Sedentary BehaviorNCT06754579
Impact of High-Volume Upper Limb Training on Physical and Cognitive Outcomes
A study testing High-Volume Upper Extremity Exercises Training and Low Volume Upper Extremity Exercises Training in people with Sedentary Behavior, run by Tarsus University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Engaging in regular and appropriately structured physical activities is a critical component of an individual's lifestyle and represents a lifelong habit essential for promoting overall well-being. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 50 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Sedentary Behavior
- What is being tested?
- High-Volume Upper Extremity Exercises Training and Low Volume Upper Extremity Exercises Training
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 32 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Jan 2025to 30 Dec 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 50 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Individuals aged between 18-50 years.
- Defined as engaging in less than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week
Who cannot join
- diagnosis of neurological, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, or other systemic diseases that may affect physical activity or exercise capacity.
- diagnosed cognitive impairments or psychiatric disorders that could interfere with test participation.
- acute injuries or surgeries within the past six months that could restrict movement or participation.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Fatma Kübra Çekok
Tarsus, Mersi̇n, 33400
Fatma K Çekok, PhD., 05434857545, kubracekok@tarsus.edu.tr
Nurel Ertürk, PhD., 05434857545, nurelerturk@tarsus.edu.tr
About this study
Official title: Effect of High-Volume Upper Extremity Exercises on Physical and Cognitive Performance in Sedentary Adults
Engaging in regular and appropriately structured physical activities is a critical component of an individual's lifestyle and represents a lifelong habit essential for promoting overall well-being. Research increasingly emphasizes the significance of such activities, particularly in the prevention and management of various health conditions (Martin, Richardson, Weiller, \& Jackson, 2004).A sedentary lifestyle is considered one of the most serious health issues faced by individuals in the modern world.Previous research has established high-intensity interval training (HIIT) as an effective method for enhancing cardiovascular health, sparking interest in the relationship between exercise intensity and cognitive function. Most studies to date have focused on treadmill and lower extremity ergometer exercises; however, evidence regarding the efficacy of high-volume upper extremity exercises in improving physical and cognitive performance among sedentary adults remains limited and inconsistent. Upper extremity motor function has been proposed as a potential biomarker for cognitive impairment and may contribute to distinguishing healthy aging trajectories. This study aims to compare the effects of high-volume and low-volume upper extremity exercise in sedentary adults, testing the hypothesis that one exercise regimen may be superior in enhancing both physical and cognitive performance, as well as cognitive function.
Read the detailed description
Engaging in regular, well-structured physical activities is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle and constitutes a lifelong habit essential for sustaining overall health and well-being. Such activities have been increasingly recognized for their vital role in preventing and managing a wide range of health conditions, emphasizing their importance for both physical and mental health (Martin, Richardson, Weiller, \& Jackson, 2004). Conversely, a sedentary lifestyle has emerged as one of the most pressing public health challenges of the modern era, contributing significantly to the global burden of disease and highlighting the need for effective intervention strategies.
Among these strategies, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has gained widespread attention for its efficacy in improving cardiovascular health. This has, in turn, sparked growing interest in understanding the broader impact of exercise intensity, particularly its effects on cognitive function. However, much of the existing research has concentrated on lower extremity exercises, such as those performed on treadmills or ergometers, leaving a significant gap in the understanding of the benefits of upper extremity exercises. The role of high-volume upper extremity exercise in enhancing both physical and cognitive performance remains underexplored, with current evidence presenting inconsistent and conflicting findings.
Notably, upper extremity motor function has been identified as a promising biomarker for cognitive impairment. Its assessment may provide critical insights into distinguishing healthy aging trajectories from pathological cognitive decline. This connection underscores the potential importance of upper extremity exercises as a tool for both physical and cognitive health maintenance in sedentary populations.
