NCT04861818 · University of North Carolina, Greensboro
The Role of the Time of Day in the Effects of Exercise on Memory in Heathy Young Adults
(TEEMY)
What this study is about
Cumulative evidence indicates that a single bout of exercise has beneficial impacts on memory in young adults. From a physiological perspective, acute exercise leads to changes of heart rate variability (HRV), which is associated with memory retrieval process.
View original scientific description
Cumulative evidence indicates that a single bout of exercise has beneficial impacts on memory in young adults. From a physiological perspective, acute exercise leads to changes of heart rate variability (HRV), which is associated with memory retrieval process. From a psychological perspective, acute exercise increases the arousal level and thus facilitates cognitive processing including memory storage and retrieval. Such HRV- and/or arousal-based effects of exercise on memory could be differed by the time of day in young adults based on their circadian rhythms of HRV. Moreover, young adults prefer afternoon or evening to morning in their circadian rhythms, demonstrating less wakefulness and lower memory performance in the morning relative to afternoon. Based on the potential psychophysiological mechanisms, exercise could impact young adults' memory differently by the time of day. The investigators aim to 1) determine the extent to which the time of day modulates how moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise impacts verbal-auditory and visuospatial short- and long-term memory in young adults, and 2) consider potential psychological and physiological markers that may mediate exercise's effects on cognitive performance. As cognitive benefits of exercise might differ by the time of day, it is important to investigate such interaction and make the right recommendations of the timing of exercise for young adults in academic settings.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise
Eligible participants will come into the lab on day 1 and 3 at the same time of day (either morning at 7-10am or afternoon at 3-5pm). They will be then randomly assigned for a rest or an exercise session prior to the memory test. For the rest condition, they will be required to sit and relax while watching Planet Earth for 30 minutes on a cycle ergometer. During the exercise session, they will complete a moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise for 20 minutes following a 5-min warm-up and followed by a 5-min cool-down on a cycle ergometer. They will start the memory test immediately after the rest/exercise session.
Primary outcome measures
Verbal episodic memory change
Time frame: Immediately after the intervention, the first cognitive test
Verbal episodic memory will be assessed immediately and 24 hour after intervention (rest and exercise) using the Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT trial 1 - 8; max/min score: 15/0 for each trial)
Visual episodic memory change
Time frame: Immediately after the intervention, the second cognitive test
Verbal episodic memory will be assessed immediately after intervention (rest and exercise) using the NIH Toolbox Picture Sequence Memory Test (max/min score: 30/0).
Lure discrimination index change
Time frame: Immediately after the intervention, the third cognitive test
Lure discrimination index will be assessed immediately after intervention (rest and exercise) using the Mnemonic Similarity Task (max/min score: 1/0).
Working memory change
Time frame: Immediately after the intervention, the fourth cognitive test
Verbal episodic memory will be assessed immediately after intervention (rest and exercise) using the Digits Span Forward and Backward Task (max/min score: 14/0).
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Between the ages of 18-25.
- Currently meeting the American College of Sports Medicine's recommended guidelines of activity (at least 90 min/week of moderate and/or vigorous physical activity).
- Willing to participate for 4 days (2 visits) and refrain from exercise outside of the lab for 4 days (1 day before and the day of two visits).
Exclusion criteria
- Any known history of cardiac, pulmonary, or metabolic disease (e.g. cardiovascular disease, asthma, diabetes).
- A current musculoskeletal injury, mental illness (e.g., depression, anxiety, or stress disorders), or sleep disorder.
Where
- Greensboro, North Carolina
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Dec 17, 2024 · Source of record for eligibility and locations