Acute Neuromuscular Responses to Aerobic Exercise in Elite Youth GymnastsNCT07415395
Acute Effects of Aerobic Exercise Intensity on Lower-Limb Muscle Strength and Power in Youth Gymnasts
A study testing High-Intensity Interval Training, Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training and Low-Intensity Steady-State Exercise in people with Acute Neuromuscular Responses to Aerobic Exercise in Elite Youth Gymnasts, run by Chaoran Han at 1 site in China.
Trial summary
This study investigates the acute effects of different aerobic exercise intensities on lower-limb muscle strength and power in elite male youth gymnasts. Aerobic exercise is commonly included in gymnastics training to improve fitness and recovery, but performing aerobic exercise immediately before strength- and… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 15 to 18 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Acute Neuromuscular Responses to Aerobic Exercise in Elite Youth Gymnasts
- What is being tested?
- High-Intensity Interval Training, Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training and Low-Intensity Steady-State Exercise
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 18 participants
- Where
- 1 siteChina
- Study dates
- 18 Mar 2024to 18 Aug 2024
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 15 to 18 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child, Adult
Who may be able to join
- Male youth gymnasts aged 15 to 18 years.
- Nationally certified or competitively trained gymnasts with regular training experience.
- Free from musculoskeletal injury within the past six months.
- Able to complete treadmill running and strength and power testing.
- Written informed consent provided by participants and their legal guardians.
Who cannot join
- Presence of acute or chronic musculoskeletal injury.
- History of cardiovascular, respiratory, or neurological disorders.
- Use of medications or supplements that could affect neuromuscular performance.
- Inability to complete all exercise conditions or testing procedures.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
China1 site
Shanghai University of Sport
Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200438
About this study
Official title: Intensity-Dependent Acute Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Lower-Limb Muscle Strength and Power in Elite Male Youth Gymnasts: A Randomized Crossover Trial
This study investigates the acute effects of different aerobic exercise intensities on lower-limb muscle strength and power in elite male youth gymnasts. Aerobic exercise is commonly included in gymnastics training to improve fitness and recovery, but performing aerobic exercise immediately before strength- and power-demanding activities may temporarily influence neuromuscular performance.
Eighteen nationally certified male youth gymnasts aged 15 to 18 years participated in a randomized crossover trial. Each participant completed three treadmill-based aerobic exercise conditions on separate days: high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), and low-intensity steady-state exercise (LSD). Muscle strength and power were assessed before and 15 minutes after each exercise condition using validated force-platform tests, including vertical jumps and isometric strength assessment.
The results of this study will help clarify how aerobic exercise intensity influences short-term strength and power performance in youth gymnasts and may inform evidence-based decisions on training sequencing and warm-up strategies in gymnastics practice.
Read the detailed description
This study is a randomized crossover trial designed to examine the acute, intensity-dependent effects of aerobic exercise on lower-limb muscle strength, power, and power endurance in elite male youth gymnasts. In high-performance gymnastics training, aerobic conditioning is frequently combined with strength and technical training within the same day. However, the immediate neuromuscular effects of aerobic exercise performed at different intensities remain unclear in youth power-oriented athletes.
Eighteen elite male youth gymnasts (aged 15-18 years), free from musculoskeletal injury and with national-level competitive experience, were recruited. After baseline assessments, each participant completed three aerobic exercise conditions in a randomized order, with a minimum washout period of 72 hours between sessions. The exercise conditions included high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), and low-intensity steady-state exercise (LSD), all performed on a motorized treadmill. Exercise intensity was individually prescribed based on maximal heart rate and maximal aerobic speed determined during baseline testing.
Lower-limb muscle strength and power were assessed before and 15 minutes after each exercise condition using force-platform-based tests, including countermovement jump, squat jump, drop jump, repeated countermovement jumps, and isometric mid-thigh pull. Subjective fatigue and muscle discomfort were also recorded using standardized rating scales.
