26 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Immediate, Residual, and Cumulative Effects of Fartlek, Hill Circuit, and Roll-On Training Modalities: A Comprehensive Examination of Conditioning in Long-Distance Runners
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07784140
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- IRCT-LDR / IRERC-19-2025
- Conditions
- Long Distance Running
- Keywords
- Fartlek Training, Hill Circuit Training, Roll-On Training
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 21 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Debre Markos UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Bahir Dar University
- Study start
- 21 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 24 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 26 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 25 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 randomized controlled trial will compare Fartlek, hill circuit, and roll-on training in well-trained long-distance runners. Twenty-one eligible runners will be randomly assigned to one of three training groups and will complete a 12-week intervention comprising 24 prescribed training sessions. The study will evaluate immediate responses to conditioning, 24-hour recovery responses, and cumulative changes in running performance, aerobic fitness, and training-related responses. Outcomes will include heart rate, blood lactate concentration, rating of perceived exertion, delayed-onset muscle soreness, recovery and wellness indicators, internal training load, 5-km time-trial performance, and VO₂max. The findings will provide evidence regarding the comparative responses to these three conditioning modalities in well-trained long-distance runners.
Detailed description
Long-distance running places substantial physiological and mechanical demands on athletes. Appropriate conditioning is therefore important for developing the capacity to tolerate training stress, recover effectively, and maintain or improve running performance. Different conditioning modalities may impose distinct physiological and mechanical demands, which may result in differences in immediate exercise responses, post-exercise recovery, training load, and longer-term adaptation.
This randomized controlled trial will compare three conditioning modalities. Fartlek training, hill circuit training, and roll-on training in well-trained long-distance runners. Twenty-one eligible runners will be randomly allocated to one of three parallel training groups: the Fartlek Training Group, Hill Circuit Training Group, or Roll-On Training Group. Each group will complete its assigned conditioning modality for 12 weeks, comprising 24 prescribed training sessions.
The study will examine three dimensions of response to conditioning. Immediate responses will include physiological and perceptual responses measured during or immediately after training. Residual responses will focus on recovery-related responses during the 24 hours following conditioning sessions. Cumulative responses will examine changes that develop over repeated exposure to the training intervention, including changes in running performance and aerobic fitness.
Repeated measurements will be collected throughout the intervention to characterize responses to the three conditioning modalities. Measures will include heart rate, blood lactate concentration, rating of perceived exertion, delayed-onset muscle soreness, recovery and wellness indicators, internal training load, 5-km time-trial performance, and VO₂max. Training-load measures will be derived from session rating of perceived exertion and session duration and will be used to characterize the training demands accumulated during the intervention.
The study will compare the response patterns among the three intervention groups to determine whether Fartlek, hill circuit, or roll-on training produces different immediate, residual, and cumulative responses in well-trained long-distance runners. The findings are intended to contribute evidence for the selection and progression of conditioning modalities while considering training stimulus, recovery, and performance-related responses.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- Participants are randomly allocated to one of three parallel training groups: Fartlek Training Group (FTG), Hill Circuit Training Group (HCTG), or Roll-On Training Group (ROTG). Each group receives its assigned training modality for 12 weeks, with outcomes assessed at baseline, Week 6, and Week 12.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Fartlek Training Group (FTG) | Experimental | Behavioral: Fartlek trainingA structured Fartlek running training intervention administered for 12 weeks to trained long-distance runners. The intervention consists of planned variable-intensity running bouts with prescribed duration, repetitions, running intensity, recovery periods, and progressive workload according to the study protocol. Training sessions will be supervised and standardized across participants. |
| Hill Circuit Training Group (HCTG) | Experimental | Behavioral: Hill CircuitParticipants assigned to the Hill Circuit Training Group (HCTG) will receive the prescribed Hill Circuit training intervention during the 12-week randomized controlled trial. The intervention consists of structured hill-running and circuit-based training designed for trained long-distance runners. Training intensity, duration, repetitions, recovery periods, and progression will be prescribed according to the study protocol. |
