Cognitive PerformancePAL UNINCT07809750
Acute Effects of Active Breaks and Physically Active Learning in University Students
A study testing Sedentary Academic Review, Active Break and Physically Active Learning in people with Cognitive Performance and Academic Performance, run by Universidad Complutense de Madrid at 1 site in Spain.
Trial summary
This multicenter randomized crossover study will examine the acute effects of four classroom break conditions on executive functions, immediate academic performance, perceived exertion, and interest-enjoyment in university students. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Cognitive Performance, Academic Performance
- What is being tested?
- Sedentary Academic Review, Active Break and Physically Active Learning
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 700 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSpain
- Study dates
- 15 Sep 2026to 31 Jul 2027
- 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 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- University students aged 18 years or older.
- Currently enrolled in one of the participating university courses/classes.
- Provision of informed consent.
- Ability to participate safely in light-to-moderate classroom physical activity.
- Ability to complete computerized cognitive assessments.
Who cannot join
- Injury, illness, or medical condition contraindicating participation in physical activity.
- Acute illness or other condition on the day of testing likely to substantially affect attention or cognitive performance.
- Inability to complete the required computerized cognitive assessments.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Spain1 site
Universidad Pública de Navarra
Pamplona, Navarre
Óscar Martínez de Quel Pérez, PhD, +34948169479, oscar.martinezdequel@unavarra.es
About this study
Official title: Acute Effects of Active Breaks and Physically Active Learning on Executive Functions, Interest-Enjoyment, and Academic Performance in University Students
This multicenter randomized crossover study will examine the acute effects of four classroom break conditions on executive functions, immediate academic performance, perceived exertion, and interest-enjoyment in university students. Each participant will complete four experimental sessions in which a different 15-minute condition will be implemented: a sedentary free break, a sedentary academic review break, an active break without academic content, and physically active learning combining movement with academic review. Cognitive performance will be assessed before and after each session using Stroop and N-Back tasks. Academic performance, perceived exertion, and interest-enjoyment will be assessed after each experimental session.
Read the detailed description
This is a multicenter, randomized, counterbalanced crossover study conducted in university students from eight Spanish universities.
Participants will first complete a familiarization session in which study procedures, cognitive assessments, and the participant identification system will be explained and practiced.
Each participant will subsequently complete four experimental sessions, separated by at least one week whenever feasible. Each experimental session will include:
- A 10-minute PRE assessment including Stroop and N-Back tests.
- Approximately 45 minutes of regular academic instruction.
- A 15-minute experimental classroom break.
- Up to 10 additional minutes of regular instruction.
- An immediate POST assessment including Stroop, N-Back, a 10-item academic performance test, perceived exertion, and interest-enjoyment.
The four experimental conditions will be:
- Sedentary free break without academic content. B. Sedentary academic review using true/false questions. C. Active break without academic content. D. Physically active learning combining the same physical activities used in Condition C with academic true/false questions.
The order of the four conditions will be randomized and counterbalanced across participating groups. Participants will therefore act as their own controls.
A subsample of participants may wear accelerometers to objectively characterize physical activity and sedentary behavior during the experimental sessions.
- Conditions
- Cognitive Performance, Academic Performance
- Being tested
- Sedentary Academic Review, Active Break, Physically Active Learning
- Keywords
- Active breaks, Physically active learning, Executive functions, Cognitive performance, Academic performance, University students, Physical activity, Sedentary behavior, Working memory, Inhibitory control
- Medical subject headings
- Motor Activity, Sedentary Behavior
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Sedentary Academic ReviewBehavioural
A 15-minute sedentary academic review activity using 10 true/false questions based on academic content presented during the first 45 minutes of the session.
Active BreakBehavioural
A standardized 15-minute classroom physical activity break without academic content.
Physically Active LearningBehavioural
A standardized 15-minute intervention combining physical activity with academic true/false questions. Participants respond to academic questions through predefined physical movements.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Sedentary Free Break | No intervention | Participants complete a 15-minute sedentary break without structured physical activity or academic review. |
| Sedentary Academic Review | Experimental | Participants remain sedentary during a 15-minute academic review activity based on true/false questions related to content presented during the preceding 45 minutes of class. Receives: Behavioral: Sedentary Academic Review |
| Active Break Without Academic Content | Experimental | Participants complete a standardized 15-minute active break involving moderate physical activities without academic content. Receives: Behavioral: Active Break |
| Physically Active Learning | Experimental | Participants complete a standardized 15-minute physically active learning session combining physical movements with true/false questions related to academic content presented during the preceding 45 minutes. Receives: Behavioral: Physically Active Learning |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Inhibitory Control Assessed by the Stroop Test
Inhibitory control will be assessed using the Stroop task. Outcomes will include response accuracy and reaction time. Acute change will be calculated by comparing PRE and POST performance within each experimental session.
