Effect of Exercise on Immune Response to COVID-19 Vaccination

The Effect of Health Behavioral Variables Including Single Session Exercise Post-immunization and Psychosocial Factors on Immune Response to the Initial COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine, and Underlying Mechanisms

Not applicable Interventional Iowa State University · NCT05213000

This study is testing whether doing light to moderate exercise right after getting the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine can help boost the immune response to the vaccine.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 64 Years
SexAll
SponsorIowa State University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ames, Iowa)
Trial IDNCT05213000 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates how a single session of light to moderate intensity exercise performed shortly after receiving the initial dose of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine affects the immune response to the vaccination. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an exercise group, where they will engage in a 90-minute supervised exercise session, or a control group with no exercise. Blood samples will be collected at various intervals to analyze immune response and psychosocial factors related to stress and resilience will also be assessed through surveys. The goal is to identify potential mechanisms that may enhance vaccine efficacy through exercise.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-64 who regularly exercise and are planning to receive their initial COVID-19 mRNA vaccine.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, weigh less than 110 pounds, or have conditions that impair their ability to exercise or respond to the vaccine may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the immune response to COVID-19 vaccination, potentially leading to better protection against the virus.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study is novel, previous research has suggested that exercise can positively influence immune responses, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Able to donate a small amount of blood,
* Planning to receive an initial mRNA Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Coronavirus 2 vaccine,
* Between 18-64 years of age,
* Regularly participate in some form of exercise two or more times per week, including at least one session equal to or greater than 50 minutes exercise sessions or walk three or more times per week with at least one session equal to or greater than 50 minutes.
* Can safely perform 90 minutes of light to moderate intensity exercise (walk, walk/jog, or jog) based on American College of Sports Medicine exercise participation guidelines

Exclusion Criteria:

* Currently pregnant
* Weigh less than 110 pounds.
* Presence of any conditions that could significantly impact the ability to exercise safely, or unable to receive the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine
* Taking medication that significantly impact immune response or the presence of an immune disorder.

Where this trial is running

Ames, Iowa

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Immunization
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.