Effects of mindfulness and exercise on children's cognitive function
Supporting High-intensity Interval Training With Mindfulness for Enhancing Childhood Executive Function
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
| Phase | Phase1; Phase2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 352 (estimated) |
| Ages | 8 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Purdue University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Royal Center, Indiana) |
| Trial ID | NCT06258941 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy children aged 8-12 years with an intelligence quotient of 70 or higher.
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.
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 performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with similar interventions combining mindfulness and physical activity, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Royal Center, Indiana
- Pioneer Elementary School — Royal Center, Indiana, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Shih-Chun (Alvin) Kao, PhD
- Email: kao28@purdue.edu
- Phone: 765-496-2213
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.