The primary objective of the study is to compare the acute changes in explosive power, power endurance, and maximal strength following aerobic exercise performed at different intensities. This study focuses on short-term neuromuscular responses rather than long-term training adaptations. Findings from this trial are expected to provide practical evidence for optimizing the sequencing of aerobic and strength-power training in elite youth gymnastics.
- Being tested
- High-Intensity Interval Training, Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training, Low-Intensity Steady-State Exercise
- Keywords
- Aerobic exercise, Exercise intensity, Muscle strength and Power, Gymnastics, Youth athletes, Randomized crossover trial
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
High-Intensity Interval TrainingBehavioural
Treadmill-based high-intensity interval running consisting of repeated short bouts performed at high intensity, with exercise intensity individually prescribed using maximal heart rate and maximal aerobic speed.
Moderate-Intensity Continuous TrainingBehavioural
Treadmill-based continuous aerobic running performed at moderate intensity, with exercise intensity individually prescribed using maximal heart rate and maximal aerobic speed.
Low-Intensity Steady-State ExerciseBehavioural
Treadmill-based continuous low-intensity aerobic exercise, with exercise intensity individually prescribed using maximal heart rate and maximal aerobic speed.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) | Experimental | Participants complete a high-intensity interval treadmill running protocol consisting of repeated short bouts performed at high intensity. Exercise intensity is individually prescribed based on maximal heart rate and maximal aerobic speed. Receives: Behavioral: High-Intensity Interval Training |
| Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) | Experimental | Participants complete a continuous treadmill running session performed at a moderate intensity. Exercise intensity is individually prescribed based on maximal heart rate and maximal aerobic speed. Receives: Behavioral: Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training |
| Low-Intensity Steady-State Exercise (LSD) | Experimental | Participants complete a continuous low-intensity treadmill running session. Exercise intensity is individually prescribed based on maximal heart rate and maximal aerobic speed. Receives: Behavioral: Low-Intensity Steady-State Exercise |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in countermovement jump height measured by force platform (cm)
Countermovement jump (CMJ) height assessed using a force platform system. Jump height (cm) will be calculated from flight time. The primary variable will be the change from pre-exercise baseline to 15 minutes after completion of each aerobic exercise condition (HIIT, MICT, and LSD).
Measured: Immediately before and 15 minutes after completion of each intervention session
Change in isometric mid-thigh pull peak force measured by force plate (N)
Peak force during the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) test measured using a force plate. Force values will be recorded in Newtons (N). The primary outcome will be calculated as the change from pre-exercise baseline to 15 minutes after completion of each aerobic exercise condition.
Measured: Immediately before and 15 minutes after completion of each intervention session
Change in squat jump height measured by force platform (cm)
Squat jump (SJ) height assessed using a force platform. Jump height will be expressed in centimeters (cm). The outcome variable will be the change from pre-exercise baseline to 15 minutes after completion of each aerobic exercise condition.
Measured: Immediately before and 15 minutes after completion of each intervention session
Change in drop jump height measured by force platform (cm)
Drop jump (DJ) height assessed using a force platform following a standardized drop protocol. Jump height (cm) will be analyzed as the change from pre-exercise baseline to 15 minutes after completion of each aerobic exercise condition.
Measured: Immediately before and 15 minutes after completion of each intervention session
Secondary outcomes (2)
Rating of perceived exertion assessed by Borg CR10 scale (score)
Perceived exertion evaluated using the Borg CR10 scale. Scores will be recorded immediately before and immediately after each aerobic exercise condition.
Measured: Immediately before and immediately after each intervention session
Muscle discomfort assessed by Borg CR10 scale (score)
Muscle discomfort evaluated using the Borg CR10 scale. Scores will be recorded immediately before and immediately after each aerobic exercise condition.