Measured: Immediately before and approximately 10 minutes after the 15-minute experimental condition, during each of the four experimental sessions.
Change in Working Memory Assessed by the N-Back Test
Working memory will be assessed using the N-Back task. Outcomes will include accuracy, omissions/errors, and reaction time. Acute change will be calculated from PRE to POST within each experimental session.
Measured: Immediately before and approximately 10 minutes after the experimental condition, during each of the four experimental sessions.
Immediate Academic Performance
Academic performance will be assessed using a 10-item multiple-choice test developed specifically for the academic content taught during each experimental session. Each question will have three response options and one correct answer. The outcome will be the number of correct responses, ranging from 0 to 10.
Measured: Approximately 10 minutes after the experimental condition, during each of the four experimental sessions.
Secondary outcomes (2)
Interest-Enjoyment
Interest and enjoyment will be assessed using three items from the Interest/Enjoyment subscale of the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory.
Measured: Approximately 10 minutes after the experimental condition, during each of the four experimental sessions.
Rating of Perceived Exertion
Perceived exertion during the 15-minute experimental condition will be assessed using a 0-10 Rating of Perceived Exertion scale, where higher scores indicate greater perceived exertion.
Measured: Approximately 10 minutes after the experimental condition, during each of the four experimental sessions.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted9 Sep 2026
- Study start15 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion30 Jun 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Jul 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Cognitive PerformanceStudies 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
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Model description
- Each participant will complete all four experimental conditions in a randomized and counterbalanced order. Experimental sessions will be separated by at least one week whenever feasible to reduce potential carryover and learning effects.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 700 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Universidad Pública de Navarra, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, University of Castilla-La Mancha, University of Alcala, University of Huelva, Universitat de les Illes Balears
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Carlos Martín Martínez, Universidad Complutense de Madrid
- Investigators
- Carlos Martín-Martínez, PhD, Principal investigator, Universidad Rey Juan CarlosÓscar Martínez de Quel Pérez, PhD, Study director, Universidad Pública de Navarra
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07809750
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- PAL-UNI-2026
- Acronym
- PAL UNI
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 3 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 10 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be publicly shared due to data protection and confidentiality considerations. Aggregated and anonymized study results may be made available upon reasonable request, subject to institutional and ethical approval.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 10 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Acute Effects of Active Breaks and Physically Active Learning on Executive Functions, Interest-Enjoyment, and Academic Performance in University Students
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07809750
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- PAL UNI / PAL-UNI-2026
- Conditions
- Cognitive Performance, Academic Performance
- Keywords
- Active breaks, Physically active learning, Executive functions, Cognitive performance, Academic performance, University students, Physical activity, Sedentary behavior
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 700 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Universidad Complutense de MadridUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Universidad Pública de Navarra, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, University of Castilla-La Mancha, University of Alcala, University of Huelva, Universitat de les Illes Balears
- Study start
- 15 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 30 Jun 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Jul 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 9 Sep 2026 (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.
This multicenter randomized crossover study will examine the acute effects of four classroom break conditions on executive functions, immediate academic performance, perceived exertion, and interest-enjoyment in university students. Each participant will complete four experimental sessions in which a different 15-minute condition will be implemented: a sedentary free break, a sedentary academic review break, an active break without academic content, and physically active learning combining movement with academic review. Cognitive performance will be assessed before and after each session using Stroop and N-Back tasks. Academic performance, perceived exertion, and interest-enjoyment will be assessed after each experimental session.
Detailed description
This is a multicenter, randomized, counterbalanced crossover study conducted in university students from eight Spanish universities.
Participants will first complete a familiarization session in which study procedures, cognitive assessments, and the participant identification system will be explained and practiced.
Each participant will subsequently complete four experimental sessions, separated by at least one week whenever feasible. Each experimental session will include:
- A 10-minute PRE assessment including Stroop and N-Back tests.
- Approximately 45 minutes of regular academic instruction.
- A 15-minute experimental classroom break.
- Up to 10 additional minutes of regular instruction.