The present study aims to address these gaps by comparing the effects of high-volume and low-volume upper extremity exercise regimens on sedentary adults. Specifically, the research seeks to test the hypothesis that one of these exercise modalities may offer superior benefits in enhancing physical performance, cognitive performance, and overall cognitive function. By investigating these relationships, the study aims to contribute to the growing body of evidence on exercise-based interventions, offering novel insights into strategies for optimizing health outcomes in sedentary individuals.
- Conditions
- Sedentary Behavior
- Being tested
- High-Volume Upper Extremity Exercises Training, Low Volume Upper Extremity Exercises Training
- Keywords
- upper limb, reaction time, pyhsical performance, cognitive performance
- Medical subject headings
- Sedentary Behavior
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
High-Volume Upper Extremity Exercises TrainingOther
The group will be trained 3 days a week for a total of 8 weeks.
Low Volume Upper Extremity Exercises TrainingOther
The group will be trained 3 days a week for a total of 8 weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| High-Volume Upper Extremity Exercises Training | Experimental | The High volume upper extremity protocol consists of a 5-min warm-up at 60%-70% of max HR using an arm ergometer, followed by four 4-min work sessions reaching 90%-95% of max W, followed by a 3-min active recovery period at 60% max W. The exercise session is terminated by a 5-min cool-down at 60%-70% max W. The total exercise duration will be 35 minutes. Receives: Other: High-Volume Upper Extremity Exercises Training |
| Low Volume Upper Extremity Exercises Training | Experimental | Low volume upper extremity exercise training will be applied using an arm ergometer consisting of a 5-minute warm-up at 40% of max W, followed by 25 minutes of active training at 60-70% of max W and a 5-minute cool-down at 40% of max. Receives: Other: Low Volume Upper Extremity Exercises Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IFQQ-SF)
International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IFQQ-SF): UFQ-SF was developed by Craig and colleagues to determine the physical activity levels of individuals between the ages of 15-65. The short form is recommended more because the long form is boring and repetitive, so the "last 7 days" short form was used in our study. The short form (7 questions) provides information on time spent in sitting, walking, moderate-intensity and vigorous activities. The total score is expressed as one MET-min/week and is obtained by multiplying the number of days and minutes of walking, moderate-intensity and vigorous activity and the MET score.
Measured: eight weeks
Secondary outcomes (6)
Maximal Arm Exercise Capacity
The arm ergometer test is a widely used method to evaluate maximal arm exercise capacity, requiring the involvement of chest, back, hip, and leg muscles for body stabilization. This is particularly important as the test primarily targets a smaller muscle mass compared to bicycle ergometer testing. For this study, the Monark 881E Rehab Trainer (MONARK 881E, Monark, Varberg, Sweden) arm ergometer will be employed.
Measured: Eight weeks
Stroop Test
The Stroop Test utilized in this study is based on the Istanbul Medical Faculty (Çapa) Neuropsychology Laboratory adaptation of the Stroop Test form originally developed by Weintraub (2000). Participants are instructed to name the colors of the small rectangles (red, blue, green) as quickly as possible, moving from left to right. This stage is used to identify any visual or color perception impairments, such as color blindness. If such deficiencies are detected, the test is discontinued.Stroop B (word reading): Participants are asked to read aloud the printed color names (red, blue, green) that are written in incompatible ink colors as quickly as possible. Stroop C (Color-Word Interference).
Measured: Eight weeks
Reaction Time
The auditory and visual reaction times of sedentary individuals will be assessed using the Newtest 1000™ device (OY, Oulu, Finland). This device is capable of delivering three types of stimuli and consists of two primary components designed for precise reaction time measurements.Following the familiarization trial, three measurements will be conducted for each type of stimulus (auditory and visual), and the reaction times will be recorded in milliseconds. This protocol ensures the reliability of the data and accounts for variability in individual performance.
