Healthy Adult ParticipantsPSYTRAIL-120NCT07522333
Psychological Impact of an 120-km Ultra-Endurance Race
An observational study of Healthy Adult Participants, run by Centre Hospitalier Régional d'Orléans at 1 site in France.
Trial summary
Ultra-endurance races (ultra-marathons) take place under extreme environmental conditions, over long distances, involving prolonged physical activity and multiple psychological and physiological challenges. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Healthy Adult Participants
- What is being tested?
- Completion on a tablet of self-administered questionnaires about their emotions/feelings
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine
- How many people
- 8 participants
- Where
- 1 siteFrance
- Study dates
- 21 Mar 2026to 21 Mar 2026
- Phase
- Observational
- 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 18 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: Healthy, able-bodied participants of both sexes, participating to the "Ecotrail de Paris Ile de France 120 kilometers" ultra-trail race taking place on March 21, 2026
Who may be able to join
- Individuals who have agreed to participate in the study
- Age ≥ 18 years
- Smartwatch capable of measuring heart rate and transmitting this data
- Subject with no significant medical history (chronic pulmonary disease, heart disease contraindicating Class IIIC exercise according to the Bethesda classification, pharmacologically treated hypertension, or significant chronic inflammatory disease)
- Participation in the "Ecotrail de Paris Ile de France 120 kilometers" ultra trail taking place on March 21, 2026.
Who cannot join
- Persons under legal guardianship or conservatorship
- Persons under judicial protection
- Persons deprived of liberty
- Persons not enrolled in a social security system
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding at the time of enrollment
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: A Study of the Psychological Impact of an 120-km Ultra-Endurance Event
Ultra-endurance races (ultra-marathons) take place under extreme environmental conditions, over long distances, involving prolonged physical activity and multiple psychological and physiological challenges.
These extreme conditions expose runners to a wide range of emotions-both pleasant and unpleasant-that can influence their performance, fatigue, and perception of exertion.
Read more
Emotional intelligence and emotional regulation appear to be key determinants of emotional trajectories and performance in these contexts. Previous research shows that high levels of emotional intelligence and adaptive emotional regulation strategies are associated with functional emotional trajectories and better performance, whereas maladaptive strategies are linked to dysfunctional emotional trajectories and reduced performance.
Furthermore, defense mechanisms constitute a complementary approach to emotional self-regulation. They can be adaptive or maladaptive and influence how runners cope with emotions and psychological stressors during competition.
Longitudinal studies conducted to date have primarily explored post-race emotional trajectories in relation to emotional intelligence, without examining the impact of defense mechanisms on emotional dynamics during the race. Furthermore, few studies have examined the mediating role of emotional intensity between emotional regulation and perceived performance, and even fewer have adopted an approach that integrates physiological indicators such as heart rate or heart rate variability.
Thus, this study lies at the intersection of sports psychology, emotion, and physiology, and aims to fill these gaps by exploring:
- the influence of defense mechanisms on emotional dynamics and physical and mental fatigue during an ultra-endurance race, and
- the mediating role of emotional intensity on the relationship between emotional regulation and perceived performance.
The objective of this study is to examine how certain psychological mechanisms used to cope with difficult situations influence the evolution of emotions experienced by participants during and after a 120-kilometer ultra-endurance race.
Read the detailed description
A descriptive, non-interventional, longitudinal exploratory study of healthy, able-bodied participants of both sexes, based on the completion of self-administered questionnaires on a tablet before, during (kilometers 16, 41, 56, 68, 89, and 112) and at the finish line (120th kilometer) of the "Ecotrail de Paris Ile de France 120 kilometers" ultra-trail race taking place on March 21, 2026
- Conditions
- Healthy Adult Participants
- Being tested
- Completion on a tablet of self-administered questionnaires about their emotions/feelings
- Keywords
- Ultra endurance, Running, Psychological, Impact
- Medical subject headings
- Tooth, Impacted
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Completion on a tablet of self-administered questionnaires about their emotions/feelingsOther
Completion on a tablet of self-administered questionnaires about their emotions/feelings before, during (kilometers 16, 41, 56, 68, 89, and 112), and at the finish line (120th kilometer) of the "Ecotrail de Paris Ile de France 120 kilometers" ultra-trail race taking place on March 21, 2026.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy adults participants | Not described Receives: Other: Completion on a tablet of self-administered questionnaires about their emotions/feelings |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Examination of the influence of defense mechanisms on the emotional dynamics observed during and following an ultra-endurance race
Defense mechanisms will be assessed before the race using the Defense Style Questionnaire - 26 (DSQ-26). Scale from 1 to 6, with 1 being "never" and 6 being "always".
Measured: During kilometers 16, 41, 56, 68, 89, and 112 (up to 5 minutes per stop), and at the finish line 120th kilometer (up to 8 minutes)"
Secondary outcomes (3)
Evaluation of physical and mental fatigue before, during and after the race
Physical and mental fatigue will be assessed before the race, during the race using a visual analog scale (VAS). Scale from 0 to 10, 10 being the worst score.
Measured: During kilometers 16, 41, 56, 68, 89, and 112 (up to 5 minutes per stop), and at the finish line 120th kilometer (up to 8 minutes)"
Exploration of the relationships between emotional regulation strategies and runners' perceived performance
Emotional regulation will be assessed before the race using the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ). Scale from 1 to 5, with 1 being "never" and 5 being "always".
Measured: During kilometers 16, 41, 56, 68, 89, and 112 (up to 5 minutes per stop), and at the finish line 120th kilometer (up to 8 minutes)"
Exploration of emotion regulation strategies and runners' perceived exertion
Perceived exertion will be assessed using the perceived exertion scale (Borg CR10 - modified version). Scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst score.
Measured: During kilometers 16, 41, 56, 68, 89, and 112 (up to 5 minutes per stop), and at the finish line 120th kilometer (up to 8 minutes)"
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 Apr 2026
- Study start21 Mar 2026
- Primary completion21 Mar 2026
- Study completion21 Mar 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (16)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Healthy Adult ParticipantsStudies 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
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 8 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Centre Hospitalier Régional d'Orléans
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07522333
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- CHUO-2026-02
- Acronym
- PSYTRAIL-120
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 30 Mar 2026
- Last updated
- 26 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Publications
Nieman DC, Davis JM, Brown VA, Henson DA, Dumke CL, Utter AC, Vinci DM, Downs MF, Smith JC, Carson J, Brown A, McAnulty SR, McAnulty LS. Influence of carbohydrate ingestion on immune changes after 2 h of intensive resistance training. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2004 Apr;96(4):1292-8. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01064.2003. Epub 2003 Dec 12.
PubMed 14672962Parry D, Chinnasamy C, Papadopoulou E, Noakes T, Micklewright D. Cognition and performance: anxiety, mood and perceived exertion among Ironman triathletes. Br J Sports Med. 2011 Nov;45(14):1088-94. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2010.072637. Epub 2010 Jun 11.
PubMed 20542977Terry DP, Brassil M, Iverson GL, Panenka WJ, Silverberg ND. Effect of depression on cognition after mild traumatic brain injury in adults. Clin Neuropsychol. 2019 Jan;33(1):124-136. doi: 10.1080/13854046.2018.1459853. Epub 2018 May 4.
PubMed 29726314Alquraini H, Auchus RJ. Strategies that athletes use to avoid detection of androgenic-anabolic steroid doping and sanctions. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2018 Mar 15;464:28-33. doi: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.01.028. Epub 2017 Jan 24.
PubMed 28130115Karlsson EM, Johnstone LT, Carey DP. The depth and breadth of multiple perceptual asymmetries in right handers and non-right handers. Laterality. 2019 Nov;24(6):707-739. doi: 10.1080/1357650X.2019.1652308. Epub 2019 Aug 9.
PubMed 31399020Ivarsson A, Andersen MB, Stenling A, Johnson U, Lindwall M. Things we still haven't learned (so far). J Sport Exerc Psychol. 2015 Aug;37(4):449-61. doi: 10.1123/jsep.2015-0015.
PubMed 26442774Bowins B. Psychological defense mechanisms: a new perspective. Am J Psychoanal. 2004 Mar;64(1):1-26. doi: 10.1023/B:TAJP.0000017989.72521.26.
PubMed 14993839Rauch TM, Tharion WJ, Strowman SR, Shukitt BL. Psychological factors associated with performance in the ultramarathon. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 1988 Sep;28(3):237-46. No abstract available.
PubMed 3230905Vaillant GE, Bond M, Vaillant CO. An empirically validated hierarchy of defense mechanisms. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1986 Aug;43(8):786-94. doi: 10.1001/archpsyc.1986.01800080072010.
PubMed 3729674Bond M. Empirical studies of defense style: relationships with psychopathology and change. Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2004 Sep-Oct;12(5):263-78. doi: 10.1080/10673220490886167.
PubMed 15590575Wagstaff CR. Emotion regulation and sport performance. J Sport Exerc Psychol. 2014 Aug;36(4):401-12. doi: 10.1123/jsep.2013-0257.
PubMed 25226609Martinent G, Decret JC. Coping profiles of young Athletes in their everyday life: A three-wave two-month study. Eur J Sport Sci. 2015;15(8):736-47. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2015.1051131. Epub 2015 Aug 20.
