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InteroceptionNCT07696234

Interoceptive Awareness, Perceived Stress, and Physical Performance in Sport Sciences Students

An observational study of Interoception and Perceived Stress, run by Inonu University 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

This cross-sectional observational study examined the relationships between interoceptive awareness, perceived stress, state and trait anxiety, sleep quality, and physical performance indicators in university-level sport sciences students. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Interoception, Perceived Stress, Anxiety
What is being tested?
Psychological and Physical Performance Assessment Battery
How many people
85 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
11 May 2026to 17 May 2026
Phase
Observational
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 years and older
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult, Older adult

Study population: Undergraduate students enrolled at the Faculty of Sport Sciences, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey. The sample comprised 85 participants (54 males, 31 females; mean age = 20.65 ± 2.43 years) with diverse sport backgrounds, including team-sport athletes (n = 44), individual-sport athletes (n = 32), and students not actively participating in a specific sport branch (n = 9). Participants were recruited via convenience sampling during the Spring 2026 semester.

Who may be able to join

  • Enrollment as an undergraduate student at the Faculty of Sport Sciences, Inonu University
  • Age 18 years or older
  • Voluntary willingness to participate in the study
  • Provision of written informed consent
  • Absence of acute injury or illness on the day of measurement

Who cannot join

  • Acute musculoskeletal injury or illness at the time of measurement
  • Failure or refusal to provide written informed consent
  • Incomplete data on primary study measures
  • Any contraindication to physical performance testing

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
  • Inonu University, Faculty of Sport Sciences

    Malatya, Malatya, 44280

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: Examining the Relationships Between Interoceptive Awareness, Perceived Stress, and Physical Performance Indicators: The Moderator Role of Gender and Sport Type

This cross-sectional observational study examined the relationships between interoceptive awareness, perceived stress, state and trait anxiety, sleep quality, and physical performance indicators in university-level sport sciences students. A total of 85 undergraduate students (54 males, 31 females; mean age = 20.65 ± 2.43 years) from the Faculty of Sport Sciences at Inonu University participated. Participants completed self-report measures (MAIA-2, PSS-10, STAI, PSQI) and a physical performance battery including handgrip strength, countermovement jump, sit-and-reach flexibility, and Y-Balance test. The study also investigated the moderator role of gender and sport type (team vs. individual) in these relationships, and tested the parallel mediating roles of perceived stress, trait anxiety, and sleep quality using PROCESS Model 4 with 5,000 bootstrap resamples.

Read the detailed description

Background: Interoceptive awareness - the perception, interpretation, and regulation of internal bodily signals - has emerged as a psychological resource relevant to sport performance and mental health. However, empirical evidence linking interoceptive awareness to objective physical performance outcomes in athletic populations remains limited, particularly regarding potential psychological mediators such as perceived stress, anxiety, and sleep quality.

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to examine the direct and mediated relationships between interoceptive awareness and physical performance indicators in university sport sciences students. The secondary objectives were to investigate (a) the parallel mediating roles of perceived stress, trait anxiety, and sleep quality; and (b) the differences in study variables based on gender and sport type (team vs. individual).

Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 85 undergraduate students (54 males, 31 females) enrolled at the Faculty of Sport Sciences, Inonu University. Data collection was conducted between May 11 and May 17, 2026. Psychological measures included the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA-2), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Physical performance was assessed via handgrip strength (digital dynamometer), countermovement jump (My Jump 2 mobile application), sit-and-reach flexibility, and Y-Balance test (composite score). Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation, independent samples t-tests, hierarchical multiple regression, and parallel multiple mediation analysis (Hayes PROCESS Model 4; 5,000 bootstrap resamples).

Expected Outcomes: The study aims to clarify whether interoceptive awareness contributes to physical performance directly or indirectly through psychological mediators, and to determine whether such relationships are moderated by demographic and sport-related factors.

