Effects of exercise timing on memory in young adults
Official title: The Role of the Time of Day in the Effects of Exercise on Memory in Heathy Young Adults
Run by University of North Carolina, Greensboro · NCT04861818 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests how exercising at different times of the day affects memory in healthy young adults aged 18-25.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of North Carolina, Greensboro Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Greensboro, North Carolina) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 21, 2021 |
| Main results expected | December 30, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | December 17, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT04861818 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are healthy young adults aged 18-25 who meet physical activity guidelines and are willing to participate in the study's requirements.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of cardiac, pulmonary, or metabolic diseases, as well as those with current mental health or sleep disorders, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates how the time of day influences the effects of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on memory in healthy young adults aged 18-25. It explores both physiological changes, such as heart rate variability, and psychological factors, including arousal levels, that may affect memory performance. Participants will engage in exercise sessions at different times of the day to assess variations in verbal-auditory and visuo-spatial memory. The study aims to provide insights into optimal exercise timing for cognitive benefits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help identify the best times for young adults to exercise to enhance their memory performance.
How similar studies have gone: While some studies have explored the effects of exercise on memory, this specific focus on the time of day is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between the ages of 18-25. * Currently meeting the American College of Sports Medicine's recommended guidelines of activity (at least 90 min/week of moderate and/or vigorous physical activity). * Willing to participate for 4 days (2 visits) and refrain from exercise outside of the lab for 4 days (1 day before and the day of two visits). Exclusion Criteria: * Any known history of cardiac, pulmonary, or metabolic disease (e.g. cardiovascular disease, asthma, diabetes). * A current musculoskeletal injury, mental illness (e.g., depression, anxiety, or stress disorders), or sleep disorder.
Where it's running
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UNC Greensboro
Greensboro, North Carolina, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kyoung Shin Park, PhD — UNC Greensboro
- Study coordinator: Shin Park, PhD
- Email: k_park4@uncg.edu
- Phone: 336-256-1069
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.