BDNFANCCRNCT07379879
Acute Neurochemical and Cognitive Changes After HIIT vs MICT/LICT
A study testing Low Intensity Exercise, Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise and High-Intensity Interval Training in people with BDNF and Cognitive Performance, run by Aksaray University Training and Research Hospital at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study examines whether the intensity of a single running session changes a blood marker related to brain health (brain-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF), blood lactate, and performance on a short thinking task that measures attention and self-control (the Stroop test) in healthy young adult men. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 25 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- BDNF, Cognitive Performance, Lactate
- What is being tested?
- Low Intensity Exercise, Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise and High-Intensity Interval Training
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 12 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Aug 2025to 25 Sep 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
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 25 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Aged between 18 and 25 years
- No known medical condition that prevents participation in exercise
- Not currently using any pharmacological agents
Who cannot join
- 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
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Acute Neurochemical and Cognitive Responses to High Intensity Interval Training vs. Moderate- and Low-Intensity Continuous Training in Young Adult Males
This study examines whether the intensity of a single running session changes a blood marker related to brain health (brain-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF), blood lactate, and performance on a short thinking task that measures attention and self-control (the Stroop test) in healthy young adult men.
Twelve healthy males (18-25 years) will complete four separate sessions in a randomized, counterbalanced order, with at least 7 days between sessions. Each session includes an 8-minute warm-up followed by 24 minutes of one of the following conditions: low-intensity continuous running, moderate-intensity continuous running, high-intensity interval running (repeated 15-second fast runs with 15-second passive rest, organized into sets), or a seated rest control session. Running pace will be individualized based on a prior fitness test.
A small venous blood sample (about 8 mL) will be collected immediately before and within 1 minute after each session. After each session, participants will complete the Stroop test. The main outcomes are the before-to-after changes in serum BDNF, blood lactate, and Stroop test performance across the four conditions.
- Conditions
- BDNF, Cognitive Performance, Lactate, Exercise Intensity
- Being tested
- Low Intensity Exercise, Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise, High-Intensity Interval Training
- Keywords
- BDNF, Cognitive Performance, Stroop Test
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Low Intensity ExerciseBehavioural
Participants ran continuously for 24 minutes at 50-60% of their MAS without rest
Moderate-Intensity Continuous ExerciseBehavioural
Participants completed a continuous 24-min running bout at 70-80% of their MAS. The exercise was performed at a steady, uninterrupted pace throughout the session, with no planned rest periods. Participants were instructed to maintain the prescribed pace for the entire duration
High-Intensity Interval TrainingBehavioural
Participants performed 15-s running bouts at 110-120% of MAS, with the target distance for each bout pre-calculated from individual MAS (speed × time). Running was conducted shuttle-style between two cones. At the whistle, participants ran from one cone to the other for 15 s and then remained standing still for a 15-s passive rest at that cone. At the next whistle, they ran back in the opposite direction, followed by another 15-s stationary recovery. This 15-s run/15-s recovery cycle continued for 3 min, constituting one set (6 runs and 6 recovery intervals per set). Four sets were completed, separated by 3-min passive inter-set rest, resulting in a total session duration of 24 min
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Control | No intervention | Participants remained seated quietly at rest for 24 minutes in a quiet, well-lit room, matched to the exercise sessions for time schedule and environmental conditions. No physical activity was performed during this period. |
| Low-intensity continuous training | Experimental | They were asked to perform low intensity exercise for the specified time, determined according to their maximal oxygen consumption capacity. Receives: Behavioral: Low Intensity Exercise |
| Moderate-intensity continuous training | Experimental | They were asked to perform moderate intensity exercise for the specified time, determined according to their maximal oxygen consumption capacity. Receives: Behavioral: Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise |
| High-intensity interval training | Experimental | They were asked to perform HIIT exercise for the specified time, determined according to their maximal oxygen consumption capacity. Receives: Behavioral: High-Intensity Interval Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Lactate
Lactate levels were measured in millimoles per liter (mmol/L) from capillary/venous blood samples taken before and after exercise using a lactate analyzer.
Measured: Baseline, Immediately After Exercise (Day 1)
BDNF
BDNF levels were measured using a Sunred brand ELISA kit from blood samples taken baseline and after exercise, and the results were reported in ng/mL units.
