Sustained AttentionEXCOGNCT07400432
Acute Effects of Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise Versus HIIT on Cognitive Performance and Psychophysiological Responses in Physically Active Adults
A study testing Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise (MICE) and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) in people with Sustained Attention and Cognitive Performance, run by Qassim University at 1 site in Saudi Arabia.
Trial summary
This study aims to compare the immediate effects of two common types of exercise-moderate-intensity continuous exercise and high-intensity interval training (HIIT)-on attention, alertness, and physiological responses in physically active young adults. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 30 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Sustained Attention, Cognitive Performance, Cognitive Performance During Physical Activity
- What is being tested?
- Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise (MICE) and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 38 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSaudi Arabia
- Study dates
- 1 Oct 2025to 5 Apr 2026
- 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
- Aged between 18 and 30 years.
- Physically active individuals, as assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).
- In good general health.
- Cleared for physical activity participation based on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q).
- Enrolled as university students.
- Able and willing to provide written informed consent.
Who cannot join
- History of cardiovascular, neurological, or musculoskeletal disorders that may affect exercise safety or cognitive performance.
- Presence of uncontrolled hypertension, recent concussion, or any medical condition contraindicating exercise.
- Use of medications that may influence cognition, mood, or cardiovascular responses.
- Pregnancy.
- Failure to pass PAR-Q screening without medical clearance.
- Heavy smoking or history of substance abuse.
- Visual or hearing impairments that could interfere with computerized cognitive task performance.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: Acute Effects of Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise Versus High-Intensity Interval Training on Cognitive Performance and Psychophysiological Responses in Physically Active Adults: A Randomized Crossover Study
This study aims to compare the immediate effects of two common types of exercise-moderate-intensity continuous exercise and high-intensity interval training (HIIT)-on attention, alertness, and physiological responses in physically active young adults.
Attention and mental alertness are essential for learning, academic performance, and daily functioning. Previous research suggests that a single session of exercise can temporarily improve cognitive performance, but it is not clear whether moderate exercise or high-intensity interval exercise is more effective in producing these immediate benefits.
Read more
In this study, participants will complete two supervised treadmill exercise sessions on separate days: one session of moderate-intensity continuous exercise and one session of high-intensity interval training. The order of the two exercise sessions will be randomized, and there will be a rest period of 48 to 72 hours between sessions.
Before and immediately after each exercise session, participants will complete computerized cognitive tests that measure sustained attention and reaction time. Heart rate, oxygen saturation, perceived exertion, mood, and alertness will also be measured to evaluate physiological and psychological responses to exercise.
By comparing the effects of these two exercise approaches within the same individuals, this study aims to identify which type of exercise leads to better immediate cognitive performance and favorable physiological responses. The findings may help guide exercise recommendations for improving attention, alertness, and overall mental performance in young adults.
Read the detailed description
This study is a randomized within-subject crossover clinical trial designed to compare the acute effects of moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on cognitive performance and psychophysiological responses in physically active young adults.
Each participant will complete two supervised treadmill exercise sessions-one MICE session and one HIIT session-on separate days, with a 48-72-hour washout period. The order of the two exercise conditions will be randomized using a computer-generated sequence. This crossover design allows each participant to serve as their own control, reducing inter-individual variability and increasing statistical power.
Cognitive performance will be assessed immediately before and after each exercise session using validated computerized tests of sustained attention and vigilance, including the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) and the Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT). Primary cognitive outcomes will include reaction time, accuracy, response inhibition, and attentional lapses.
Psychophysiological responses will be monitored throughout the exercise sessions and immediately post-exercise. These include heart rate, oxygen saturation, rating of perceived exertion, mood, and alertness. Exercise intensity will be prescribed based on percentages of age-predicted maximum heart rate and continuously monitored to ensure protocol adherence and participant safety.
Data will be analyzed using within-subject statistical comparisons to evaluate differences between exercise conditions. The findings are expected to provide evidence on how acute exercise intensity influences immediate cognitive and physiological responses, informing exercise recommendations for optimizing attention and alertness in young adults.
- Conditions
- Sustained Attention, Cognitive Performance, Cognitive Performance During Physical Activity
- Being tested
- Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise (MICE), High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
- Keywords
- Exercise, High-Intensity Interval Training, Aerobic Exercise, SART, Psychomotor Vigilance Task, Exercise Intensity
- Medical subject headings
- Motor Activity
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise (MICE)Other
Also called Moderate Aerobic Exercise, Continuous Aerobic Exercise
Participants perform continuous treadmill exercise for 20 minutes at 60-70% of age-predicted maximum heart rate. Each session includes a standardized warm-up period of approximately 3 minutes and a cool-down period of 2-3 minutes. Heart rate, oxygen saturation, and rating of perceived exertion are monitored throughout the session to ensure adherence to the target intensity and participant safety.
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)Other
Also called High-Intensity Interval Exercise, Interval Aerobic Training
Participants perform treadmill-based high-intensity interval training consisting of repeated short bouts of exercise at 85-95% of age-predicted maximum heart rate, interspersed with brief recovery periods. Total session duration is approximately 20 minutes, including standardized warm-up and cool-down periods. Heart rate, oxygen saturation, and rating of perceived exertion are continuously monitored to ensure safety and protocol compliance.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise (MICE) | Experimental | Participants perform continuous treadmill exercise for 20 minutes at 60-70% of age-predicted maximum heart rate, including standardized warm-up and cool-down periods. Heart rate, oxygen saturation, and perceived exertion are monitored throughout the session to ensure protocol adherence and participant safety. Receives: Other: Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise (MICE) |
| High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) | Experimental | Participants perform treadmill-based high-intensity interval training consisting of repeated short bouts at 85-95% of age-predicted maximum heart rate interspersed with brief recovery periods, with a total session duration of approximately 20 minutes including warm-up and cool-down. Heart rate, oxygen saturation, and perceived exertion are continuously monitored. Receives: Other: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) Performance
Sustained attention and response inhibition will be assessed using the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART). Outcome variables will include reaction time, accuracy, commission errors, and omission errors, reflecting participants' ability to maintain sustained attention and inhibitory control following acute exercise.
Measured: Immediately before each exercise session (within the same day for both intervention conditions)
Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) Performance
Sustained attention and response inhibition will be assessed using the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART). Outcome variables will include reaction time, accuracy, commission errors, and omission errors, reflecting participants' ability to maintain sustained attention and inhibitory control following acute exercise.
Measured: immediately after each exercise session (within the same day for both intervention conditions)
Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT) Performance
Vigilance and reaction time will be evaluated using the Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT). Outcome variables will include mean reaction time, number of attentional lapses, and response accuracy, reflecting participants' sustained alertness following acute exercise.
Measured: Immediately before each exercise session (within the same day for both intervention conditions)
Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT) Performance
Vigilance and reaction time will be evaluated using the Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT). Outcome variables will include mean reaction time, number of attentional lapses, and response accuracy, reflecting participants' sustained alertness following acute exercise.
Measured: immediately after each exercise session (within the same day for both intervention conditions)
Secondary outcomes (8)
Heart Rate Response During and After Exercise
Heart rate will be continuously monitored during each exercise session and recorded at baseline, during exercise, and immediately post-exercise to evaluate physiological responses to moderate-intensity continuous exercise and high-intensity interval training.
Measured: During each exercise session
Heart Rate Response During and After Exercise
Heart rate will be continuously monitored during each exercise session and recorded at baseline, during exercise, and immediately post-exercise to evaluate physiological responses to moderate-intensity continuous exercise and high-intensity interval training.
Measured: Immediately after each exercise session
Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂) Response
Peripheral oxygen saturation will be measured using a pulse oximeter before, during, and immediately after each exercise session to assess acute cardiorespiratory responses to exercise intensity.
Measured: During each exercise session
Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂) Response
Peripheral oxygen saturation will be measured using a pulse oximeter before, during, and immediately after each exercise session to assess acute cardiorespiratory responses to exercise intensity.
Measured: Immediately after each exercise session
Rating of Perceived Exertion Assessed by the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale (6-20)
Perceived exertion will be assessed using the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale (6-20) during and immediately after each exercise session to evaluate subjective exercise intensity and effort. The scale ranges from 6 (no exertion at all) to 20 (maximal exertion). Higher scores indicate greater perceived physical effort.
Measured: During each exercise session
Rating of Perceived Exertion Assessed by the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale (6-20)
Perceived exertion will be assessed using the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale (6-20) during and immediately after each exercise session to evaluate subjective exercise intensity and effort. The scale ranges from 6 (no exertion at all) to 20 (maximal exertion). Higher scores indicate greater perceived physical effort.
Measured: Immediately after each exercise session
Mood and Alertness Assessed by Numeric Rating Scales (0-10)
Subjective mood and alertness will be assessed using separate 10-point Numeric Rating Scales (0-10) administered immediately before and immediately after each exercise session. For each scale, 0 represents the lowest level (very poor mood / extremely sleepy) and 10 represents the highest level (excellent mood / fully alert). Higher scores indicate better mood and greater alertness.
Measured: Immediately before each exercise session
Mood and Alertness Assessed by Numeric Rating Scales (0-10)
Subjective mood and alertness will be assessed using separate 10-point Numeric Rating Scales (0-10) administered immediately before and immediately after each exercise session. For each scale, 0 represents the lowest level (very poor mood / extremely sleepy) and 10 represents the highest level (excellent mood / fully alert). Higher scores indicate better mood and greater alertness.
Measured: Immediately after each exercise session
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted10 Feb 2026
- Study start1 Oct 2025
- Primary completion1 Mar 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion5 Apr 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (6)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Sustained AttentionStudies 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
- Model description
- This study uses a randomized within-subject crossover design in which each participant completes two exercise interventions-moderate-intensity continuous exercise and high-intensity interval training-on separate days, with a 48-72-hour washout period. The order of the interventions is randomized so that each participant serves as their own control.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 38 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Qassim University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Cairo University
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Maged Basha, Qassim University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07400432
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- QU 10-20-26
- Acronym
- EXCOG
- Status last verified
- Feb 2026
- First submitted
- 30 Jan 2026
- Last updated
- 10 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared publicly. All collected data will be analyzed and reported in aggregate form only to ensure participant confidentiality and data protection.
Publications
Nanda B, Balde J, Manjunatha S. The Acute Effects of a Single Bout of Moderate-intensity Aerobic Exercise on Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adult Males. J Clin Diagn Res. 2013 Sep;7(9):1883-5. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2013/5855.3341. Epub 2013 Sep 10.
PubMed 24179888Pujari V. Moving to Improve Mental Health - The Role of Exercise in Cognitive Function: A Narrative Review. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2024 Feb;16(Suppl 1):S26-S30. doi: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_614_23. Epub 2024 Feb 29.
PubMed 38595617Singh B, Bennett H, Miatke A, Dumuid D, Curtis R, Ferguson T, Brinsley J, Szeto K, Petersen JM, Gough C, Eglitis E, Simpson CE, Ekegren CL, Smith AE, Erickson KI, Maher C. Effectiveness of exercise for improving cognition, memory and executive function: a systematic umbrella review and meta-meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2025 Jun 3;59(12):866-876. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2024-108589.
PubMed 40049759Olivo G, Nilsson J, Garzon B, Lebedev A, Wahlin A, Tarassova O, Ekblom M, Lovden M. Immediate effects of a single session of physical exercise on cognition and cerebral blood flow: A randomized controlled study of older adults. Neuroimage. 2021 Jan 15;225:117500. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.117500. Epub 2020 Oct 24.
PubMed 33169699Yildirim MS, Guclu-Gunduz A, Ozkul C, Korkmaz S. Investigating the acute effect of low and moderate intensity aerobic exercise on whole-body task learning and cognition in young adults. Eur J Neurosci. 2024 Sep;60(6):5203-5216. doi: 10.1111/ejn.16504. Epub 2024 Aug 13.
PubMed 39136270Basso JC, Suzuki WA. The Effects of Acute Exercise on Mood, Cognition, Neurophysiology, and Neurochemical Pathways: A Review. Brain Plast. 2017 Mar 28;2(2):127-152. doi: 10.3233/BPL-160040.
PubMed 29765853
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 10 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Acute Effects of Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise Versus High-Intensity Interval Training on Cognitive Performance and Psychophysiological Responses in Physically Active Adults: A Randomized Crossover Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07400432
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- EXCOG / QU 10-20-26
- Conditions
- Sustained Attention, Cognitive Performance, Cognitive Performance During Physical Activity
- Keywords
- Exercise, High-Intensity Interval Training, Aerobic Exercise, SART, Psychomotor Vigilance Task, Exercise Intensity
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Enrolling by invitation
- Enrolment
- 38 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Qassim UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Cairo University
- Study start
- 1 Oct 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Mar 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 5 Apr 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 10 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 aims to compare the immediate effects of two common types of exercise-moderate-intensity continuous exercise and high-intensity interval training (HIIT)-on attention, alertness, and physiological responses in physically active young adults.
Attention and mental alertness are essential for learning, academic performance, and daily functioning. Previous research suggests that a single session of exercise can temporarily improve cognitive performance, but it is not clear whether moderate exercise or high-intensity interval exercise is more effective in producing these immediate benefits.
