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Completed

NCT Number: NCT06709599

Dynamics of Fatigue and Recovery in MMA Training

This observational study aims to understand how strength and conditioning training impacts biochemical and psychological markers of fatigue and recovery in mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes. The main questions it aims to answer are:

How does a high-intensity training program affect key biochemical markers, such as cortisol, inflammation, and muscle damage indicators? How does this training influence psychological factors, such as stress, mood, and recovery states? Researchers will compare measurements taken at four time points during the study to see if the training program leads to changes in these markers and whether it effectively balances stress and recovery.

Participants will:

Undergo a structured strength and conditioning program for three weeks. Provide blood samples for biochemical analysis at four different times. Complete psychological questionnaires assessing mood, stress, and recovery states.

The findings aim to help optimize training programs and improve athlete well-being while minimizing the risk of overtraining.

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Key information

Conditions

Healthy Fatigue Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

20 year–25 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Observational

About this study

This study investigates the physiological and psychological responses of mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes to a structured high-intensity strength and conditioning training program. The primary focus is on monitoring temporal changes in key biochemical markers (e.g., cortisol, catecholamines, inflammatory cytokines) and psychological factors (e.g., mood profiles, stress, recovery states) to understand the balance between training-induced fatigue and recovery.

The study is conducted over three weeks, during which athletes follow a standardized training regimen comprising strength, endurance, and technical drills. Training intensity and volume are carefully managed, with no changes introduced during the observation period to ensure consistent data collection. Baseline measurements are taken 48 hours after a rest period to eliminate the effects of prior workouts.

Key Features:

Biochemical Analysis:

Blood samples are collected at four time points (pre-study, and after each training week) under standardized conditions, including morning fasting to minimize variability due to circadian rhythms.

Markers such as cortisol, catecholamines, hs-CRP, myoglobin, and urea are analyzed using validated ELISA protocols and biochemical kits.

Psychological Assessment:

The RESTQ-76 SPORT (Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes) and POMS (Profile of Mood States) questionnaires are administered before each blood sample collection to evaluate athletes' stress-recovery balance and mood states.

Training Protocol:

Athletes train six days a week for approximately 15 hours total per week. Training includes a mix of circuit training, weightlifting, technique drills, and sparring, designed to mimic typical MMA preparation.

Study Goals:

This study aims to determine the effects of a high-intensity training regimen on the interaction between physiological stress markers and psychological states. It seeks to provide insights into early indicators of overtraining and inform personalized approaches to athlete training that optimize performance while reducing injury risk.

By integrating biochemical and psychological data, this research highlights the need for a holistic approach to training management in MMA athletes, with implications for broader sports science and athletic performance enhancement.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Minimum of 5 years of training experience in mixed martial arts (MMA).
  • Training at least three times per week.
  • At least two years of competitive fighting experience.
  • Not using anabolic steroids, nutritional supplements, or medications that could influence study results.
  • Maintaining a balanced diet throughout the study.
  • Non-smoker.

Exclusion criteria

  • Presence of any injury or clinical condition preventing participation in the study.
  • Use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
  • Undergoing a weight-cutting period during the study.

Treatment and study plan

Three-Week Strength and Conditioning Program

Other

Athletes train six days a week for three weeks, totaling approximately 15 hours of training per week. Training includes circuit training, weightlifting, technique drills, and sparring, designed to mimic typical MMA preparation.

Primary outcomes

  1. Changes from baseline in cortisol level.

    Time frame: At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training

    Marker of stress level.

  2. Changes from baseline in epinephrine level.

    Time frame: At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training

    Marker of sympathetic nervous system activity

  3. Changes from baseline in norepinephrine level.

    Time frame: At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training

    Marker of sympathetic nervous system activity, indicating stress response.

  4. Changes from baseline in testosterone level.

    Time frame: At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training

    Marker of the anabolic processes level.

  5. Changes from baseline in hs CRP level.

    Time frame: At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training

    Marker inflammatory response.

  6. Changes from baseline in creatine kinase level.

    Time frame: At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training

    Marker muscle damage.

  7. Changes from baseline in total protein level.

    Time frame: At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training

    Marker of protein catabolism, and recovery processes.

  8. Changes from baseline in urea level.

    Time frame: At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training

    Marker of balance between protein breakdown and recovery.

  9. Changes from baseline in uric acid level.

    Time frame: At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training

    Marker of oxidative stress and, purine metabolism.

  10. Mood Profile of Athletes Before Exercise Test Using POMS Questionnaire.

    Time frame: At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training

    The Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire measures mood states and emotional well-being.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Poznan University of Physical Education

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Temporal Dynamics of Biochemical and Psychological Markers of Fatigue and Recovery in Mixed Martial Arts Athletes Undergoing Strength and Conditioning Training

Important dates

Study start
2014
Primary completion
2014
Study completion
2015
First posted
Nov 29, 2024
Registry last updated
Jun 25, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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