Fartlek, hills, or Roll-On: which training method makes runners faster?
NCT ID NCT07784140
First seen Aug 25, 2026 · Last updated Aug 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This trial asks whether fartlek, hill circuit, or roll-on training is the most effective way to improve performance in well-trained long-distance runners. Twenty-one runners will be randomly assigned to one of the three training groups and follow a 12-week program. Researchers will measure changes in 5-km race time, aerobic fitness (VO₂max), and other markers like heart rate and muscle soreness. The goal is to see which method offers the best immediate and long-term conditioning benefits.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Fartlek training, hill circuit training, and roll-on training (structured running workout programs)
- What this could lead to
- If this trial succeeds, it could help coaches and runners choose the most effective training method to boost performance and aerobic fitness.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 21 participants, so results may not apply to all runners. Individual responses to training can vary widely.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
About 21 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
-
Sep 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
-
Nov 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 25 years
- Sex
-
Male participants only
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: Male long-distance runners aged 18-25 years VO₂max greater than 60 mL/kg/min Weekly training volume of at least 60 km Training experience of at least 4 years Mercier score greater than 600 Currently engaged in regular long-distance running training Willing to participate in the 12-week training intervention Able to complete all required testing and monitoring procedures Provides written informed consent to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: Current musculoskeletal injury that prevents participation in training or testing Known cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, or other medical condition that limits strenuous exercise Current illness or condition that prevents participation in the intervention Use of medication or other treatment that may substantially affect exercise performance or physiological responses Failure to meet the required training or eligibility criteria Planned absence that would prevent adequate participation in the intervention Withdrawal of informed consent Any condition identified by the research team that makes continued participation unsafe
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Long distance running are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
-
The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
-
A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.