Measured: Immediately before and immediately after each intervention session
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted17 Feb 2026
- Study start18 Mar 2024
- Primary completion18 May 2024
- Study completion18 Aug 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Acute Neuromuscular Responses to Aerobic Exercise in Elite Youth GymnastsStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Model description
- This study uses a randomized crossover design in which all participants complete three aerobic exercise conditions (HIIT, MICT, and LSD) in a randomized order, with a minimum washout period of 72 hours between conditions.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 18 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Chaoran Han
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Macao Polytechnic University
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Chaoran Han, Shanghai University of Sport
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07415395
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 102772024RT013
- Status last verified
- Feb 2026
- First submitted
- 9 Feb 2026
- Last updated
- 17 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be shared publicly. The study involves minor participants and the informed consent and ethics approval did not include provisions for public data sharing. Aggregated data may be made available upon reasonable request from qualified researchers, subject to approval by the study investigators and the ethics committee.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 17 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Intensity-Dependent Acute Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Lower-Limb Muscle Strength and Power in Elite Male Youth Gymnasts: A Randomized Crossover Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07415395
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 102772024RT013
- Keywords
- Aerobic exercise, Exercise intensity, Muscle strength and Power, Gymnastics, Youth athletes, Randomized crossover trial
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 18 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Chaoran HanUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Macao Polytechnic University
- Study start
- 18 Mar 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 18 May 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 18 Aug 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 17 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study investigates the acute effects of different aerobic exercise intensities on lower-limb muscle strength and power in elite male youth gymnasts. Aerobic exercise is commonly included in gymnastics training to improve fitness and recovery, but performing aerobic exercise immediately before strength- and power-demanding activities may temporarily influence neuromuscular performance.
Eighteen nationally certified male youth gymnasts aged 15 to 18 years participated in a randomized crossover trial. Each participant completed three treadmill-based aerobic exercise conditions on separate days: high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), and low-intensity steady-state exercise (LSD). Muscle strength and power were assessed before and 15 minutes after each exercise condition using validated force-platform tests, including vertical jumps and isometric strength assessment.
The results of this study will help clarify how aerobic exercise intensity influences short-term strength and power performance in youth gymnasts and may inform evidence-based decisions on training sequencing and warm-up strategies in gymnastics practice.
Detailed description
This study is a randomized crossover trial designed to examine the acute, intensity-dependent effects of aerobic exercise on lower-limb muscle strength, power, and power endurance in elite male youth gymnasts. In high-performance gymnastics training, aerobic conditioning is frequently combined with strength and technical training within the same day. However, the immediate neuromuscular effects of aerobic exercise performed at different intensities remain unclear in youth power-oriented athletes.
Eighteen elite male youth gymnasts (aged 15-18 years), free from musculoskeletal injury and with national-level competitive experience, were recruited. After baseline assessments, each participant completed three aerobic exercise conditions in a randomized order, with a minimum washout period of 72 hours between sessions. The exercise conditions included high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), and low-intensity steady-state exercise (LSD), all performed on a motorized treadmill. Exercise intensity was individually prescribed based on maximal heart rate and maximal aerobic speed determined during baseline testing.
Lower-limb muscle strength and power were assessed before and 15 minutes after each exercise condition using force-platform-based tests, including countermovement jump, squat jump, drop jump, repeated countermovement jumps, and isometric mid-thigh pull. Subjective fatigue and muscle discomfort were also recorded using standardized rating scales.
The primary objective of the study is to compare the acute changes in explosive power, power endurance, and maximal strength following aerobic exercise performed at different intensities. This study focuses on short-term neuromuscular responses rather than long-term training adaptations. Findings from this trial are expected to provide practical evidence for optimizing the sequencing of aerobic and strength-power training in elite youth gymnastics.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- This study uses a randomized crossover design in which all participants complete three aerobic exercise conditions (HIIT, MICT, and LSD) in a randomized order, with a minimum washout period of 72 hours between conditions.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) | Experimental | Behavioral: High-Intensity Interval TrainingParticipants complete a high-intensity interval treadmill running protocol consisting of repeated short bouts performed at high intensity. Exercise intensity is individually prescribed based on maximal heart rate and maximal aerobic speed. |
| Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) | Experimental | Behavioral: Moderate-Intensity Continuous TrainingParticipants complete a continuous treadmill running session performed at a moderate intensity. Exercise intensity is individually prescribed based on maximal heart rate and maximal aerobic speed. |
| Low-Intensity Steady-State Exercise (LSD) | Experimental | Behavioral: Low-Intensity Steady-State ExerciseParticipants complete a continuous low-intensity treadmill running session. Exercise intensity is individually prescribed based on maximal heart rate and maximal aerobic speed. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 15 to 18 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Male youth gymnasts aged 15 to 18 years.