Measured: Eight weeks
Hole Type Steadiness Tester
The participant will be asked to hold a metal tipped pencil with his dominant hand for 15 seconds in the 9 holes that are gradually decreasing in size without touching the edges. The purpose of the test will be to analyze the stability of the hand, exercise, smoking, alcohol intake, psychomotor speed, exercise and fatigue. Errors that occur when the participant touches the hole area will be recorded digitally. The test will be repeated 3 times on average and the result value will be calculated.
Measured: Eight weeks
Postural Sway Assessment
Postural sway was assessed using the GYKO body sway device (Microgait, Italy), a validated tool that measures sway along two axes: mediolateral and anteroposterior (Jaworski et al., 2020). During the assessment, participants were instructed to stand in an upright posture with their feet positioned 10 cm apart and to maintain this posture for a duration of 30 seconds.
Each participant underwent two trials under different visual conditions: eyes open and eyes closed. The mediolateral and anteroposterior sway distances were recorded for each trial. Data were automatically captured and stored in the accompanying computer software for subsequent analysis. This protocol ensures a reliable evaluation of postural control and stability under varying sensory conditions.
Measured: Eight weeks
Upper Extremity Muscle Strength Assessment
MicroFET 2 muscle strength is a usable method for measuring muscle strength (Malliopoulos \& Thevenon, 2002). Muscle strength is defined as the highest (maximal) voluntary contraction that the subject can perform under specific test conditions. The individual performed the highest voluntary contraction 3 times for each test. The individual increases his strength for 2 seconds and maintains it at the highest level for 3 seconds.
Measured: Eight weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted1 Jan 2025
- Study start1 Jan 2025
- Primary completion1 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Dec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Sedentary BehaviorStudies 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
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- The study was planned as a randomized controlled study
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 32 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Tarsus University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Fatma Kübra ÇEKOK, Tarsus University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06754579
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 3
- Status last verified
- Jan 2026
- First submitted
- 23 Dec 2024
- Last updated
- 21 Jan 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 21 Jan 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of High-Volume Upper Extremity Exercises on Physical and Cognitive Performance in Sedentary Adults
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06754579
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 3
- Conditions
- Sedentary Behavior
- Keywords
- upper limb, reaction time, pyhsical performance, cognitive performance
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 32 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Tarsus UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 1 Jan 2025 (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.
Engaging in regular and appropriately structured physical activities is a critical component of an individual's lifestyle and represents a lifelong habit essential for promoting overall well-being. Research increasingly emphasizes the significance of such activities, particularly in the prevention and management of various health conditions (Martin, Richardson, Weiller, \& Jackson, 2004).A sedentary lifestyle is considered one of the most serious health issues faced by individuals in the modern world.Previous research has established high-intensity interval training (HIIT) as an effective method for enhancing cardiovascular health, sparking interest in the relationship between exercise intensity and cognitive function. Most studies to date have focused on treadmill and lower extremity ergometer exercises; however, evidence regarding the efficacy of high-volume upper extremity exercises in improving physical and cognitive performance among sedentary adults remains limited and inconsistent. Upper extremity motor function has been proposed as a potential biomarker for cognitive impairment and may contribute to distinguishing healthy aging trajectories. This study aims to compare the effects of high-volume and low-volume upper extremity exercise in sedentary adults, testing the hypothesis that one exercise regimen may be superior in enhancing both physical and cognitive performance, as well as cognitive function.
Detailed description
Engaging in regular, well-structured physical activities is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle and constitutes a lifelong habit essential for sustaining overall health and well-being. Such activities have been increasingly recognized for their vital role in preventing and managing a wide range of health conditions, emphasizing their importance for both physical and mental health (Martin, Richardson, Weiller, \& Jackson, 2004). Conversely, a sedentary lifestyle has emerged as one of the most pressing public health challenges of the modern era, contributing significantly to the global burden of disease and highlighting the need for effective intervention strategies.