- An immediate POST assessment including Stroop, N-Back, a 10-item academic performance test, perceived exertion, and interest-enjoyment.
The four experimental conditions will be:
- Sedentary free break without academic content. B. Sedentary academic review using true/false questions. C. Active break without academic content. D. Physically active learning combining the same physical activities used in Condition C with academic true/false questions.
The order of the four conditions will be randomized and counterbalanced across participating groups. Participants will therefore act as their own controls.
A subsample of participants may wear accelerometers to objectively characterize physical activity and sedentary behavior during the experimental sessions.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 4
- Model description
- Each participant will complete all four experimental conditions in a randomized and counterbalanced order. Experimental sessions will be separated by at least one week whenever feasible to reduce potential carryover and learning effects.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Sedentary Free Break | No intervention | –Participants complete a 15-minute sedentary break without structured physical activity or academic review. |
| Sedentary Academic Review | Experimental | Behavioral: Sedentary Academic ReviewParticipants remain sedentary during a 15-minute academic review activity based on true/false questions related to content presented during the preceding 45 minutes of class. |
| Active Break Without Academic Content | Experimental | Behavioral: Active BreakParticipants complete a standardized 15-minute active break involving moderate physical activities without academic content. |
| Physically Active Learning | Experimental | Behavioral: Physically Active LearningParticipants complete a standardized 15-minute physically active learning session combining physical movements with true/false questions related to academic content presented during the preceding 45 minutes. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- University students aged 18 years or older.
- Currently enrolled in one of the participating university courses/classes.
- Provision of informed consent.
- Ability to participate safely in light-to-moderate classroom physical activity.
- Ability to complete computerized cognitive assessments.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Injury, illness, or medical condition contraindicating participation in physical activity.
- Acute illness or other condition on the day of testing likely to substantially affect attention or cognitive performance.
- Inability to complete the required computerized cognitive assessments.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sedentary Academic ReviewA 15-minute sedentary academic review activity using 10 true/false questions based on academic content presented during the first 45 minutes of the session. | Behavioural | Sedentary Academic Review |
| Active BreakA standardized 15-minute classroom physical activity break without academic content. | Behavioural | Active Break Without Academic Content |
| Physically Active LearningA standardized 15-minute intervention combining physical activity with academic true/false questions. Participants respond to academic questions through predefined physical movements. | Behavioural | Physically Active Learning |
Primary outcome
Change in Inhibitory Control Assessed by the Stroop Test
Time frame: Immediately before and approximately 10 minutes after the 15-minute experimental condition, during each of the four experimental sessions.
Inhibitory control will be assessed using the Stroop task. Outcomes will include response accuracy and reaction time. Acute change will be calculated by comparing PRE and POST performance within each experimental session.
Change in Working Memory Assessed by the N-Back Test
Time frame: Immediately before and approximately 10 minutes after the experimental condition, during each of the four experimental sessions.
Working memory will be assessed using the N-Back task. Outcomes will include accuracy, omissions/errors, and reaction time. Acute change will be calculated from PRE to POST within each experimental session.
Immediate Academic Performance
Time frame: Approximately 10 minutes after the experimental condition, during each of the four experimental sessions.
Academic performance will be assessed using a 10-item multiple-choice test developed specifically for the academic content taught during each experimental session. Each question will have three response options and one correct answer. The outcome will be the number of correct responses, ranging from 0 to 10.
2 secondary outcomes
Interest-Enjoyment
Time frame: Approximately 10 minutes after the experimental condition, during each of the four experimental sessions.
Rating of Perceived Exertion
Time frame: Approximately 10 minutes after the experimental condition, during each of the four experimental sessions.
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 10 Sep 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be publicly shared due to data protection and confidentiality considerations. Aggregated and anonymized study results may be made available upon reasonable request, subject to institutional and ethical approval.
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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.
Carlos Martín-Martínez, PhD principal investigator
Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Óscar Martínez de Quel Pérez, PhD study director
Universidad Pública de Navarra
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Sedentary Academic Review, Active Break and Physically Active Learning in people with Cognitive Performance and Academic Performance, run by Universidad Complutense de Madrid at 1 site in Spain.
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 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 Sep 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 Spain. 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?
Contact Carlos Martín-Martínez, PhD (+34914884880, carlos.martinm@urjc.es), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Inhibitory Control Assessed by the Stroop Test (time frame: Immediately before and approximately 10 minutes after the 15-minute experimental condition, during each of the four experimental sessions.). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. 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 10 Sep 2026.