Can your smartwatch predict your next 5K time?
NCT ID NCT06964100
First seen Sep 17, 2026 · Last updated Sep 18, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
Researchers test a smartphone app that collects heart rate variability and training data from endurance athletes. The study aims to see if the app keeps users engaged and whether training hard on low-HRV days affects 5K running times. About 200 runners will use the app remotely for eight weeks, completing three timed 5K runs.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) Labs app
- What this could lead to
- If the app works, it could help runners use heart rate variability to adjust training and improve race times.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early feasibility study with 200 participants. The app may not engage users well, and the link between heart rate variability and performance may not hold up in real-world conditions.
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.
- Participants
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About 200 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Apr 2025
- Expected to finish
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Apr 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Healthy volunteers ages 8-65, actively participating in cardiovascular training (3-5 days/week), able to run a 5K (3.1 miles) distance at a self-selected location, three times over 8 weeks, wear an activity tracker and willing to use the study smartphone app.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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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: Actively participating in cardiovascular training (3-5 days/week). Able to run a 5K (3.1 miles) distance at a self-selected location, three times over 8 weeks. Age 18-65 years. Subject is willing to refrain from vigorous exercise (light physical activity only) 24 hours prior to timed 5K assessment. Subject is willing to avoid alcohol consumption 24 hours prior to 5K assessment. Subject is willing to provide consent. Subject is able to continuously wear their activity tracker, including during sleep, except when submerged underwater (i.e., swimming, bathing). Subjects must have compatible wearable device (Android, Apple Health, Dexcom, Fitbit, Garmin, Health Connect, Oura, Polar, Whoop, and Withings). Exclusion Criteria: Individual has a condition the Investigator believes would interfere with his ability to provide informed consent, comply with the project/study protocol, which might confound the interpretation of the project/study results or put the person at undue risk. Those with a medical history that would interfere with the results of this study. Those that have ≥1 risk factor for cardiovascular disease according to the American College of Sports Medicine. Age: Men ≥ 45 yrs; Women ≥ 55 yrs. Family History: Heart attack, "bypass surgery", or sudden death before the age of 55 yrs for father/brother, or before 65 yrs for mother/sister. Cigarette Smoking: Current smoker, or have quit \< 6 months, or exposed to environmental smoke. Sedentary lifestyle: Not participating in moderate (sweating) physical activity at least 3 days/week for 3-months. Obesity: Body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2 or waist girth 102 cm (40 inches) for men and 88 cm (35 inches) for women. Hypertension: Systolic Blood Pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and/or Diastolic ≥90 mmHg, or taking medication. Dyslipidemia: LDL ≥130 mg/dl, or HDL \< 40 mg/dl, or taking medication. Or triglycerides (TG) \> 200 \> mg/dl. Pre-diabetes: Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) ≥ 100 mg/dl or oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) ≥ 140 or ≤ 199 mg/dl confirmed by two different measurements. Under the care of a physician. Sleep disorders. Using prescription medications that would impact sleep. If female, you are not pregnant, planning to get pregnant or currently breast feeding. Not able to wear activity tracker continuously. Lack of proficiency in English. Lack of proficiency or access to the internet and email address. Participation in another clinical trial within the past 30 days. Subject is employed by, or has a parent, guardian, or other immediate family member employed by a company that manufactures any products that compete with any Gatorade product. If subject is unsure if a company would be considered a competitor to Gatorade, they will be asked to please let the study investigator know the name of the other company and the nature of their relationship to that company before they sign the informed consent.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Remote study, no physical site. Managed by Gatorade Sports Science Institute. Do not contact investigators to enroll. Recruitment is handled by an independent agency.
Chicago, Illinois, 60607, United States
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