Effects of exercise on college students with ADHD
Acute Effects of Exercise in College Students With ADHD
This study is testing if sprint interval training can help college students with ADHD improve their focus and memory compared to students without ADHD.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 29 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Wyoming Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Laramie, Wyoming) |
| Trial ID | NCT03666416 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of sprint interval training on executive functioning in college students diagnosed with ADHD. It aims to determine whether physical exercise can serve as an effective, low-cost intervention to improve sustained attention and working memory compared to non-ADHD peers. The study will enroll 48 participants, evenly split between those with ADHD and a control group, and will utilize repeated measures ANOVAs to analyze the data. Participants will be recruited from the University of Wyoming and Laramie County Community College, with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure a suitable sample.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are college students aged 18-29 who have been diagnosed with ADHD or exhibit symptoms of inattention.
Not a fit: Patients with predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentations of ADHD or those on medications that affect cognitive performance may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a novel, effective treatment option for college students with ADHD, enhancing their cognitive functioning and academic performance.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies have shown positive outcomes for exercise interventions in reducing ADHD symptoms and improving executive functioning, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 29 years. * University of Wyoming (UW) or Laramie County Community College (LCCC) student. Exclusion Criteria: * Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentations of ADHD (ADHD-HI), as this presentation is unusual in adulthood. * Use of medications that negatively affect cognitive performance (e.g., sedatives, antipsychotics). * Pregnancy or trying to become pregnant. * Non-ambulatory or relying on walking aids for ambulation. * History of a stroke or an aneurysm. * High risk for physical exercise contraindications due to genetic/medical conditions (e.g., cardiovascular or pulmonary disease). * Exercise or physical activity restrictions imposed by a health provider.
Where this trial is running
Laramie, Wyoming
- University of Wyoming — Laramie, Wyoming, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Cynthia M Hartung, Ph.D. — University of Wyoming
- Study coordinator: Cynthia M Hartung, Ph.D.
- Email: chartung@uwyo.edu
- Phone: 307-314-2123
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.