NCT07870460 Multimodal Machine Learning for Predicting Reduced Participation in Elite Youth Football
| NCT ID | NCT07870460 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Palacky University |
| Condition | Athletic Injury |
| Study Type | OBSERVATIONAL |
| Enrollment | 30 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-07-15 |
| Primary Completion | 2027-06-30 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
Enter your details for a quick preliminary check. This does not replace medical advice.
What to Expect as a Participant
This is an observational study. You will not receive an experimental treatment; researchers will collect data based on your existing condition or standard treatment.
This trial targets 30 participants in total. It began in 2026-07-15 with a primary completion date of 2027-06-30.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
This study protocol describes a prospective longitudinal observational study designed to evaluate the accuracy of machine learning models in predicting the short-term (24-72 h) risk of reduced participation (training modification or absence due to health complaints, injury, or illness) among elite youth football players (categories U16 to U19). Full participation in training and matches is a key determinant of athletic development and squad availability in elite youth football. Conventional injury surveillance typically reduces athlete availability to a binary time-loss state and overlooks the continuum on which athletes remain active despite emerging fatigue, minor musculoskeletal complaints, or functional limitations. In this study, continuous multimodal monitoring integrates external training and match locomotion (Catapult Vector 10 Hz GNSS / 100 Hz IMU), nocturnal autonomic nervous regulation (WHOOP 5.0 wrist-worn photoplethysmography evaluating resting heart rate, heart rate variability RMSSD, and sleep architecture), daily subjective wellness (AMS Hooper Index: sleep quality, stress, fatigue, mood, and muscle soreness), weekly neuromuscular screening (VALD ForceDecks countermovement jumps and NordBord hamstring strength), and anthropometrics with biological maturation offset. Participation status is adjudicated daily by designated coaching and medical staff. The primary objective is to develop, compare, and internally validate short-term prediction models for the onset transition from full participation to reduced participation, formulated as a single one-step discrete-time hazard read coherently across 24-, 48-, and 72-hour operational horizons. The study aims to evaluate explainable machine learning models (Survival XGBoost, GAMM with SHAP/LIME interpretation) to support training load management and injury risk mitigation within elite academies.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Registered player in the U16 or U19 squad of an elite football academy (SK Sigma Olomouc). * At least three years of structured football training within an organized academy programme. * Regular active participation in microcycle team training and competitive league matches. * Written informed assent by the player and written informed consent by a parent or legal guardian (for minor participants). * Monitoring compliance rate \> 80% during the initial 14-day passive run-in period. Exclusion Criteria: * Pre-existing severe musculoskeletal injury, orthopedic surgery, or neurological disorder preventing full participation at baseline. * Known cardiovascular, metabolic, or systemic disease contraindicating maximal athletic exertion. * Inability or refusal to wear continuous monitoring sensors (Catapult GNSS unit during training, WHOOP strap during sleep). * Prolonged absence from the squad due to non-medical administrative reasons (transfer, academic leave, disciplinary suspension).
Contact & Investigator
Karel Hulka, doc. Mgr., Ph.D.
STUDY DIRECTOR
Palacky University Olomouc
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07870460 clinical trial?
This trial is open to male participants only, aged 15 Years or older, up to 19 Years, studying Athletic Injury. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07870460 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07870460 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at david.prycl@upol.cz for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07870460 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Olomouc, Czechia.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07870460 clinical trial?
NCT07870460 is sponsored by Palacky University. The principal investigator is Karel Hulka, doc. Mgr., Ph.D. at Palacky University Olomouc. The trial plans to enroll 30 participants.