Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Biological Variables Associated With the Response to Intensive Training in Athletes

This research wants to understand why people's muscles react so differently to sports training and injuries. Even if two athletes are the same age and fitness, one might get injured more or recover slower than the other. We believe this is due to a mix of their genes and other biological processes in their muscle stem cells, which are crucial for repair. Specifically, we'll be looking at how training changes these processes and if we can find clues in blood tests. The goal is to uncover why some athletes struggle with muscle problems more than others, and potentially find ways to help them recover better by understanding these natural body differences. This could lead to more personalised training and injury prevention.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Montpellier

Enrolment target

Start

01 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2029

Muscle Injury

What is this study about?

Imagine two athletes doing the same training, but one keeps getting muscle injuries or finds it harder to build strength, while the other thrives. Have you ever wondered why this happens?

This study is trying to answer that exact question. We know that everyone's body is a bit different, and this is especially true for how our muscles respond to exercise and injury. It's not just about how fit you are or your age; there are deeper biological reasons. We're looking closely at the 'building blocks' of your muscles, called muscle stem cells, and how they react. We think that tiny differences in your genes and how those genes work (we call this 'epigenetics') play a big part in whether your muscles recover quickly or struggle.

Our research team wants to discover how intense training specifically affects these muscle stem cells and their surrounding environment. By understanding these individual differences, we hope to find out why some athletes are more prone to injury or have slower recovery. Ultimately, this knowledge could help us develop better, more personalised training plans and injury prevention strategies for athletes in the future, making sports safer and more effective for everyone.

Key takeaways

Understanding why athletes respond differently to training.
Investigating genetic and biological factors in muscle repair.
Involves muscle and blood samples, plus training assessments.
Aims to improve future training and injury prevention.
Participation includes two hospital visits over a period.
Will not interfere with your usual athletics training program.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, we're looking for men aged between 40 and 60, who are already taking part in a muscle-building program at the CREPS centre in Montpellier. This program should be specifically designed to improve your performance in middle-distance running.

However, there are certain conditions that would prevent you from taking part. For example, if you have any health issues that would make it unsafe for you to complete the muscle-building program, or if scanning your muscles using an MRI machine isn't suitable for you (perhaps due to certain metal implants).

You also can't join if you have certain existing health conditions like severe lung or heart problems, serious infections, nerve or muscle diseases, mental health conditions, or problems with your metabolism. We also can't include anyone with blood clotting issues, those who use performance-enhancing drugs, or those allergic to the local anaesthetic called xylocaine.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a male athlete aged between 40 and 60?
Are you currently in a muscle-building program at CREPS Montpellier to improve middle-distance running?
Do you have any conditions that would make an MRI scan unsafe for you?
Do you have any serious heart, lung, nerve, or mental health conditions?
Do you have any problems with blood clotting?
Are you allergic to local anaesthetic (like xylocaine)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, your involvement will be quite limited and will not interfere with your usual training. You will need to visit Montpellier University Hospital twice. During your first visit, a doctor will ask about your medical history, any medicines you take, and whether you smoke or drink alcohol. They will also measure your height and weight and listen to your heart and lungs. On both visits, we will take a small sample from your thigh muscle (a 'quadriceps microbiopsy') and a blood sample.

Approximately one week before each of these hospital visits, your muscle mass will be measured using an MRI scan, and your quadriceps muscle strength will be tested at the CREPS centre in Montpellier. These tests are part of your standard training program and the results will be shared with the research team. The study does not involve any additional medication or follow-up beyond the two visits and assessments. The total duration of your active participation will span the period between your two hospital visits.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help us better understand why athletes respond differently to training and injury, potentially leading to improved training methods and recovery for everyone in the future. However, there are some small risks involved, such as discomfort or bruising from the muscle biopsy and blood tests. You might also feel a bit sore where the muscle sample is taken. Remember, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care or relationship with the CREPS centre or hospital.

Locations (1)

University Hospital
Verified postcode
Montpellier, France

Common questions

What exactly is a 'biopsy'?

A biopsy is simply a small tissue sample taken from your muscle. It's done with a needle under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn't feel much pain.

Will taking part affect my sports performance?

The study is designed to have minimal impact. Your muscle tests are part of your regular training, and the hospital visits are limited to two times, with procedures designed for quick recovery.

What kind of results will I get from this study?

You won't receive individual results from the muscle or blood samples. The study looks at general patterns across many participants to advance scientific understanding.

How will my personal information be kept private?

All your personal and medical information will be kept strictly confidential and anonymous, used only for research purposes as outlined in privacy regulations.

Is this study funded by a pharmaceutical company?

The information provided does not indicate funding from a pharmaceutical company. It is a research study focused on understanding muscle responses in athletes.

How to find out more

Stephan MATECKI, MD-PhD

stephan.matecki@umontpellier.fr 467335908 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.