Can a quick bike ride beat stress? study tests best exercise intensity
NCT ID NCT06245538
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at how a single session of cycling at moderate or vigorous intensity affects stress markers, inflammation, and brain activity in 24 healthy adults and those with mild stress symptoms. Participants did 20 minutes of seated rest, moderate cycling, or vigorous cycling on separate days. Researchers measured changes in brain blood flow, stress-related blood biomarkers, and working memory performance. The goal is to understand which exercise intensity offers the best short-term benefits for stress and brain health.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
physical exercise (cycling at moderate or vigorous intensity)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could help identify the best exercise intensity for reducing stress and improving brain function in people with mild stress symptoms.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed study with only 24 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. It looks at short-term effects, not long-term benefits.
Disclaimer
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences
Stockholm, 11433, Sweden