Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase1; Phase2 Interventional Ages 8 to 12

Effects of mindfulness and exercise on children's cognitive function

Official title: Supporting High-intensity Interval Training With Mindfulness for Enhancing Childhood Executive Function

Run by Purdue University · NCT06258941 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if a 12-week program that combines mindfulness and exercise can help improve thinking skills in kids aged 8-12 compared to other activities.

Quick facts

PhasePhase1; Phase2
Study typeInterventional
Ages8 Years to 12 Years
SexAll
Enrollment352 (estimated)
SponsorPurdue University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Royal Center, Indiana)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 14, 2025
Main results expectedMay 31, 2027
Study endsMay 31, 2027
Registry record updatedJune 25, 2026
Trial IDNCT06258941 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are healthy children aged 8-12 years with an intelligence quotient of 70 or higher.

Probably not a fit

Children with formal diagnoses of neurological diseases or those unable to perform exercise based on health screenings 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 randomized controlled trial investigates the impact of a 12-week school-based intervention that combines mindfulness with high-intensity interval training (MF-HIIT) on executive function in children aged 8-12. Participants will be divided into groups receiving MF-HIIT, mindfulness-only, high-intensity interval training-only, or engaging in sedentary activities. The study will assess cognitive performance through pre- and post-intervention testing, including intelligence and fitness evaluations. The goal is to determine if the MF-HIIT approach yields greater improvements in executive function compared to the other interventions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance cognitive function and fitness in elementary school children, potentially leading to improved academic performance.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with similar interventions combining mindfulness and physical activity, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 8-12 years old
* Intelligence Quotient ≥ 70
* Capable of performing exercise based on pre-participation health screening
* No formal diagnosis of neurological diseases (e.g., epilepsy)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age outside of the range of 8-12 years old
* Intelligence Quotient \< 70
* No capable of performing exercise based on pre-participation health screening
* Has formal diagnosis of neurological diseases (e.g., epilepsy)

Where it's running

  • Pioneer Elementary School
    Royal Center, Indiana, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.