Clinical trials

This randomized controlled trial will investigate the immediate effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) performed with two different commercially available tools on posterior lower-leg tissue stiffness and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in healthy young adults. Participants will be randomly allocated to one of three parallel groups: IASTM using a higher-cost tool, IASTM using a lower-cost tool, or passive rest without IASTM. Tissue stiffness at predefined posterior lower-leg sites and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion will be assessed before and immediately after the intervention or equivalent rest period. A single lower limb will be assessed in each participant. Participants receiving IASTM will additionally rate the pleasantness of the intervention and their perceived relaxation after the intervention. The study will determine whether IASTM produces immediate changes in tissue stiffness and ankle dorsiflexion compared with passive rest and whether these effects differ between the two IASTM tools.

This randomized controlled crossover study will investigate the immediate effect of central posteroanterior lumbar mobilization on the intrinsic stiffness of the erector spinae and multifidus muscles in healthy adults without low back pain. Twenty-four participants will complete two experimental visits in randomized order. During one visit, participants will receive Maitland Grade III++ central posteroanterior mobilization at the L4 vertebral level, while during the other visit they will receive a sham mobilization condition involving gentle rhythmic pressure. Muscle stiffness will be assessed using shear wave elastography immediately before and after each intervention.

This randomized, crossover interventional study evaluates the effects of real-time (open) versus blinded continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) on glycemic variability, lifestyle behaviors, and metabolic outcomes in adults with prediabetes and overweight or obesity (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m²). Thirty participants will undergo both open and blinded CGM phases, separated by a washout period. The study aims to assess whether access to real-time glucose data promotes behavioral change and improves metabolic health compared with blinded CGM use.

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the acute effects of ingestion of a cold aqueous extract of Crocus sativus tepals on postprandial glycemia and other indicators of metabolic health in patients with obesity and/or prediabetes. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does the ingestion of Crocus sativus tepals cold aqueous extract prior to a meal improve the glycemic response to a standard meal? * How does the ingestion of Crocus sativus tepals aqueous extract prior to a meal impact insulin levels and other markers of metabolic health? * Does the ingestion of Crocus sativus tepals cold aqueous extract prior to a meal increase the resting energy expanditure? Researchers will compare Crocus sativus tepals cold aqueous extract to cold water. The participants will visit the Faculty twice - on one visit they will ingest Crocus sativus tepals cold aqueous extract and on the other cold water (in random order) 5 minutes prior to a standard meal of 100 g of white bread. On each visit, anthropometric measurements will be performed upon arrival. Blood samples will be collected 3 times, preceeded by resting metabolic rate and blood pressure measurements: at baseline in fasted conditions, and 60 minutes and 120 minutes after consuming the bread. There will be an at least 7 days wash-out period between the two visits.

An experimental study, which will aim to investigate the acute effects of unloading maneuvers during an intermittent spinal flexion protocol on changes in trunk mechanical and neuromuscular properties.