PubMed 26289726Garnefski N, Kraaij V, van Etten M. Specificity of relations between adolescents' cognitive emotion regulation strategies and Internalizing and Externalizing psychopathology. J Adolesc. 2005 Oct;28(5):619-31. doi: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2004.12.009. Epub 2005 Feb 25.
PubMed 16203199Levillain G, Martinent G, Nicolas M. Longitudinal trajectories of intensity and direction of emotions among athletes in sports competitions: do defense mechanisms matter? Anxiety Stress Coping. 2025 Jul;38(4):379-393. doi: 10.1080/10615806.2024.2394800. Epub 2024 Aug 30.
PubMed 39211985Pearson H. Physiology: freaks of nature? Nature. 2006 Dec 21;444(7122):1000-1. doi: 10.1038/4441000a. No abstract available.
PubMed 17183290
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 26 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- A Study of the Psychological Impact of an 120-km Ultra-Endurance Event
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07522333
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- PSYTRAIL-120 / CHUO-2026-02
- Conditions
- Healthy Adult Participants
- Keywords
- Ultra endurance, Running, Psychological, Impact
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 8 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Centre Hospitalier Régional d'OrléansUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 21 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 21 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 21 Mar 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 13 Apr 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.
Ultra-endurance races (ultra-marathons) take place under extreme environmental conditions, over long distances, involving prolonged physical activity and multiple psychological and physiological challenges.
These extreme conditions expose runners to a wide range of emotions-both pleasant and unpleasant-that can influence their performance, fatigue, and perception of exertion.
Emotional intelligence and emotional regulation appear to be key determinants of emotional trajectories and performance in these contexts. Previous research shows that high levels of emotional intelligence and adaptive emotional regulation strategies are associated with functional emotional trajectories and better performance, whereas maladaptive strategies are linked to dysfunctional emotional trajectories and reduced performance.
Furthermore, defense mechanisms constitute a complementary approach to emotional self-regulation. They can be adaptive or maladaptive and influence how runners cope with emotions and psychological stressors during competition.
Longitudinal studies conducted to date have primarily explored post-race emotional trajectories in relation to emotional intelligence, without examining the impact of defense mechanisms on emotional dynamics during the race. Furthermore, few studies have examined the mediating role of emotional intensity between emotional regulation and perceived performance, and even fewer have adopted an approach that integrates physiological indicators such as heart rate or heart rate variability.
Thus, this study lies at the intersection of sports psychology, emotion, and physiology, and aims to fill these gaps by exploring:
- the influence of defense mechanisms on emotional dynamics and physical and mental fatigue during an ultra-endurance race, and
- the mediating role of emotional intensity on the relationship between emotional regulation and perceived performance.
The objective of this study is to examine how certain psychological mechanisms used to cope with difficult situations influence the evolution of emotions experienced by participants during and after a 120-kilometer ultra-endurance race.
Detailed description
A descriptive, non-interventional, longitudinal exploratory study of healthy, able-bodied participants of both sexes, based on the completion of self-administered questionnaires on a tablet before, during (kilometers 16, 41, 56, 68, 89, and 112) and at the finish line (120th kilometer) of the "Ecotrail de Paris Ile de France 120 kilometers" ultra-trail race taking place on March 21, 2026
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy adults participants | – | Other: Completion on a tablet of self-administered questionnaires about their emotions/feelings |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- Healthy, able-bodied participants of both sexes, participating to the "Ecotrail de Paris Ile de France 120 kilometers" ultra-trail race taking place on March 21, 2026
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Individuals who have agreed to participate in the study
- Age ≥ 18 years
- Smartwatch capable of measuring heart rate and transmitting this data
- Subject with no significant medical history (chronic pulmonary disease, heart disease contraindicating Class IIIC exercise according to the Bethesda classification, pharmacologically treated hypertension, or significant chronic inflammatory disease)
- Participation in the "Ecotrail de Paris Ile de France 120 kilometers" ultra trail taking place on March 21, 2026.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Persons under legal guardianship or conservatorship
- Persons under judicial protection
- Persons deprived of liberty
- Persons not enrolled in a social security system
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding at the time of enrollment
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Completion on a tablet of self-administered questionnaires about their emotions/feelingsCompletion on a tablet of self-administered questionnaires about their emotions/feelings before, during (kilometers 16, 41, 56, 68, 89, and 112), and at the finish line (120th kilometer) of the "Ecotrail de Paris Ile de France 120 kilometers" ultra-trail race taking place on March 21, 2026. | Other | Healthy adults participants |
Primary outcome
Examination of the influence of defense mechanisms on the emotional dynamics observed during and following an ultra-endurance race
Time frame: During kilometers 16, 41, 56, 68, 89, and 112 (up to 5 minutes per stop), and at the finish line 120th kilometer (up to 8 minutes)"
Defense mechanisms will be assessed before the race using the Defense Style Questionnaire - 26 (DSQ-26). Scale from 1 to 6, with 1 being "never" and 6 being "always".
