Muscle energy use and fatigue responses in basketball players
sTudy of the bioEnergetics and fAtigue Responses of a Basketball gaMe: The TEAM Trial
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | University of Thessaly Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Trikala, Thessaly) |
| Trial ID | NCT07250555 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Trikala, Thessaly
- 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 participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.