Effects of exercise on brain insulin response

Effects of One Exercise Training Session on Brain Insulin Responsiveness

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital Tuebingen · NCT06039787

This study tests how one session of different types of exercise affects how the brain responds to insulin in people with different body weights.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital Tuebingen Academic / other
Locations1 site (Tübingen)
Trial IDNCT06039787 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how a single session of exercise affects brain insulin responsiveness in individuals with varying body weights. Participants will undergo two different types of endurance exercise—moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT)—in a randomized order, with a control condition for comparison. The study utilizes functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to assess changes in cerebral blood flow and connectivity after intranasal insulin administration. Secondary outcomes include monitoring changes in blood metabolites, proteins, and eating behavior.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults with a BMI between 19.5 and 39 who engage in minimal physical activity.

Not a fit: Patients with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, or significant neurological disorders are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of how exercise influences insulin sensitivity in the brain, potentially leading to better management strategies for obesity and insulin resistance.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on exercise and insulin sensitivity, this specific approach using fMRI and intranasal insulin is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* BMI between ≥ 19.5 to 39 kg/m2-
* Less than 150 min/week for moderate-intensity physical activity
* Less than 75 min/week for Vigorous- intensity exercise (WHO recommendations for regular physical activity of adults)
* Written consent to participate in the study
* Written consent to be informed about incidental findings

Exclusion Criteria

* Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases such as chronic heart failure, myocardial infarction, status post stroke
* Limitations to participate in ergometer-based exercise (balance and coordination disorders, orthopedic problems, …)
* Insufficient knowledge of the German language
* Persons who cannot legally give consent
* Pregnancy or lactation
* History of severe mental or somatic disorders including neurological diseases (incl. epileptic seizures and migraines)
* Taking psychotropic drugs
* Taking medications that influence glucose metabolism
* Regular use of analgesic drugs
* Taking anticoagulant agents
* Previous bariatric surgery
* Acute infection within the last 4 weeks
* Hemoglobin values less than 12g/dl for women, less than 14 g/dl for men
* Other diseases that in the opinion of the investigator may jeopardize the success of the study or indicate a risk to the volunteer
* Current participation in a lifestyle intervention study or a pharmaceutical study
* Metal implants which cannot be removed as pacemakers, artificial heart valve, electrical devices as insulin pumps, large tattoos, retainer over more than 4 teeth, contraceptive coil, implanted magnetic metal parts as screws or plates after a surgery
* Persons with claustrophobia
* Temperature-sensitive person
* Persons with tinnitus or increased sensitivity to loud sounds

Where this trial is running

Tübingen

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 Insulin ResistanceObesityExercisefunctional magnetic resonance imagingIntranasal insulin
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.