3 secondary outcomes
Evaluation of physical and mental fatigue before, during and after the race
Time frame: During kilometers 16, 41, 56, 68, 89, and 112 (up to 5 minutes per stop), and at the finish line 120th kilometer (up to 8 minutes)"
Exploration of the relationships between emotional regulation strategies and runners' perceived performance
Time frame: During kilometers 16, 41, 56, 68, 89, and 112 (up to 5 minutes per stop), and at the finish line 120th kilometer (up to 8 minutes)"
Exploration of emotion regulation strategies and runners' perceived exertion
Time frame: During kilometers 16, 41, 56, 68, 89, and 112 (up to 5 minutes per stop), and at the finish line 120th kilometer (up to 8 minutes)"
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 26 May 2026.
- Background: PubMed 14672962Nieman DC, Davis JM, Brown VA, Henson DA, Dumke CL, Utter AC, Vinci DM, Downs MF, Smith JC, Carson J, Brown A, McAnulty SR, McAnulty LS. Influence of carbohydrate ingestion on immune changes after 2 h of intensive resistance training. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2004 Apr;96(4):1292-8. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01064.2003. Epub 2003 Dec 12.
- Background: PubMed 20542977Parry D, Chinnasamy C, Papadopoulou E, Noakes T, Micklewright D. Cognition and performance: anxiety, mood and perceived exertion among Ironman triathletes. Br J Sports Med. 2011 Nov;45(14):1088-94. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2010.072637. Epub 2010 Jun 11.
- Background: PubMed 29726314Terry DP, Brassil M, Iverson GL, Panenka WJ, Silverberg ND. Effect of depression on cognition after mild traumatic brain injury in adults. Clin Neuropsychol. 2019 Jan;33(1):124-136. doi: 10.1080/13854046.2018.1459853. Epub 2018 May 4.
- Background: PubMed 28130115Alquraini H, Auchus RJ. Strategies that athletes use to avoid detection of androgenic-anabolic steroid doping and sanctions. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2018 Mar 15;464:28-33. doi: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.01.028. Epub 2017 Jan 24.
- Background: PubMed 31399020Karlsson EM, Johnstone LT, Carey DP. The depth and breadth of multiple perceptual asymmetries in right handers and non-right handers. Laterality. 2019 Nov;24(6):707-739. doi: 10.1080/1357650X.2019.1652308. Epub 2019 Aug 9.
- Background: PubMed 26442774Ivarsson A, Andersen MB, Stenling A, Johnson U, Lindwall M. Things we still haven't learned (so far). J Sport Exerc Psychol. 2015 Aug;37(4):449-61. doi: 10.1123/jsep.2015-0015.
- Background: PubMed 14993839Bowins B. Psychological defense mechanisms: a new perspective. Am J Psychoanal. 2004 Mar;64(1):1-26. doi: 10.1023/B:TAJP.0000017989.72521.26.
- Background: PubMed 3230905Rauch TM, Tharion WJ, Strowman SR, Shukitt BL. Psychological factors associated with performance in the ultramarathon. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 1988 Sep;28(3):237-46. No abstract available.
- Background: PubMed 3729674Vaillant GE, Bond M, Vaillant CO. An empirically validated hierarchy of defense mechanisms. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1986 Aug;43(8):786-94. doi: 10.1001/archpsyc.1986.01800080072010.
- Background: PubMed 15590575Bond M. Empirical studies of defense style: relationships with psychopathology and change. Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2004 Sep-Oct;12(5):263-78. doi: 10.1080/10673220490886167.
- Background: PubMed 25226609Wagstaff CR. Emotion regulation and sport performance. J Sport Exerc Psychol. 2014 Aug;36(4):401-12. doi: 10.1123/jsep.2013-0257.
- Background: PubMed 26289726Martinent G, Decret JC. Coping profiles of young Athletes in their everyday life: A three-wave two-month study. Eur J Sport Sci. 2015;15(8):736-47. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2015.1051131. Epub 2015 Aug 20.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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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?
An observational study of Healthy Adult Participants, run by Centre Hospitalier Régional d'Orléans at 1 site in France.
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 5 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 26 May 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 France. 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?
Examination of the influence of defense mechanisms on the emotional dynamics observed during and following an ultra-endurance race (time frame: During kilometers 16, 41, 56, 68, 89, and 112 (up to 5 minutes per stop), and at the finish line 120th kilometer (up to 8 minutes)"). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07522333, which also lists 16 linked publications.
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 26 May 2026.