NCT05217589 · Old Dominion University
The Influence of Different Mood States and Emotions on the Physiologic, Metabolic, and Perceptual Responses to Feeding Before Exercise
What this study is about
Many athletes anecdotally report modifying their nutritional intake before competition in order to avoid gut problems, but no studies have evaluated whether emotional state impacts tolerance to pre-exercise feeding.
View original scientific description
Many athletes anecdotally report modifying their nutritional intake before competition in order to avoid gut problems, but no studies have evaluated whether emotional state impacts tolerance to pre-exercise feeding. Therefore, this study will use movie clips (stressful, horror, and funny/amusing) to induce different mood states and emotions, which will be followed by ingestion of food before endurance running on a treadmill. In addition, metabolic and physiologic responses to mood induction will be evaluated.
Interventions
OTHER
Funny/Amusing Video Clips
Participants watch 5-7 minutes of video clips that are funny/amusing in nature
OTHER
Horror/Scary Video Clips
Participants watch 5-7 minutes of video clips that are scary in nature
OTHER
Thrilling/Suspenseful Video Clips
Participants watch 5-7 minutes of video clips that are thrilling/suspenseful in nature
Primary outcome measures
Total exercise gastrointestinal symptom burden
Time frame: Total GI symptom burden over a 30-minute jogging/running protocol.
The severity of several gastrointestinal symptoms will be assessed on a validated 0-10 scale. Ratings will be collected every 5 minutes during a 30-minute treadmill jogging/running test. Scores from every 5-minute collection will be summed to calculate total GI symptom scores.
Change in emotion ratings
Time frame: Change in emotion ratings between immediately pre-video and immediately post-video.
Anxiety, fear, happiness, amusement, disgust, sadness, and anger on a 0-9 Likert scale. Emotions will be assessed before watching video clips and immediately after watching video clips.
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
- Aged 18 to 55 years
- Able to run for 30 min at a moderate-to-vigorous intensity without stopping
- No diagnosis or signs/symptoms of cardiovascular disease (CVD) or metabolic disorders
- Currently physically active (at least 3 days/week of exercise at a moderate or higher intensity)
- No visual or hearing impairments interfering with ability to see and hear video clips
- No allergies to ingredients in Boost drink
Exclusion criteria
- Aged \<18 or \>55 years
- Unable to run for 30 min at a moderate-to-vigorous intensity without stopping
- A diagnosis or signs/symptoms of CVD or metabolic disorders
- Currently physically inactive (\< 3 days/week of exercise at a moderate or higher intensity)
- Visual or hearing impairments interfering with ability to see and hear video clips
- Allergies to ingredients in Boost drink
Where
- Norfolk, Virginia
Related conditions & keywords
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 Mar 20, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations