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Exercise TrainingExercise-BDNFNCT07137611

Effects of Different Types of Exercise on BDNF and Cognitive Performance (Exercise-BDNF)

A study testing Low Exercise, Moderate-Intensity Exercise and HIIT Exercise in people with Exercise Training and BDNF, run by Aksaray University Training and Research Hospital at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine the acute effects of different exercise intensities (low, moderate, high) on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, trail making test performance, and perceived sensation scale. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 25 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Exercise Training, BDNF, Cognitive Functions
What is being tested?
Low Exercise, Moderate-Intensity Exercise and HIIT Exercise
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
12 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
15 Jun 2025to 15 Dec 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

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 25 years
  • Men only
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Aged between 18 and 25 years
  • No known medical condition that prevents participation in exercise
  • Not currently using any pharmacological agents

Who cannot join

  • Experiencing any discomfort before, during, or after exercise
  • Current or past diagnosis of pharmacological or doping substance use
  • Engaging in regular exercise (more than 3 times per week) within the last 2 weeks
  • History of alcohol or substance addiction
  • Any other condition or factor that may prevent full participation in the study protocol

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
  • Aksaray University

    Aksaray, Center, 68000

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: Effect of Exercise Intensity on Neurochemical and Cognitive Function: The Role of Lactate and BDNF

Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine the acute effects of different exercise intensities (low, moderate, high) on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, trail making test performance, and perceived sensation scale.

Method

Read more

This randomized crossover controlled trial aimes to examine the acute effects of four experimental conditions-high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), low-intensity continuous training (LICT), and a resting control (CTRL)-on cognitive performance (via the Stroop test, targeting executive function) and associated neurochemical responses (e.g., serum BDNF and blood lactate levels) in healthy young adults aged 18-25 years.

All participants will complete the four conditions in a randomized and counterbalanced manner. To ensure balanced exposure, they were assigned to one of four groups (n = 3 per group), each following a distinct condition order based on a Latin square design. This approach guaranteed that each session occurred equally across time points (sessions 1-4) and that the order minimized sequence effects by rotating the position of each condition relative to the others.

To control for potential carryover-particularly from elevated neurochemical responses following intense exercise (BDNF increases reported -no two high-intensity sessions will be scheduled consecutively. Where possible, higher and lower intensity protocols will be alternated. Furthermore, a seven-day interval separated each session to reduce residual physiological or cognitive effects.

The trial protocol was developed in line with CONSORT and SPIRIT guidelines, including relevant extensions for within-subject designs and non-pharmacological interventions. Participants were blinded to the study hypothesis (Pandis et al., 2017; Hopewell et al., 2025).

All exercise sessions will be conducted under supervision of a certified strength and conditioning coach to ensure consistency and adherence to protocol. in the morning (09:00-11:00) on a track and field pitch to control for chronobiological variation. Participants were instructed to avoid strenuous activity for 48 hours prior, abstain from alcohol and caffeine for 24 hours, and obtain at least 7-8 hours of sleep before each session. Dietary habits and general lifestyle were to remain unchanged throughout the study.

During the first visit, participants' body weight and body fat percentage were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Resting heart rate was then recorded, followed by administration of the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 to determine maximal aerobic speed, aerobic capacity, and peak heart rate.

In the following four visits, each participant completed all experimental conditions. Each exercise session will begin with a standardized 10-minute warm-up, including light jogging, dynamic stretching, and movement preparation drills.

All exercise sessions were conducted on a standard track and field facility and lasted 40 minutes in total, consisting of a 10-minute standardized warm-up, 24 minutes of exercise, and a 5-minute recovery period. The exercise component was individually prescribed based on each participant's maximal aerobic speed, determined from the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1. All running distances were calculated individually using time × speed formulas based on each participant's maximal aerobic speed, ensuring workload equivalence across conditions.

  • High-Intensity Interval Training: Participants ran at 110% of their MAS for 15-second intervals.
  • Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training: Participants ran at a speed corresponding to 70-80% of their MAS.
  • Low-Intensity Continuous Training: Participants ran continuously for 24 minutes at 50-60% of their MAS without breaks.
  • Control: Participants remained seated at rest for the same duration (40 minutes), under the same environmental conditions and time schedule as the active conditions.

Venous blood samples were collected before and immediately after each session to assess neurochemical markers. Subsequently, cognitive performance was evaluated using the computerized Stroop test to measure executive function. Heart rate was continuously monitored during all exercise conditions using a Polar V800 device. Following each session, psychophysiological responses were assessed using the Rating of Perceived Exertion scale and the Exercise Enjoyment Scale.

Being tested
Low Exercise, Moderate-Intensity Exercise, HIIT Exercise
Keywords
BDNF, exercise, cognitive function, trial making test, lactate
Medical subject headings
Hyperlactatemia, Motor Activity

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Low ExerciseBehavioural

    Also called Low Intensity Exercise

    • Low-Intensity Continuous Training (LICT): Participants will run continuously for 24 minutes at 50-60% of their MAS without breaks.
  • Moderate-Intensity ExerciseBehavioural

    Also called Moderate Intensity Exercise

    Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT): Participants will run at a speed corresponding to 70-80% of their MAS. The protocol consists of four 4-minute bouts, separated by 2-minute active recovery periods, during which participants performed light jogging. This pattern totaled 24 minutes of exercise.

