Tea extract plus protein for faster knee muscle recovery after downhill jogging
Official title: The Influence of Tea Extract on Maximal Voluntary Knee Contraction After 30 Minutes of Downhill Jogging: a Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study
Run by University of Fribourg · NCT07113405 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We will test whether adding tea extract to a protein drink helps healthy adults aged 18–40 recover knee muscle strength faster after downhill jogging.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Fribourg Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Fribourg, Canton of Fribourg) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07113405 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal participants are healthy adults 18–40 with no food allergies or major medical issues who can safely perform downhill jogging and attend five lab visits in Fribourg.
✕Probably not a fit
People with food allergies, current lower-extremity or serious back injuries, cardiovascular disease, or those taking blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medications, as well as individuals outside the 18–40 age range, are unlikely to benefit or may be excluded.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Healthy adults aged 18–40 are randomly assigned, in a double-blind design, to one of three groups: protein plus tea extract, protein alone, or placebo. The study lasts five days and requires five in-person laboratory visits. On day one participants jog downhill for 30 minutes to produce muscle strain, and each day researchers collect fingertip blood samples, perform thigh ultrasound, measure pain tolerance, test muscle strength, and evaluate muscle function. Only the regeneration product differs between groups so recovery can be compared directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding tea extract to a protein supplement could reduce strength loss and pain and speed recovery after muscle-damaging exercise.
How similar studies have gone: Protein supplementation is known to aid muscle recovery and some studies suggest polyphenol-rich extracts can help, but combining protein with tea extract specifically is less well established.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Signed written informed consent * Aged between 18-40 years * Healthy subjects Exclusion Criteria: * Any type of food allergy (e.g. nuts) * Health-related problems according to the "Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) * Current injury of the lower extremities * Serious clinical back pain or current back injuries * Orthopedic disorders * Cardiovascular diseases * Current Intake of blood-thinning medication * Current Intake of anti-inflammatory medication
Where it's running
-
University of Fribourg
Fribourg, Canton of Fribourg, Switzerland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Sven Egger, Dr.
- Email: sven.egger@unifr.ch
- Phone: +41 26 300 72 85
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Whey protein with or without an adaptogenic blend for physically active men
This study tests whether whey protein alone or with an adaptogenic blend can improve strength, recovery, stress, and wellbeing in active men over six weeks.
-
Whey or plant protein with or without adaptogens for active women
This study tests whether whey or plant protein, with or without an adaptogenic blend, helps improve strength, recovery, and wellbeing in physically active women.
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.