Being tested
Psychological and Physical Performance Assessment Battery
Keywords
Interoceptive awareness, MAIA-2, Perceived Stress Scale, State-Trait Anxiety, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Handgrip strength, Countermovement jump, Sit-and-reach, Y-Balance test, Sport sciences students, Mediation analysis, Gender differences, Team sports, Individual sports
Medical subject headings
Anxiety Disorders, Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders

What participants receive

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

  • Psychological and Physical Performance Assessment BatteryOther

    Participants completed a battery of self-report psychological measures (MAIA-2, PSS-10, STAI State-Trait, PSQI) followed by a standardized physical performance testing session including handgrip strength (digital dynamometer), countermovement jump (My Jump 2 mobile application), sit-and-reach flexibility test, and Y-Balance test. All assessments were conducted in a single 45-minute session per participant.

Study groups in NCT07696234
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Sport Sciences StudentsUndergraduate students enrolled at the Faculty of Sport Sciences, Inonu University. Participants included both team-sport athletes (n = 44) and individual-sport athletes (n = 32), with an additional 9 participants who did not report an active sport branch. Mean age was 20.65 ± 2.43 years (54 males, 31 females).
Receives: Other: Psychological and Physical Performance Assessment Battery

What is being measured

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

  1. Interoceptive Awareness - MAIA-2 Total Score

    Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness, Version 2 (MAIA-2) total score. The MAIA-2 is a 37-item self-report questionnaire assessing eight dimensions of interoceptive awareness (Noticing, Not-Distracting, Not-Worrying, Attention Regulation, Emotional Awareness, Self-Regulation, Body Listening, Trusting). Higher scores indicate greater interoceptive awareness. Total score is calculated as the mean of all 37 items (range: 0-5).

    Measured: Single measurement at baseline (cross-sectional)

  2. Handgrip Strength

    Maximal handgrip strength (kg) measured using a digital hand dynamometer (Baseline Model 12-0286). Participants performed three trials with the dominant hand in a standing position with the elbow in full extension. The highest of three trials was recorded, with 30-second rest between trials.

    Measured: Single measurement at baseline (cross-sectional)

  3. Sit-and-Reach Flexibility

    Dynamic balance and neuromuscular control assessed using the Y-Balance Test. Participants reached in anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions while standing on one leg. Composite scores (%) were calculated for both right and left legs, normalized to leg length.

    Measured: Single measurement at baseline (cross-sectional)

  4. Countermovement Jump Height

    Vertical jump height (cm) assessed using the My Jump 2 mobile application, a validated iPhone-based tool for measuring jump performance. Participants performed three maximal countermovement jumps with hands on hips and knee flexion of approximately 90°. The highest value was recorded, with 60-second rest between trials.

    Measured: Single measurement at baseline (cross-sectional)

  5. Y-Balance Test Composite Score

    Dynamic balance and neuromuscular control assessed using the Y-Balance Test. Participants reached in anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions while standing on one leg. Composite scores (%) were calculated for both right and left legs, normalized to leg length.

    Measured: Single measurement at baseline (cross-sectional)

Secondary outcomes (4)
  1. State Anxiety - STAI-S Total Score

    State Anxiety subscale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S) total score. Consists of 20 items rated on a 4-point Likert scale, assessing current anxiety level. Higher scores indicate higher state anxiety (range: 20-80).

    Measured: Single measurement at baseline (cross-sectional)

  2. Trait Anxiety - STAI-T Total Score

    Trait Anxiety subscale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T) total score. Consists of 20 items rated on a 4-point Likert scale, assessing general tendency toward anxiety. Higher scores indicate higher trait anxiety (range: 20-80).

    Measured: Single measurement at baseline (cross-sectional)

  3. Sleep Quality - PSQI Global Score

    Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) global score. Assesses sleep quality over the past month across seven components: subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleep medication, and daytime dysfunction. Global score ranges from 0 to 21, with scores greater than 5 indicating poor sleep quality.

    Measured: Single measurement at baseline; assesses sleep quality during the past month.

