Muscle energy use and fatigue responses in basketball players
Official title: sTudy of the bioEnergetics and fAtigue Responses of a Basketball gaMe: The TEAM Trial
Run by University of Thessaly · NCT07250555 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test how muscle and blood energy markers change during official basketball games in healthy players to see if those changes relate to performance and game-related fatigue.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | Men only |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Thessaly Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Trikala, Thessaly) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 30, 2025 |
| Main results expected | November 30, 2025 |
| Study ends | February 28, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | November 26, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07250555 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Healthy, non-smoking competitive basketball players without recent musculoskeletal injuries who are willing to follow dietary controls and undergo muscle biopsies and in-game monitoring are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Players with recent injuries, those using ergogenic supplements, or anyone unwilling to complete the game participation or biological sampling (including biopsies) are unlikely to benefit from the study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Competitive basketball players will complete a 2-week familiarization period, three experimental indoor games (about 10 players per game), and a 3-day baseline performance testing run at the University of Thessaly. Muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis, repeated blood samples, heart-rate monitors, and inertial measurement units will be used to capture in-game and pre/post-game metabolic and activity data. Dietary intake will be standardized and participants will avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine before testing to control baseline conditions. The study links field activity metrics with tissue and blood metabolite concentrations to determine whether temporary fatigue and muscle metabolic changes develop during real competitive play.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help coaches and players tailor training and recovery strategies to reduce game-related metabolic stress and fatigue.
How similar studies have gone: Laboratory-based exercise research has linked blood and muscle metabolites to fatigue, but simultaneous in-game muscle biopsy work is uncommon and the approach is relatively novel in real competitive settings.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Health status: were free of recent musculoskeletal injuries and/or illnesses (≥ 8 months before the study). * Not consuming ergogenic supplements/medications (≥ 6 months before the study) * Not smokers Exclusion Criteria: * Completion of the pre-determined participation time during the experimental game. * Completion of all field measurements. * Completion of all pre-determined sampling points for biological tissue.
Where it's running
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University of Thessaly, Department of Physical Education and Sports Science
Trikala, Thessaly, Greece Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ioannis G Fatouros, Professor
- Email: ifatouros@uth.gr
- Phone: +302431047047
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.