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FatigueNCT06941701

Effects of Physical Fatigue on Cognitive Load and Performance Under Dual-Task Environments.

A study testing Mild-intensity physical fatigue, Moderate-intensity physical fatigue and High-intensity physical fatigue in people with Fatigue and Cognitive Load, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

This study aims to determine how different levels of physical fatigue influence cognitive load and performance during dual-task activities. 1. To assess the changes in cognitive task performance under varying levels of physical fatigue. 2. There is an association between cognitive loading and physical fatigue. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 30 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Fatigue, Cognitive Load
What is being tested?
Mild-intensity physical fatigue, Moderate-intensity physical fatigue and High-intensity physical fatigue
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
90 participants
Where
1 sitePakistan
Study dates
23 Apr 2025to 30 Jul 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 30 years
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Individuals aged 18 to 30 years.
  • Physically healthy individuals.
  • Willingness to participate in the study.

Who cannot join

  • Cognitive Impairment.
  • Neurological injury.
  • Cardiac, pulmonary, or inflammatory diseases.
  • Mental health conditions include depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
  • Individuals unwilling to participate.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Riphah International University

    Islamabad, 44000

    Imran Amjad, 03324390125, imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk

    Recruiting

Other trials in Pakistan

About this study

Official title: To Determine the Effects of Physical Fatigue on Cognitive Load and Performance Under Dual-Task Environments.

This study aims to determine how different levels of physical fatigue influence cognitive load and performance during dual-task activities.

  1. To assess the changes in cognitive task performance under varying levels of physical fatigue.
  2. There is an association between cognitive loading and physical fatigue.
Read the detailed description

Working efficiency in our daily routine is hindered by constant change, urgency, and the demands of sustained efforts, all of which contribute to health and safety problems, and are extremely imprudent of human resources in the workplace, due to which individuals would raise anxiety, causing more attention required for task completion and thereby increasing cognitive load. Cognitive loading refers to the mental effort needed to process information and perform tasks. Physical performance is not only related to physical factors, psychological factors also have the potential to determine physical performance. Mental workload is defined as the difference between the cognitive demand of a particular task and the operator's attention resources. When cognitive demands exceed available resources, mental fatigue can occur, often reflected in decreased motor function and impaired physical performance. Fatigue is recognized as a dimensional phenomenon encompassing cognitive and motor fatigue. It is debatable whether cognitive fatigue is a spontaneous phenomenon or provoked by exertion or whether cognitive fatigue is provoked by cognitive effort or also through physical exercise. Physical fatigue develops more quickly when the brain has to devote resources to highly cognitive tasks. Influence of cognitive load on the dynamics of neurophysiological adjustments during exercise which causes fatigue explained by the interaction of various psychological and neurophysiological factors including higher perceived exertion, greater perturbations of autonomic nervous system activity, and cerebral impairments leading to earlier onset of central fatigue. The brain is like other biological tissue tired out when overused. Since the impact of physical exercise on cognitive functioning is dependent on the characteristics of the physical exercise load. Previous research has demonstrated a small-to-medium negative effect of cognitive exertion on subsequent physical performance. Our study aims to explore the interplay between varying levels of physical fatigue and cognitive performance. Specifically, we will examine how different intensities of physical load affect mental load and associated physiological functions. By investigating these relationships, we seek to provide insights into optimizing performance in dual-task environments, ultimately contributing to better health and efficiency in the workplace.

Being tested
Mild-intensity physical fatigue, Moderate-intensity physical fatigue, High-intensity physical fatigue
Keywords
Dual-Task Performance
Medical subject headings
Fatigue

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Mild-intensity physical fatigueOther

    Participants will undergo mild-intensity physical fatigue through a structured treadmill training protocol. The training will be conducted within a target heart rate range of 50-60% of their maximum heart rate (HRmax), ensuring controlled and consistent exercise intensity. This approach aims to induce mild physiological stress while maintaining safety and feasibility for all participants.

  • Moderate-intensity physical fatigueOther

    Participants will undergo Moderate-intensity physical fatigue through a structured treadmill training protocol. The training will be conducted within a target heart rate range of 60-70% of their maximum heart rate (HRmax), ensuring controlled and consistent exercise intensity. This approach aims to induce mild physiological stress while maintaining safety and feasibility for all participants.