Measured: Baseline, Immediately After Exercise (Day 1)
Stroop Test
Stroop test performance will be assessed as an indicator of executive function, primarily selective attention and inhibitory control. In this task, participants are required to identify the ink color of presented stimuli while suppressing the automatic tendency to read the written word, particularly during incongruent trials (e.g., the word "red" printed in blue ink). The test will be administered immediately after each session. Outcomes will include reaction time and accuracy (and/or an interference score derived from incongruent vs. congruent conditions). Reaction time will be recorded in seconds (s), with poorer performance reflected by slower responses and/or more errors.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after exercise (Day 1)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted2 Feb 2026
- Study start1 Aug 2025
- Primary completion20 Sep 2025
- Study completion25 Sep 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for BDNFStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
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
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 12 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Aksaray University Training and Research Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, serkan pancar, Aksaray University Training and Research Hospital
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07379879
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 185-8/10
- Acronym
- ANCCR
- Status last verified
- Jan 2026
- First submitted
- 24 Jan 2026
- Last updated
- 2 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided: A key risk is participant re-identification due to the small sample size and the presence of biomarker and performance data that could enable triangulation, even after de-identification.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 2 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Acute Neurochemical and Cognitive Responses to High Intensity Interval Training vs. Moderate- and Low-Intensity Continuous Training in Young Adult Males
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07379879
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ANCCR / 185-8/10
- Conditions
- BDNF, Cognitive Performance, Lactate, Exercise Intensity
- Keywords
- BDNF, Cognitive Performance, Stroop Test
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 12 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Aksaray University Training and Research HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Aug 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 20 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 25 Sep 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 2 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study examines whether the intensity of a single running session changes a blood marker related to brain health (brain-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF), blood lactate, and performance on a short thinking task that measures attention and self-control (the Stroop test) in healthy young adult men.
Twelve healthy males (18-25 years) will complete four separate sessions in a randomized, counterbalanced order, with at least 7 days between sessions. Each session includes an 8-minute warm-up followed by 24 minutes of one of the following conditions: low-intensity continuous running, moderate-intensity continuous running, high-intensity interval running (repeated 15-second fast runs with 15-second passive rest, organized into sets), or a seated rest control session. Running pace will be individualized based on a prior fitness test.
A small venous blood sample (about 8 mL) will be collected immediately before and within 1 minute after each session. After each session, participants will complete the Stroop test. The main outcomes are the before-to-after changes in serum BDNF, blood lactate, and Stroop test performance across the four conditions.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 4
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Control | No intervention | –Participants remained seated quietly at rest for 24 minutes in a quiet, well-lit room, matched to the exercise sessions for time schedule and environmental conditions. No physical activity was performed during this period. |
| Low-intensity continuous training | Experimental | Behavioral: Low Intensity ExerciseThey were asked to perform low intensity exercise for the specified time, determined according to their maximal oxygen consumption capacity. |
| Moderate-intensity continuous training | Experimental | Behavioral: Moderate-Intensity Continuous ExerciseThey were asked to perform moderate intensity exercise for the specified time, determined according to their maximal oxygen consumption capacity. |
| High-intensity interval training | Experimental | Behavioral: High-Intensity Interval TrainingThey were asked to perform HIIT exercise for the specified time, determined according to their maximal oxygen consumption capacity. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 25 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Aged between 18 and 25 years
- No known medical condition that prevents participation in exercise
- Not currently using any pharmacological agents
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- 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
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Low Intensity ExerciseParticipants ran continuously for 24 minutes at 50-60% of their MAS without rest | Behavioural | Low-intensity continuous training |
| Moderate-Intensity Continuous ExerciseParticipants completed a continuous 24-min running bout at 70-80% of their MAS. The exercise was performed at a steady, uninterrupted pace throughout the session, with no planned rest periods. Participants were instructed to maintain the prescribed pace for the entire duration | Behavioural | Moderate-intensity continuous training |
| High-Intensity Interval TrainingParticipants performed 15-s running bouts at 110-120% of MAS, with the target distance for each bout pre-calculated from individual MAS (speed × time). Running was conducted shuttle-style between two cones. At the whistle, participants ran from one cone to the other for 15 s and then remained standing still for a 15-s passive rest at that cone. At the next whistle, they ran back in the opposite direction, followed by another 15-s stationary recovery. This 15-s run/15-s recovery cycle continued for 3 min, constituting one set (6 runs and 6 recovery intervals per set). Four sets were completed, separated by 3-min passive inter-set rest, resulting in a total session duration of 24 min | Behavioural | High-intensity interval training |
Primary outcome
Lactate
Time frame: Baseline, Immediately After Exercise (Day 1)
Lactate levels were measured in millimoles per liter (mmol/L) from capillary/venous blood samples taken before and after exercise using a lactate analyzer.
BDNF
Time frame: Baseline, Immediately After Exercise (Day 1)
BDNF levels were measured using a Sunred brand ELISA kit from blood samples taken baseline and after exercise, and the results were reported in ng/mL units.
Stroop Test
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after exercise (Day 1)
Stroop test performance will be assessed as an indicator of executive function, primarily selective attention and inhibitory control. In this task, participants are required to identify the ink color of presented stimuli while suppressing the automatic tendency to read the written word, particularly during incongruent trials (e.g., the word "red" printed in blue ink). The test will be administered immediately after each session. Outcomes will include reaction time and accuracy (and/or an interference score derived from incongruent vs. congruent conditions). Reaction time will be recorded in seconds (s), with poorer performance reflected by slower responses and/or more errors.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 2 Feb 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided. A key risk is participant re-identification due to the small sample size and the presence of biomarker and performance data that could enable triangulation, even after de-identification.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Low Intensity Exercise, Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise and High-Intensity Interval Training in people with BDNF and Cognitive Performance, run by Aksaray University Training and Research Hospital at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Feb 2026. 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 Turkey (Türkiye). 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?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Lactate (time frame: Baseline, Immediately After Exercise (Day 1)). The study lists 3 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 2 Feb 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 7 Nov 2026.