Strassen

Researchers are investigating how different cushioning materials in running shoes affect the risk of injuries in leisure-time runners. The study focuses on whether softer cushioning at the rear and forepart of the shoe can reduce injury risk, how cushioning position influences this risk, and if these effects depend on the runner's body mass. Participants' perceptions of cushioning and other weight-bearing activities outside running are also being studied to understand their relationship with injury risk. The trial is a randomized study lasting six months, where participants receive one of three running shoe models differing in foam stiffness at the rear and forepart of the shoe. These shoes are otherwise identical and must be worn during all running sessions. Participants continue their usual training schedules while using the study shoes. The three shoe versions vary in cushioning stiffness, classified as Hard, Mixed, and Soft, with specific technical properties designed to test the study hypotheses. Participants complete baseline questionnaires and weekly reports on musculoskeletal complaints and shoe usage. Running data is collected from sports watches or uploaded activity files. Researchers track injuries defined by restrictions in running activity lasting at least seven days, alongside other related injury measures. The study aims to analyze injury incidence and prevalence, considering shoe cushioning effects and body mass, with safety monitored through regular follow-up and participant contact over six months.

Researchers are evaluating a mobile phone application called PIANISSIMO designed to promote physical activity in patients with osteoarthritis. This study aims to test how acceptable the app is for this group and whether using such an app is a feasible approach to encourage a more physically active lifestyle. The study targets osteoarthritis patients living or working in Luxembourg and involves a total of 150 participants. The intervention lasts six months and involves using the PIANISSIMO app, which sends daily notifications (except Sundays) about physical activity, sedentary behavior, and their effects on general health and osteoarthritis. Each week, participants set a new daily step goal for the following week. The app also collects daily step counts in the background and asks participants to complete a pain questionnaire once a week. In the first week, sham notifications are sent, followed by real notifications starting the first Monday after registration. After the six-month intervention period, a questionnaire will evaluate the app, followed by a six-month follow-up during which step counts and pain questionnaires continue without any active intervention. Participants provide information about their pain, sport history, and general health status through questionnaires, including the SF-WOMAC and WOMAC-SF. The study tracks weekly app usage and questionnaire response rates over six months. Throughout the study, researchers monitor physical activity, pain levels, and functional status. Participants' involvement includes regular data entry, goal setting, and responding to questionnaires, with ongoing monitoring to assess the app's feasibility and acceptance.

Researchers are studying how the immune system responds to tick bites and the development of alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), a delayed allergic reaction to mammalian meat caused by IgE antibodies against the alpha-Gal sugar transmitted by ticks. The study aims to understand why some people develop this allergy while others do not and to monitor tick-borne pathogens for public health. This research will help identify immune markers that predict allergic sensitization after tick bites and contribute to awareness and education about tick bite prevention and monitoring. Participants will join the study within 48 hours of a tick bite or removal. They will provide blood samples and complete questionnaires at enrollment, then return 4 to 6 weeks later for follow-up testing and a second questionnaire. A selected subgroup with or without alpha-Gal sensitization will have a third visit 8 to 12 weeks after the bite for allergy tests and clinical assessment. The ticks removed from participants will be collected, identified, and tested for pathogens to support disease surveillance. During the study, researchers will analyze blood samples using advanced techniques to profile immune responses and antibody development. Questionnaires will gather information on tick bite history, health status, allergies, and diet. The main outcomes include identifying immune signatures linked to allergic sensitization two years after the last participant's enrollment and monitoring ticks and pathogens for six months following enrollment. The study involves close follow-up and detailed immune monitoring over several months.