A Study to Understand the Analgesic Properties of Topically Applied Menthol When Used in a Marathon.

Reckitt Benckiser

Status: Completed

Conditions: Muscle Soreness

Treatments: Other: Observational

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Industry

Identifiers

NCT07565246

5106901

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of the research study is to gather the opinions and/or perceptions relating to the use of topically applied menthol and experience of pain during and after a marathon in adult runners (18+ years) participating in the 2025 Chicago Marathon. The main questions it aims to answer are:

• Does topically applied menthol reduce pain levels in marathon runners during recovery?
• How quickly does pain relief occur after topically applied menthol application?
• What are the sensory attributes (e.g., cooling sensation) associated with topically applied menthol use during and after the race?
• How do demographic factors (e.g., age, sex, menstrual cycle stage, sleep quality) influence pain experience and topically applied menthol effectiveness?

Researchers will compare pre- and post-application pain scores in the Recovery Application Zone to see if Biofreeze provides measurable pain relief and sensory benefits.

Participants will:

• Provide documented informed consent prior to participation.

• Self-select to use Biofreeze products during or after the race.

• Complete one or both of the following:

  1. Recovery Application Zone Questionnaire (includes pain score before and after Biofreeze application, sensory assessments, demographics).
  2. End of Race Questionnaire (includes retrospective recall of pain relief, product use, sensory experience, and demographic data).

Full description

This is a real-world, observational study evaluating self-selected use of topically applied menthol among runners in the 2025 Chicago Marathon.

Participants independently choose whether to use topically applied menthol products, which products to use, and how frequently to apply them as part of their usual pain-management behaviour.

The study does not assign or administer any intervention. Data are collected from participants who voluntarily used topically applied menthol and chose to complete the questionnaires.

Participants may self-select to use topically applied menthol products during the race or recovery as they normally would. Researchers do not assign or direct product use. Product application occurs independently of study participation.

Enrollment: 367 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

1. Participant has provided documented informed consent.
2. Participant aged 18 years and above.
3. Participant is entrant into the Chicago marathon 2025.
4. Participant has self-selected to use topically applied menthol during the race or during immediate recovery.
5. Comprehension of and able to read English.

Exclusion criteria

1. Employee of Sponsor or Agency/ vendor collecting the data

Trial design

367 participants in 1 patient group

Chicago Marathon Runners who use topically applied menthol

Treatment:

Other: Observational