Whether the repeated-bout protective effect after eccentric exercise depends on inflammation and oxidative stress

Does the Development of the Repeated Bout Effect Depend on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation?

NA · University of Bath · NCT07472244

This project will test if taking vitamin C and ibuprofen around a hard eccentric workout changes the protective repeated-bout effect in healthy adults aged 18–45.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment52 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Bath (other)
Locations1 site (Bath)
Trial IDNCT07472244 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial at the University of Bath enrolling healthy adults who perform a 20-minute bench-stepping eccentric exercise. Participants will receive either acute vitamin C and ibuprofen or placebo before/after the exercise, and researchers will measure soreness, performance on a later bout, blood markers of inflammation, and markers of oxidative stress. The study compares the size of the initial exercise-induced damage and the magnitude of the repeated-bout effect between groups to see if antioxidant/anti-inflammatory treatment alters the protective adaptation. Eligibility is limited to adults 18–45 with BMI 18.5–29.9 who are able to complete the exercise and are not taking anti-inflammatory medications.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults 18–45 years old with BMI 18.5–29.9 who can complete 20 minutes of bench-stepping, are not familiarised with that exercise protocol, and are not taking anti-inflammatory medications.

Not a fit: People older than 45, with BMI outside 18.5–29.9, with ongoing clinical inflammation from other causes, using prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs, or unable to perform the exercise are unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the results could guide athletes on whether common supplements like vitamin C and ibuprofen help or hinder protective adaptations after strenuous eccentric exercise.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research reliably shows a repeated-bout effect and that antioxidants or NSAIDs can modify inflammatory and oxidative responses, but randomized trials directly testing whether such supplements reduce the repeated-bout protective adaptation are limited and have mixed results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 - 45 years of age
* BMI 18.5 - 29.9 kg/m2
* Able to perform 20-minutes of bench stepping exercise
* Capable and willing to provide consent (oral and written)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Familiarised with bench stepping exercise procedures
* Not cleared for exercise by health questionnaires or physical activity readiness questionnaire
* Participants exhibiting any alteration in clinical inflammation parameters due to other cause
* Participants currently being prescribed any anti-inflammatory medications

Where this trial is running

Bath

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Exercise Recovery

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.