- Nationally certified or competitively trained gymnasts with regular training experience.
- Free from musculoskeletal injury within the past six months.
- Able to complete treadmill running and strength and power testing.
- Written informed consent provided by participants and their legal guardians.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Presence of acute or chronic musculoskeletal injury.
- History of cardiovascular, respiratory, or neurological disorders.
- Use of medications or supplements that could affect neuromuscular performance.
- Inability to complete all exercise conditions or testing procedures.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| High-Intensity Interval TrainingTreadmill-based high-intensity interval running consisting of repeated short bouts performed at high intensity, with exercise intensity individually prescribed using maximal heart rate and maximal aerobic speed. | Behavioural | High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) |
| Moderate-Intensity Continuous TrainingTreadmill-based continuous aerobic running performed at moderate intensity, with exercise intensity individually prescribed using maximal heart rate and maximal aerobic speed. | Behavioural | Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) |
| Low-Intensity Steady-State ExerciseTreadmill-based continuous low-intensity aerobic exercise, with exercise intensity individually prescribed using maximal heart rate and maximal aerobic speed. | Behavioural | Low-Intensity Steady-State Exercise (LSD) |
Primary outcome
Change in countermovement jump height measured by force platform (cm)
Time frame: Immediately before and 15 minutes after completion of each intervention session
Countermovement jump (CMJ) height assessed using a force platform system. Jump height (cm) will be calculated from flight time. The primary variable will be the change from pre-exercise baseline to 15 minutes after completion of each aerobic exercise condition (HIIT, MICT, and LSD).
Change in isometric mid-thigh pull peak force measured by force plate (N)
Time frame: Immediately before and 15 minutes after completion of each intervention session
Peak force during the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) test measured using a force plate. Force values will be recorded in Newtons (N). The primary outcome will be calculated as the change from pre-exercise baseline to 15 minutes after completion of each aerobic exercise condition.
Change in squat jump height measured by force platform (cm)
Time frame: Immediately before and 15 minutes after completion of each intervention session
Squat jump (SJ) height assessed using a force platform. Jump height will be expressed in centimeters (cm). The outcome variable will be the change from pre-exercise baseline to 15 minutes after completion of each aerobic exercise condition.
Change in drop jump height measured by force platform (cm)
Time frame: Immediately before and 15 minutes after completion of each intervention session
Drop jump (DJ) height assessed using a force platform following a standardized drop protocol. Jump height (cm) will be analyzed as the change from pre-exercise baseline to 15 minutes after completion of each aerobic exercise condition.
2 secondary outcomes
Rating of perceived exertion assessed by Borg CR10 scale (score)
Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after each intervention session
Muscle discomfort assessed by Borg CR10 scale (score)
Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after each intervention session
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 17 Feb 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be shared publicly. The study involves minor participants and the informed consent and ethics approval did not include provisions for public data sharing. Aggregated data may be made available upon reasonable request from qualified researchers, subject to approval by the study investigators and the ethics committee.
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing High-Intensity Interval Training, Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training and Low-Intensity Steady-State Exercise in people with Acute Neuromuscular Responses to Aerobic Exercise in Elite Youth Gymnasts, run by Chaoran Han at 1 site in China.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 17 Feb 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in China. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in countermovement jump height measured by force platform (cm) (time frame: Immediately before and 15 minutes after completion of each intervention session). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 17 Feb 2026.