NCT05344001 · Marquette University
Life After Sport: Prior Injury and Sedentary Behavior as Mechanisms of Later Poor Health
What this study is about
Competitive sport increases risk for musculoskeletal injury (e.g., traumatic knee injury) and may position former athletes for early onset of chronic diseases, chronic pain, poor health-related quality of life, and disability.
View original scientific description
Competitive sport increases risk for musculoskeletal injury (e.g., traumatic knee injury) and may position former athletes for early onset of chronic diseases, chronic pain, poor health-related quality of life, and disability. Quantifying function in former athletes with and without a prior injury and non-athlete controls is critical to understanding long-term health trajectories in athletes and informing potential interventional studies. One modifiable factor that may be associated with long-term health in athletes is physical activity patterns. The purpose of this study is to evaluate strength, function, physical activity, dietary patterns, and cardiometabolic health among current and former competitive athletes and in nonathlete controls to evaluate the impact of prior knee injury and sedentary behavior as two potential determinants of later poor health and reduced function.
Primary outcome measures
30-Second Chair Stand Test (primary outcome for Aim 1)
Time frame: Baseline
Physical function (functional performance) will be evaluated using the 30-Second Chair Stand Test, 6-Minute Walk Test, and Stair Climb Test. The 30-Second Chair Stand Test uses a standard height chair and requires the participant to stand up and sit down as many times as possible in 30 seconds. More completions indicate better physical function.
Sedentary Behavior (primary outcome for Aim 2)
Time frame: Baseline
Physical activity will be monitored continuously using an accelerometer worn for 2 weeks. Physical activity will be classified throughout the day as sedentary, light, moderate, or vigorous using established algorithms. The primary outcome for aim 2 is the mean percentage of waking hours in sedentary behavior.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Exclusion criteria
- Age 18-25 years OR age 40-64 years
- Current or former collegiate varsity athlete OR non-athlete control Exclusion Criteria:
- Neurologic (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's) and/or degenerative disease that impairs function
- Lower extremity joint replacement (e.g., hip or knee replacement)
Where
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Collaborators
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Feb 25, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations