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Acute Effects of Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise Versus HIIT on Cognitive Performance and Psychophysiological Responses in Physically Active Adults

NCT07400432 · Status: ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 38

Last updated 2026-02-10

No results posted yet for this study

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.

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.

Conditions

  • Sustained Attention
  • Cognitive Performance
  • Cognitive Performance During Physical Activity

Interventions

OTHER

Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise (MICE)

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.

OTHER

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Cairo University

    collaborator OTHER

  • Qassim University

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
SINGLE
Model
CROSSOVER

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
30 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-10-01
Primary Completion
2026-03-01
Completion
2026-04-05

Countries

  • Saudi Arabia

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07400432 on ClinicalTrials.gov