| Roll-On Training Group (ROTG) | Experimental | Behavioral: Roll-OnParticipants assigned to the Roll-On Training Group (ROTG) will receive the prescribed Roll-On training intervention during the 12-week randomized controlled trial. The intervention consists of structured progressive running sessions designed for trained long-distance runners. Training intensity, duration, repetitions, recovery periods, and progression will be prescribed according to the study protocol. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 25 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Male long-distance runners aged 18-25 years VO₂max greater than 60 mL/kg/min Weekly training volume of at least 60 km Training experience of at least 4 years Mercier score greater than 600 Currently engaged in regular long-distance running training Willing to participate in the 12-week training intervention Able to complete all required testing and monitoring procedures Provides written informed consent to participate in the study
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Current musculoskeletal injury that prevents participation in training or testing Known cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, or other medical condition that limits strenuous exercise Current illness or condition that prevents participation in the intervention Use of medication or other treatment that may substantially affect exercise performance or physiological responses Failure to meet the required training or eligibility criteria Planned absence that would prevent adequate participation in the intervention Withdrawal of informed consent Any condition identified by the research team that makes continued participation unsafe
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Fartlek trainingA structured variable-intensity running intervention administered for 12 weeks to trained long-distance runners. Each prescribed session includes standardized warm-up and cool-down periods, alternating faster and slower running at prescribed intensities, and prescribed recovery periods. Running duration, intensity, repetitions, recovery intervals, and workload progression are standardized according to the study protocol. Training sessions are supervised, and exercise intensity is monitored using heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, running pace, and prescribed workload. | Behavioural | Fartlek Training Group (FTG) |
| Hill CircuitA structured hill-running and circuit-based training intervention administered for 12 weeks to trained long-distance runners. Each prescribed session includes standardized warm-up and cool-down periods, repeated uphill running bouts, running-based circuit exercises, and prescribed recovery intervals. Hill gradient, running duration, repetitions, exercise intensity, recovery intervals, and workload progression are standardized according to the study protocol. Exercise intensity is monitored using heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, running pace, and prescribed workload. | Behavioural | Hill Circuit Training Group (HCTG) |
| Roll-OnA structured progressive running intervention administered for 12 weeks to trained long-distance runners. Each prescribed session includes standardized warm-up and cool-down periods, controlled running with planned gradual increases and decreases in running speed, and prescribed recovery periods where applicable. Running duration, speed progression, intensity, repetitions, recovery intervals, and workload progression are standardized according to the study protocol. Exercise intensity is monitored using heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, running pace, and prescribed workload. | Behavioural | Roll-On Training Group (ROTG) |
Primary outcome
5-km Time-Trial Performance
Time frame: Baseline week 6 and Week 12
Change in 5-km time-trial completion time from baseline to Week 6 and Week 12, comparing the Fartlek Training Group (FTG), Hill Circuit Training Group (HCTG), and Roll-On Training Group (ROTG).
6 secondary outcomes
VO₂max
Time frame: Baseline, Week 6, and Week 12
Blood Lactate Concentration
Time frame: Immediately pre-training and post-training during intervention sessions in Weeks 1-12
Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE)
Time frame: Immediately after each training session during Weeks 1-12
Heart Rate Response
Time frame: During each training session during Weeks 1-12
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Time frame: Baseline, Week 6, and Week 12
5-km Performance Score
Time frame: Baseline and Week 12
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 26 Aug 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. State that de-identified individual participant data and supporting information will be available upon reasonable request, subject to ethical approval and protection of participant confidentiality.
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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.
Alemayehu, PHd study director
University of Gonder
Gashaw, PHd study chair
Bahir Dar University
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Fartlek training, Hill Circuit and Roll-On in people with Long Distance Running, run by Debre Markos University.
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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 26 Aug 2026. 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?
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 Awoke Tibebu, MSc. (+251912073305, awoket27@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
5-km Time-Trial Performance (time frame: Baseline week 6 and Week 12). 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 26 Aug 2026.