Shower Gel and Post-Exercise Soreness in Regular Exercisers
Official title: A Randomised, Comparator-Controlled Study of Participant-Reported Post-Exercise Muscle Soreness, Perceived Recovery and Product Experience Following Use of a Rinse-Off Shower Gel in Healthy Adults Who Exercise Regularly
Run by The Humanix · NCT07908290 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether a topical shower gel can affect perceived recovery and soreness after a structured exercise session in healthy adults.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The Humanix Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 1 site (Dublin) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | November 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07908290 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Healthy adults aged 18–65 who exercise regularly and can complete the exercise session and follow-up surveys in English.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with skin sensitivities to skincare products or who do not notice changes in soreness or recovery may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Healthy, recreationally active adults aged 18–65 are randomized to use either a test shower gel or an active comparator after a standardized workout, with soreness and recovery assessed at 24, 48, and 72 hours. Participants are blinded to the product, use it across three showers, and complete remote surveys measuring soreness, recovery, tolerability, and satisfaction. The trial focuses on consumer-reported outcomes and uses 0–10 scales to capture changes in post-exercise soreness. Enrollment aims for 100 participants (minimum 70) with stratification by sex to balance groups. Data are collected digitally and analyzed to determine if the gel provides any perceptible benefit over the comparator.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience improved perceived recovery and reduced soreness after exercise when using the test gel.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies of topical products for post-exercise recovery have produced mixed results, making this evaluation exploratory but informed by prior consumer-reported outcomes.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18-65 years. * Regular exercisers capable of safely completing the relevant exercise session. * Able to understand the participant information and provide informed consent. * Able and willing to follow product-use instructions and complete the 24h, 48h and 72h follow-up forms. * Must be fluent in written and spoken English Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy during the study period. * Known relevant allergy or sensitivity to topical shower/bath/skincare products or study ingredients disclosed for safety screening. * Broken, inflamed or irritated skin in intended application areas. * Current injury, illness or condition making the exercise session unsafe or likely to materially confound perceived soreness/recovery outcomes. * Recent strenuous exercise, analgesic/NSAID use, or recovery interventions where the protocol-defined exclusion/restriction criteria are met. * Any other condition which, in the PI's judgement, makes participation inappropriate or unsafe.
Where it's running
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Oak Gym, Dundalk
Dublin, Ireland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Tom Aird, PhD
- Email: tomaird@hotmail.com
- Phone: +353831894018
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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.