What is this study trying to find out about exercise recovery?

This study is examining how vitamin C and ibuprofen supplements affect muscle recovery and the protective repeated bout effect after strenuous eccentric exercise. Researchers want to understand if these supplements change how muscles adapt to reduce soreness and performance loss. The study is led by the University of Bath and carefully compares supplements to a placebo.

Who may be eligible for this exercise recovery clinical trial?

Adults aged 18 to 45 years who have a body mass index between 18.5 and 29.9 kg/m2 and can perform 20 minutes of bench stepping exercise may be eligible. Participants must not be taking anti-inflammatory medications or have clinical inflammation from other causes. This trial is open to all genders. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this exercise recovery clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the study supplements and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. Personal travel expenses may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered. Participants can expect to attend several visits for assessments during the study.

Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable

Age: 18Years - 45Years

All Genders

Healthy Volunteers

ID07472244

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

Led by University of Bath · Updated on 2026-03-16

Participants Needed

Research Sites

N/A

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how oxidative stress and inflammation affect the repeated bout effect (RBE), which helps protect muscles from soreness and performance loss after eccentric exercise. The study focuses on whether taking vitamin C and ibuprofen, common supplements used to reduce these effects, influences the development of the RBE. This is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial to better understand how these supplements impact muscle recovery after strenuous exercise. Participants will be assigned to one of two groups: one group will receive 1,000 mg of vitamin C and 400 mg of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug every 8 hours for 48 hours, while the other group will receive a placebo that looks identical. The study aims to mimic protocols reported to have beneficial effects on oxidative stress and inflammation. The intervention is compared to an identical maltodextrin placebo. During the study, muscle function will be measured at baseline, and then at 2 hours, 1 day, and 7 days after exercise. Researchers will also monitor muscle enzyme levels called creatine kinase at multiple points up to 48 hours post-exercise to assess muscle damage. Participants must be able to perform 20 minutes of bench stepping exercise and will be monitored for any inflammation or medication use. The total participation period covers multiple assessments to understand recovery and the repeated bout effect.