Actively Recruiting
Energy Availability in Elite Triathletes: Impact on Performance and Injury Risk
Led by Bispebjerg Hospital · Updated on 2025-11-18
40
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
26 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to understand how energy availability affects performance, injury risk, and training outcomes in elite triathletes. It focuses on low energy availability (LEA), a condition where athletes do not consume enough energy to meet their training and bodily needs. The study follows 40 elite and sub-elite triathletes over two competitive seasons, exploring the prevalence and consequences of LEA on health and athletic performance through detailed monitoring. Participants will continue their usual training and diet while taking part in five test days spread across off-season, pre-season, and in-season periods between 2025 and 2027. These assessments include blood sampling, DXA scans, MRI, muscle strength and stiffness tests, VO2 max testing, and tracking of diet and activity using questionnaires and wearable devices. Monthly injury reports and quarterly dietary evaluations will also be collected. Throughout the study, researchers will measure changes in thyroid hormone T3, bone density, muscle mass, metabolic rate, performance metrics like running and biking economy, and injury occurrences. Blood tests will evaluate hormones, bone turnover markers, immune function, and nutritional status. Some samples will be stored for future research until 2029. Participants will be reimbursed for public transport but receive no other compensation. The study lasts two years and involves low-risk, minimally invasive procedures.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Energy Availability and Its Impact in Elite Triathletes
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18 years or older
- Healthy individuals
- Training at least 15 hours per week in triathlon
You will not qualify if you...
- Smokers
- Use of prohibited substances (WADA list) without medical justification
- Existing injuries or illnesses that could worsen due to participation
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Across 2 years from off-season 2025 until in-season 2027
Participants undergo comprehensive test days including blood sampling, DXA scans, MR imaging, muscle strength and stiffness assessments, VO₂ max testing, and dietary and activity monitoring.
5 test days spaced across off-season, pre-season, and in-season periods
Duration - 2 years from off-season 2025 until in-season 2027
Participants report monthly injuries and complete quarterly dietary assessments while being monitored for performance, injury risk, and energy availability.
Monthly injury reports and quarterly dietary assessments
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Hospital
Copenhagen, Denmark
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jakob Agergaard, Ph.D.
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
1
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