  • High-intensity physical fatigueOther

    Participants will undergo High-intensity physical fatigue through a structured treadmill training protocol. The training will be conducted within a target heart rate range of 70-80% of their maximum heart rate (HRmax), ensuring controlled and consistent exercise intensity. This approach aims to induce sufficient physiological stress while maintaining safety and feasibility for all participants.

Study groups in NCT06941701
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Group 1ExperimentalParticipants with a target Heart rate range of 50-60% of their maximum heart rate. All members of Group 1 who meet the eligibility criteria will perform a cognitive task before undergoing mild-intensity physical fatigue induced by treadmill training. After that participants will complete the cognitive task again. To eliminate bias, three different levels of physical exertion will be randomly assigned.
Receives: Other: Mild-intensity physical fatigue
Group 2ExperimentalParticipants with a target Heart rate range of 60-70% of their maximum heart rate. All members of group 2 who meet the eligibility criteria will perform a cognitive task before undergoing moderate-intensity physical fatigue induced by treadmill training. After that participants will complete the cognitive task again. To eliminate bias, three different levels of physical exertion will be randomly assigned.
Receives: Other: Moderate-intensity physical fatigue
Group 3ExperimentalParticipants with a target Heart rate range of 70-80% of their maximum heart rate. All members of group 3 who meet the eligibility criteria will perform a cognitive task before undergoing high-intensity physical fatigue induced by treadmill training. After that participants will complete the cognitive task again. To eliminate bias, three different levels of physical exertion will be randomly assigned.
Receives: Other: High-intensity physical fatigue

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Heart rate variability

    An electrocardiogram (ECG) will be utilized to assess heart rate variability, which will measure the fluctuations in time between heartbeats. Low heart rate variability will indicate increased cognitive load.

    Measured: Baseline

  2. Heart rate variability (2nd reading)

    An electrocardiogram (ECG) will be utilized to assess heart rate variability, which will measure the fluctuations in time between heartbeats. Low heart rate variability will indicate increased cognitive load. 2nd reading will be measured during the cognitive task (without physical fatigue).

    Measured: Periprocedural

  3. Heart rate variability (3rd reading)

    An electrocardiogram (ECG) will be utilized to assess heart rate variability, which will measure the fluctuations in time between heartbeats. Low heart rate variability will indicate increased cognitive load. 3rd reading will be measured after the cognitive task (without physical fatigue).

    Measured: Periprocedural

  4. Heart rate variability (4rth reading)

    An electrocardiogram (ECG) will be utilized to assess heart rate variability, which will measure the fluctuations in time between heartbeats. Low heart rate variability will indicate increased cognitive load. 4rth reading will be measured after physical fatigue.

    Measured: Periprocedural

  5. Heart rate variability (5th reading)

    An electrocardiogram (ECG) will be utilized to assess heart rate variability, which will measure the fluctuations in time between heartbeats. Low heart rate variability will indicate increased cognitive load. The 5th reading will be measured during the cognitive task after physical fatigue.

    Measured: Periprocedural

  6. Heart rate variability (6th reading)

    An electrocardiogram (ECG) will be utilized to assess heart rate variability, which will measure the fluctuations in time between heartbeats. Low heart rate variability will indicate increased cognitive load. The 6th reading will be measured after the cognitive task, after physical fatigue.

    Measured: Periprocedural

  7. Galvanic skin response

    The electrical conductance of the skin, measured by Galvanic Skin Response (GSR), will be influenced by moisture levels resulting from sweat gland activity. A high GSR will typically indicate an increased cognitive load.

    Measured: Baseline

  8. Galvanic skin response (2nd reading)

    The electrical conductance of the skin, measured by Galvanic Skin Response (GSR), will be influenced by moisture levels resulting from sweat gland activity. A high GSR will typically indicate an increased cognitive load. 2nd reading will be measured during the cognitive task (without physical fatigue).

    Measured: Periprocedural

  9. Galvanic skin response (3rd reading)

    The electrical conductance of the skin, measured by Galvanic Skin Response (GSR), will be influenced by moisture levels resulting from sweat gland activity. A high GSR will typically indicate an increased cognitive load. 3rd reading will be measured after the cognitive task (without physical fatigue).

    Measured: Periprocedural

  10. Galvanic skin response (4rth reading)

    The electrical conductance of the skin, measured by Galvanic Skin Response (GSR), will be influenced by moisture levels resulting from sweat gland activity. A high GSR will typically indicate an increased cognitive load.4rth reading will be measured after physical fatigue.

    Measured: Periprocedural

  11. Galvanic skin response (5th reading)

    The electrical conductance of the skin, measured by Galvanic Skin Response (GSR), will be influenced by moisture levels resulting from sweat gland activity. A high GSR will typically indicate an increased cognitive load. The 5th reading will be measured during the cognitive task after physical fatigue.

    Measured: Periprocedural

  12. Galvanic skin response (6th reading)

    The electrical conductance of the skin, measured by Galvanic Skin Response (GSR), will be influenced by moisture levels resulting from sweat gland activity. A high GSR will typically indicate an increased cognitive load. The 6th reading will be measured after the cognitive task, after physical fatigue.

    Measured: Periprocedural

  13. Nasa task load index

    The different dimensions of task load, including mental demand, physical demand, temporal demand, performance, effort, and frustration, will be measured subjectively using the NASA Task Load Index (TLX). Low ratings will typically indicate an increased cognitive load. 1st reading will be taken after the cognitive task, before inducing physical fatigue.

    Measured: Periprocedural

  14. Nasa task load index (2nd reading)

    The different dimensions of task load, including mental demand, physical demand, temporal demand, performance, effort, and frustration, will be measured subjectively using the NASA Task Load Index (TLX). Low ratings will typically indicate an increased cognitive load. 2nd reading will be taken after the cognitive task, post physical fatigue induction.

    Measured: Periprocedural

  15. Borg scale of perceived exertion

    After achieving the mild intensity target heart rate range of 50-60% through treadmill training, the Borg Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) category scale (6-20) will be utilized to assess exertion levels. A higher score on this scale will indicate greater physical exertion.

    Measured: Periprocedural

  16. Borg scale of perceived exertion (Ist reading)

    Following the induction of physical fatigue, the Borg Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) category scale (6-20) will be used to evaluate exertion levels achieved during the treadmill training at the mild intensity target heart rate range of 50-60%. A higher score will reflect increased physical exertion. Ist reading will be taken after inducing physical fatigue.

    Measured: Periprocedural

  17. Borg scale of perceived exertion (2nd reading)

    After achieving the moderate intensity target heart rate range of 60-70% through treadmill training, the Borg Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) category scale (6-20) will be utilized to assess exertion levels. A higher score on this scale will indicate greater physical exertion. 2nd reading will be taken after the cognitive task prior to inducing physical fatigue.

    Measured: Periprocedural

  18. Borg scale of perceived exertion (3rd reading)

    Following the induction of physical fatigue, the Borg Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) category scale (6-20) will be used to evaluate exertion levels achieved during the treadmill training at the moderate intensity target heart rate range of 60-70%. A higher score will reflect increased physical exertion. 3rd reading will be taken after inducing physical fatigue.

    Measured: Periprocedural

  19. Borg scale of perceived exertion (4rth reading)

    After achieving the High-intensity target heart rate range of 70-80% through treadmill training, the Borg Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) category scale (6-20) will be utilized to assess exertion levels. A higher score on this scale will indicate greater physical exertion. 4rth reading will be taken after the cognitive task, before inducing physical fatigue.

    Measured: Periprocedural

  20. Borg scale of perceived exertion (5th reading)

    Following the induction of physical fatigue, the Borg Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) category scale (6-20) will be used to evaluate exertion levels achieved during the treadmill training at the High-intensity target heart rate range of 70-80%. A higher score will reflect increased physical exertion. 5th reading will be taken after inducing physical fatigue.

    Measured: Periprocedural

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted24 Apr 2025
  2. Study start23 Apr 2025
  3. Primary completion30 Jul 2025 (estimated)
  4. Study completion30 Jul 2025 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Health services research
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Reserach
Masking
Triple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
90 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06941701
Sponsor's protocol ID
REC/02028 Imran Amjad
Status last verified
Apr 2025
First submitted
7 Apr 2025
Last updated
25 Apr 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Mild-intensity physical fatigue, Moderate-intensity physical fatigue and High-intensity physical fatigue in people with Fatigue and Cognitive Load, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 Apr 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact IMRAN AMJAD (03324390125, imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Heart rate variability (time frame: Baseline). The study lists 20 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 25 Apr 2025.

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