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
| Phase | Phase1; Phase2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 8 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 352 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Purdue University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Royal Center, Indiana) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 14, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | May 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 25, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06258941 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
- Study coordinator: Shih-Chun (Alvin) Kao, PhD
- Email: kao28@purdue.edu
- Phone: 765-496-2213
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Trying a deep-learning noise-reduction feature for hearing aids
This test tries a deep-learning noise-reduction feature in hearing aids to see if it helps people with mild-to-moderate cochlear hearing loss understand speech in noisy places.
-
Dietary cysteine, gut microbes, and colorectal cancer risk
This trial will see if eating lower-cysteine versus higher-cysteine diets changes how the body and gut bacteria handle cysteine and reduces gut inflammation in Black and White adults aged 45–75 who previously had non-cancerous colon polyps.
-
Effects of chicory inulin on gut microbiota in healthy adults
This study tests whether taking chicory inulin can change the gut bacteria in healthy adults and see how it affects their bowel habits, mood, and appetite.
-
Effects of different grain foods on health in adults
This study is testing how different types of grain foods, like whole grains and refined grains, affect health in adults over 16 weeks.
-
Effects of high-intensity interval training with mindfulness on children's brain function
This study is testing if a special workout that combines high-intensity exercises with mindfulness can help improve brain function in kids aged 10-12.
-
Understanding the health impact of tetrachloroethylene exposure in Martinsville, IN
This study is trying to see how exposure to a chemical called tetrachloroethylene affects the health of people living in Martinsville, Indiana, and to help them understand the risks and make better health choices.
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.