  4. Perceived Stress - PSS-10 Total Score

    Perceived Stress Scale, 10-item version (PSS-10) total score. Assesses the degree to which participants perceived life events as stressful during the past month. Items are rated on a 5-point Likert scale (0 = never to 4 = very often); items 4, 5, 7, and 8 are reverse-scored. Higher scores indicate higher perceived stress (range: 0-40).

    Measured: Single measurement at baseline; assesses stress experienced during the past month.

Timeline

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

  1. First posted10 Jul 2026
  2. Study start11 May 2026
  3. Primary completion17 May 2026
  4. Study completion17 May 2026

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Observational
Observational model
Case only
Time perspective
Cross-sectional
Enrolment
85 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07696234
Sponsor's protocol ID
2026/9991
Status last verified
Jul 2026
First submitted
6 Jul 2026
Last updated
10 Jul 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Mehling WE, Acree M, Stewart A, Silas J, Jones A. The Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness, Version 2 (MAIA-2). PLoS One. 2018 Dec 4;13(12):e0208034. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208034. eCollection 2018.

    PubMed 30513087
  • Pluhar E, McCracken C, Griffith KL, Christino MA, Sugimoto D, Meehan WP 3rd. Team Sport Athletes May Be Less Likely To Suffer Anxiety or Depression than Individual Sport Athletes. J Sports Sci Med. 2019 Aug 1;18(3):490-496. eCollection 2019 Sep.

    PubMed 31427871
  • Farb N, Daubenmier J, Price CJ, Gard T, Kerr C, Dunn BD, Klein AC, Paulus MP, Mehling WE. Interoception, contemplative practice, and health. Front Psychol. 2015 Jun 9;6:763. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00763. eCollection 2015.

    PubMed 26106345
  • Forkmann T, Scherer A, Meessen J, Michal M, Schachinger H, Vogele C, Schulz A. Making sense of what you sense: Disentangling interoceptive awareness, sensibility and accuracy. Int J Psychophysiol. 2016 Nov;109:71-80. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2016.09.019. Epub 2016 Oct 1.

    PubMed 27702644
  • Khalsa SS, Adolphs R, Cameron OG, Critchley HD, Davenport PW, Feinstein JS, Feusner JD, Garfinkel SN, Lane RD, Mehling WE, Meuret AE, Nemeroff CB, Oppenheimer S, Petzschner FH, Pollatos O, Rhudy JL, Schramm LP, Simmons WK, Stein MB, Stephan KE, Van den Bergh O, Van Diest I, von Leupoldt A, Paulus MP; Interoception Summit 2016 participants. Interoception and Mental Health: A Roadmap. Biol Psychiatry Cogn Neurosci Neuroimaging. 2018 Jun;3(6):501-513. doi: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2017.12.004. Epub 2017 Dec 28.

    PubMed 29884281
  • Balsalobre-Fernandez C, Glaister M, Lockey RA. The validity and reliability of an iPhone app for measuring vertical jump performance. J Sports Sci. 2015;33(15):1574-9. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2014.996184. Epub 2015 Jan 2.

    PubMed 25555023
  • Cohen S, Kamarck T, Mermelstein R. A global measure of perceived stress. J Health Soc Behav. 1983 Dec;24(4):385-96. No abstract available.

    PubMed 6668417
  • Buysse DJ, Reynolds CF 3rd, Monk TH, Berman SR, Kupfer DJ. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index: a new instrument for psychiatric practice and research. Psychiatry Res. 1989 May;28(2):193-213. doi: 10.1016/0165-1781(89)90047-4.

    PubMed 2748771

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

An observational study of Interoception and Perceived Stress, run by Inonu 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 5 inclusion and 4 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 10 Jul 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?

Interoceptive Awareness - MAIA-2 Total Score (time frame: Single measurement at baseline (cross-sectional)). The study lists 5 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 NCT07696234, which also lists 8 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 10 Jul 2026.

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