Can a quick sprint boost your brain? study tests running intensity on mental performance
NCT ID NCT07379879
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looks at how a single session of running at different intensities changes a blood marker linked to brain health (BDNF) and affects attention and self-control in healthy young men aged 18-25. Twelve participants will complete four sessions: low-intensity running, moderate-intensity running, high-intensity interval training, and seated rest. Blood samples and a thinking test (Stroop test) are taken before and after each session to compare the effects.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- running at different intensities (low, moderate, high-intensity interval training)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could help design exercise programs that boost brain health and cognitive function in young adults.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early study with only 12 healthy young men, so results may not apply to other groups. The cognitive and blood marker changes may be small or inconsistent.
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
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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
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12 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Aug 2025
- Finished
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Sep 2025
- Lead sponsor
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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
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18 to 25 years
- Sex
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Male participants only
- 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: * Aged between 18 and 25 years * No known medical condition that prevents participation in exercise * Not currently using any pharmacological agents Exclusion Criteria: * Experiencing any discomfort before, during, or after exercise * Current or past diagnosis of pharmacological or doping substance use * Engaging in regular exercise (more than 3 times per week) within the last 2 weeks * History of alcohol or substance addiction * Any other condition or factor that may prevent full participation in the study protocol
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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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Aksaray University
Aksaray, Center, 68000, Turkey (Türkiye)
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