Among these strategies, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has gained widespread attention for its efficacy in improving cardiovascular health. This has, in turn, sparked growing interest in understanding the broader impact of exercise intensity, particularly its effects on cognitive function. However, much of the existing research has concentrated on lower extremity exercises, such as those performed on treadmills or ergometers, leaving a significant gap in the understanding of the benefits of upper extremity exercises. The role of high-volume upper extremity exercise in enhancing both physical and cognitive performance remains underexplored, with current evidence presenting inconsistent and conflicting findings.
Notably, upper extremity motor function has been identified as a promising biomarker for cognitive impairment. Its assessment may provide critical insights into distinguishing healthy aging trajectories from pathological cognitive decline. This connection underscores the potential importance of upper extremity exercises as a tool for both physical and cognitive health maintenance in sedentary populations.
The present study aims to address these gaps by comparing the effects of high-volume and low-volume upper extremity exercise regimens on sedentary adults. Specifically, the research seeks to test the hypothesis that one of these exercise modalities may offer superior benefits in enhancing physical performance, cognitive performance, and overall cognitive function. By investigating these relationships, the study aims to contribute to the growing body of evidence on exercise-based interventions, offering novel insights into strategies for optimizing health outcomes in sedentary individuals.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- The study was planned as a randomized controlled study
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| High-Volume Upper Extremity Exercises Training | Experimental | Other: High-Volume Upper Extremity Exercises TrainingThe High volume upper extremity protocol consists of a 5-min warm-up at 60%-70% of max HR using an arm ergometer, followed by four 4-min work sessions reaching 90%-95% of max W, followed by a 3-min active recovery period at 60% max W. The exercise session is terminated by a 5-min cool-down at 60%-70% max W. The total exercise duration will be 35 minutes. |
| Low Volume Upper Extremity Exercises Training | Experimental | Other: Low Volume Upper Extremity Exercises TrainingLow volume upper extremity exercise training will be applied using an arm ergometer consisting of a 5-minute warm-up at 40% of max W, followed by 25 minutes of active training at 60-70% of max W and a 5-minute cool-down at 40% of max. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 50 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Individuals aged between 18-50 years.
- Defined as engaging in less than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- diagnosis of neurological, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, or other systemic diseases that may affect physical activity or exercise capacity.
- diagnosed cognitive impairments or psychiatric disorders that could interfere with test participation.
- acute injuries or surgeries within the past six months that could restrict movement or participation.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| High-Volume Upper Extremity Exercises TrainingThe group will be trained 3 days a week for a total of 8 weeks. | Other | High-Volume Upper Extremity Exercises Training |
| Low Volume Upper Extremity Exercises TrainingThe group will be trained 3 days a week for a total of 8 weeks. | Other | Low Volume Upper Extremity Exercises Training |
Primary outcome
International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IFQQ-SF)
Time frame: eight weeks
International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IFQQ-SF): UFQ-SF was developed by Craig and colleagues to determine the physical activity levels of individuals between the ages of 15-65. The short form is recommended more because the long form is boring and repetitive, so the "last 7 days" short form was used in our study. The short form (7 questions) provides information on time spent in sitting, walking, moderate-intensity and vigorous activities. The total score is expressed as one MET-min/week and is obtained by multiplying the number of days and minutes of walking, moderate-intensity and vigorous activity and the MET score.
6 secondary outcomes
Maximal Arm Exercise Capacity
Time frame: Eight weeks
Stroop Test
Time frame: Eight weeks
Reaction Time
Time frame: Eight weeks
Hole Type Steadiness Tester
Time frame: Eight weeks
Postural Sway Assessment
Time frame: Eight weeks
Upper Extremity Muscle Strength Assessment
Time frame: Eight weeks
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 21 Jan 2026.
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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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing High-Volume Upper Extremity Exercises Training and Low Volume Upper Extremity Exercises Training in people with Sedentary Behavior, run by Tarsus University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
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 2 inclusion and 3 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 21 Jan 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 Turkey (Türkiye). 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?
Each site lists its own contact: choose the nearest one under Trial locations. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IFQQ-SF) (time frame: eight weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 21 Jan 2026.