Effects of exercise timing on memory in young adults

The Role of the Time of Day in the Effects of Exercise on Memory in Heathy Young Adults

Not applicable Interventional University of North Carolina, Greensboro · NCT04861818

This study tests how exercising at different times of the day affects memory in healthy young adults aged 18-25.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 25 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of North Carolina, Greensboro Academic / other
Locations1 site (Greensboro, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT04861818 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

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.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Greensboro, North Carolina

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 Aerobic ExerciseCognitive ChangeAerobic exercisePhysical activityCognition
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.