  • HIIT ExerciseBehavioural

    High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): Participants will run at 110% of their MAS for 15-second intervals, covering a pre-calculated distance during each bout. After each 15-second sprint, they will rest passively for 15 seconds and returned to their starting point. This will be repeated continuously for 3 minutes, constituting one set. A total of four 3-minute sets will be completed, interspersed with 3-minute passive rest periods, yielding a total exercise time of 24 minutes.

Study groups in NCT07137611
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Low Intensity Exercise Group (n=3)ExperimentalThey will be asked to perform low intensity exercise for the specified time, determined according to their maximal oxygen consumption capacity.
Receives: Behavioral: Low Exercise
Moderate Intensity Exercise Group (n=3)ExperimentalThey will be asked to perform moderate intensity exercise for the specified time, determined according to their maximal oxygen consumption capacity.
Receives: Behavioral: Moderate-Intensity Exercise
High-Intensity Interval Training Group (n=3)ExperimentalThey will be asked to perform HIIT exercise for the specified time, determined according to their maximal oxygen consumption capacity.
Receives: Behavioral: HIIT Exercise
Control Group (n=3)No interventionThey will be asked to wait without exercising.

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. BDNF

    BDNF will be measured using a Sunred brand ELISA kit from blood samples taken baseline and after exercise, and the results will be reported in pg/mL units.

    Measured: Baseline and immediately after exercise (Day 1)

  2. Lactate

    Lactate levels will be measured in millimoles per liter (mmol/L) from capillary/venous blood samples taken before and after exercise using a lactate analyzer.

    Measured: Baseline and immediately after exercise (Day 1)

  3. Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale

    Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) will be scored on the Borg 6-20 scale, where 6 indicates "no exertion" and 20 indicates "maximal exertion." Higher scores reflect greater perceived effort.

    Measured: Baseline and immediately after exercise (Day 1)

  4. Exercise Enjoyment Scale

    This outcome measures the participant's subjective enjoyment of the exercise session. Participants are asked to rate how much they enjoyed the exercise immediately after completion using a 7-point Likert scale ranging from 1 ("not enjoyable at all") to 7 ("extremely enjoyable"). The scale captures affective responses to physical activity, which can provide insight into adherence, motivation, and overall exercise experience.

    Measured: Baseline and immediately after exercise (Day 1)

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted22 Aug 2025
  2. Study start15 Jun 2025
  3. Primary completion15 Aug 2025
  4. Study completion15 Dec 2025

Resources

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
Basic science
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Crossover
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Participant
Enrolment
12 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07137611
Sponsor's protocol ID
01-121
Acronym
Exercise-BDNF
Status last verified
Jan 2026
First submitted
25 Jun 2025
Last updated
30 Jan 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided

Publications

  • Pandis N, Chung B, Scherer RW, Elbourne D, Altman DG. CONSORT 2010 statement: extension checklist for reporting within person randomised trials. Br J Dermatol. 2019 Mar;180(3):534-552. doi: 10.1111/bjd.17239. Epub 2019 Jan 4.

    PubMed 30609010
  • Hopewell S, Chan AW, Collins GS, Hrobjartsson A, Moher D, Schulz KF, Tunn R, Aggarwal R, Berkwits M, Berlin JA, Bhandari N, Butcher NJ, Campbell MK, Chidebe RCW, Elbourne D, Farmer A, Fergusson DA, Golub RM, Goodman SN, Hoffmann TC, Ioannidis JPA, Kahan BC, Knowles RL, Lamb SE, Lewis S, Loder E, Offringa M, Ravaud P, Richards DP, Rockhold FW, Schriger DL, Siegfried NL, Staniszewska S, Taylor RS, Thabane L, Torgerson D, Vohra S, White IR, Boutron I. CONSORT 2025 statement: updated guideline for reporting randomised trials. BMJ. 2025 Apr 14;389:e081123. doi: 10.1136/bmj-2024-081123.

    PubMed 40228833
  • Birinci YZ, Pancar S, Simsek H, Soylu Y, Burac DG, Ionescu A, Sahin S, Geanta VA. High-intensity interval training differentially modulates acute BDNF and cognitive responses in young adult males: a randomized crossover trial. Sci Rep. 2026 Jun 12. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-56739-4. Online ahead of print.

    PubMed 42286197

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Low Exercise, Moderate-Intensity Exercise and HIIT Exercise in people with Exercise Training and BDNF, run by Aksaray University Training and Research Hospital 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 3 inclusion and 5 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 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?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

BDNF (time frame: Baseline and immediately after exercise (Day 1)). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07137611, which also lists 3 linked publications.

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 30 Jan 2026.

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