The Role of Physical Ardor in Triggering State Anattā and Psychophysiological Recovery

Summary

This study investigates how different types of aerobic exercise-specifically continuous treadmill running versus intermittent ball games-influence mental restoration in university students. The research introduces the concept of "Physical Ardor" (PA), a state of high-intensity physical engagement that may act as a "circuit breaker" for persistent self-narrative and stress.

A total of 600 participants were assigned to four experimental groups to compare the effects of exercise intensity (moderate vs. high) and modality (continuous vs. intermittent). The study aims to determine whether high-intensity physical ardor can trigger a "State Anattā Experience" (a psychological state of "no-self" and tranquility) and subsequently enhance psychophysiological release and recovery. Results from this study will provide new insights into how structured exercise can be used as an effective intervention for academic stress and mental fatigue.

Conditions

• Psychological Stress
• Mental Fatigue
• Self-Perception
• Autonomic Nervous System Function
• Post-Exercise Recovery
• Healthy University Students

Interventions

OTHER

Continuous Aerobic Exercise (Treadmill-based)

Participants engage in continuous running on a motorized treadmill. The protocol is designed to evaluate the psychological and physiological effects of steady-state exercise. Group A: 15 minutes of continuous running at a moderate intensity of 40-50% HRmax. Group C: 30 minutes of continuous running at a moderate intensity of 40-50% HRmax. Heart rate is monitored throughout to ensure compliance with the prescribed intensity zone.

OTHER

Intermittent Aerobic Exercise (Ball Games)

Participants participate in high-intensity intermittent ball games (such as basketball or volleyball). This intervention focuses on the impact of "Physical Ardor" (PA) generated through high-intensity, fluctuating physical engagement. Group B: 30 minutes of intermittent activity at a high intensity exceeding 70% HRmax. Group C: 15 minutes of intermittent activity at a high intensity exceeding 70% HRmax. Exercise intensity is verified through both %HRmax data and the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE).

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Wuhan Technical University

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Lincoln University College

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Sheng Yan · Wuhan Technical University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

30 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-04-01

Primary Completion

2025-06-01

Completion

2026-01-15

Countries

• China

Study Locations