In this study, participants will complete two supervised treadmill exercise sessions on separate days: one session of moderate-intensity continuous exercise and one session of high-intensity interval training. The order of the two exercise sessions will be randomized, and there will be a rest period of 48 to 72 hours between sessions.
Before and immediately after each exercise session, participants will complete computerized cognitive tests that measure sustained attention and reaction time. Heart rate, oxygen saturation, perceived exertion, mood, and alertness will also be measured to evaluate physiological and psychological responses to exercise.
By comparing the effects of these two exercise approaches within the same individuals, this study aims to identify which type of exercise leads to better immediate cognitive performance and favorable physiological responses. The findings may help guide exercise recommendations for improving attention, alertness, and overall mental performance in young adults.
Detailed description
This study is a randomized within-subject crossover clinical trial designed to compare the acute effects of moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on cognitive performance and psychophysiological responses in physically active young adults.
Each participant will complete two supervised treadmill exercise sessions-one MICE session and one HIIT session-on separate days, with a 48-72-hour washout period. The order of the two exercise conditions will be randomized using a computer-generated sequence. This crossover design allows each participant to serve as their own control, reducing inter-individual variability and increasing statistical power.
Cognitive performance will be assessed immediately before and after each exercise session using validated computerized tests of sustained attention and vigilance, including the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) and the Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT). Primary cognitive outcomes will include reaction time, accuracy, response inhibition, and attentional lapses.
Psychophysiological responses will be monitored throughout the exercise sessions and immediately post-exercise. These include heart rate, oxygen saturation, rating of perceived exertion, mood, and alertness. Exercise intensity will be prescribed based on percentages of age-predicted maximum heart rate and continuously monitored to ensure protocol adherence and participant safety.
Data will be analyzed using within-subject statistical comparisons to evaluate differences between exercise conditions. The findings are expected to provide evidence on how acute exercise intensity influences immediate cognitive and physiological responses, informing exercise recommendations for optimizing attention and alertness in young adults.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This study uses a randomized within-subject crossover design in which each participant completes two exercise interventions-moderate-intensity continuous exercise and high-intensity interval training-on separate days, with a 48-72-hour washout period. The order of the interventions is randomized so that each participant serves as their own control.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise (MICE) | Experimental | Other: Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise (MICE)Participants perform continuous treadmill exercise for 20 minutes at 60-70% of age-predicted maximum heart rate, including standardized warm-up and cool-down periods. Heart rate, oxygen saturation, and perceived exertion are monitored throughout the session to ensure protocol adherence and participant safety. |
| High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) | Experimental | Other: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)Participants perform treadmill-based high-intensity interval training consisting of repeated short bouts at 85-95% of age-predicted maximum heart rate interspersed with brief recovery periods, with a total session duration of approximately 20 minutes including warm-up and cool-down. Heart rate, oxygen saturation, and perceived exertion are continuously monitored. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 30 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Aged between 18 and 30 years.
- Physically active individuals, as assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).
- In good general health.
- Cleared for physical activity participation based on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q).
- Enrolled as university students.
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- History of cardiovascular, neurological, or musculoskeletal disorders that may affect exercise safety or cognitive performance.
- Presence of uncontrolled hypertension, recent concussion, or any medical condition contraindicating exercise.
- Use of medications that may influence cognition, mood, or cardiovascular responses.
- Pregnancy.
- Failure to pass PAR-Q screening without medical clearance.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise (MICE)Also: Moderate Aerobic Exercise, Continuous Aerobic ExerciseParticipants perform continuous treadmill exercise for 20 minutes at 60-70% of age-predicted maximum heart rate. Each session includes a standardized warm-up period of approximately 3 minutes and a cool-down period of 2-3 minutes. Heart rate, oxygen saturation, and rating of perceived exertion are monitored throughout the session to ensure adherence to the target intensity and participant safety. | Other | Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise (MICE) |
| High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)Also: High-Intensity Interval Exercise, Interval Aerobic TrainingParticipants perform treadmill-based high-intensity interval training consisting of repeated short bouts of exercise at 85-95% of age-predicted maximum heart rate, interspersed with brief recovery periods. Total session duration is approximately 20 minutes, including standardized warm-up and cool-down periods. Heart rate, oxygen saturation, and rating of perceived exertion are continuously monitored to ensure safety and protocol compliance. | Other | High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) |
Primary outcome
Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) Performance
Time frame: Immediately before each exercise session (within the same day for both intervention conditions)
Sustained attention and response inhibition will be assessed using the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART). Outcome variables will include reaction time, accuracy, commission errors, and omission errors, reflecting participants' ability to maintain sustained attention and inhibitory control following acute exercise.
Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) Performance
Time frame: immediately after each exercise session (within the same day for both intervention conditions)
Sustained attention and response inhibition will be assessed using the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART). Outcome variables will include reaction time, accuracy, commission errors, and omission errors, reflecting participants' ability to maintain sustained attention and inhibitory control following acute exercise.
Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT) Performance
Time frame: Immediately before each exercise session (within the same day for both intervention conditions)
Vigilance and reaction time will be evaluated using the Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT). Outcome variables will include mean reaction time, number of attentional lapses, and response accuracy, reflecting participants' sustained alertness following acute exercise.
Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT) Performance
Time frame: immediately after each exercise session (within the same day for both intervention conditions)
Vigilance and reaction time will be evaluated using the Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT). Outcome variables will include mean reaction time, number of attentional lapses, and response accuracy, reflecting participants' sustained alertness following acute exercise.
8 secondary outcomes
Heart Rate Response During and After Exercise
Time frame: During each exercise session
Heart Rate Response During and After Exercise
Time frame: Immediately after each exercise session
Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂) Response
Time frame: During each exercise session
Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂) Response
Time frame: Immediately after each exercise session
Rating of Perceived Exertion Assessed by the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale (6-20)
Time frame: During each exercise session
Rating of Perceived Exertion Assessed by the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale (6-20)
Time frame: Immediately after each exercise session
Mood and Alertness Assessed by Numeric Rating Scales (0-10)
Time frame: Immediately before each exercise session
Mood and Alertness Assessed by Numeric Rating Scales (0-10)
Time frame: Immediately after each exercise session
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 10 Feb 2026.
- Background: PubMed 24179888Nanda B, Balde J, Manjunatha S. The Acute Effects of a Single Bout of Moderate-intensity Aerobic Exercise on Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adult Males. J Clin Diagn Res. 2013 Sep;7(9):1883-5. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2013/5855.3341. Epub 2013 Sep 10.
- Background: PubMed 38595617Pujari V. Moving to Improve Mental Health - The Role of Exercise in Cognitive Function: A Narrative Review. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2024 Feb;16(Suppl 1):S26-S30. doi: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_614_23. Epub 2024 Feb 29.
- Background: PubMed 40049759Singh B, Bennett H, Miatke A, Dumuid D, Curtis R, Ferguson T, Brinsley J, Szeto K, Petersen JM, Gough C, Eglitis E, Simpson CE, Ekegren CL, Smith AE, Erickson KI, Maher C. Effectiveness of exercise for improving cognition, memory and executive function: a systematic umbrella review and meta-meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2025 Jun 3;59(12):866-876. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2024-108589.
- Results publication: PubMed 33169699Olivo G, Nilsson J, Garzon B, Lebedev A, Wahlin A, Tarassova O, Ekblom M, Lovden M. Immediate effects of a single session of physical exercise on cognition and cerebral blood flow: A randomized controlled study of older adults. Neuroimage. 2021 Jan 15;225:117500. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.117500. Epub 2020 Oct 24.
- Results publication: PubMed 39136270Yildirim MS, Guclu-Gunduz A, Ozkul C, Korkmaz S. Investigating the acute effect of low and moderate intensity aerobic exercise on whole-body task learning and cognition in young adults. Eur J Neurosci. 2024 Sep;60(6):5203-5216. doi: 10.1111/ejn.16504. Epub 2024 Aug 13.
- Results publication: PubMed 29765853Basso JC, Suzuki WA. The Effects of Acute Exercise on Mood, Cognition, Neurophysiology, and Neurochemical Pathways: A Review. Brain Plast. 2017 Mar 28;2(2):127-152. doi: 10.3233/BPL-160040.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared publicly. All collected data will be analyzed and reported in aggregate form only to ensure participant confidentiality and data protection.
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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.
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 Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise (MICE) and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) in people with Sustained Attention and Cognitive Performance, run by Qassim University at 1 site in Saudi Arabia.
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 6 inclusion and 7 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: enrolling by invitation, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 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 Saudi Arabia. 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?
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?
Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) Performance (time frame: Immediately before each exercise session (within the same day for both intervention conditions)). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07400432, which also lists 6 linked publications.
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 10 Feb 2026.