Effects of Moderate Exercise and Cyclic Breathing on Stress and Cognition in Young Adults
Official title: A Comparison of Psychophysiological Effects Between Relaxation Techniques and Physical Exercise in Young Adults
Run by Poznan University of Physical Education · NCT07379606 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether 15 minutes of moderate exercise or 15 minutes of cyclic sighing can affect stress, thinking skills, and body signals in healthy young adults.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Poznan University of Physical Education Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Poznan, Wielkopolska) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 31, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | April 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07379606 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18–35 without chronic diseases, psychiatric disorders, or regular use of psychotropic medications, and with stable sleep in the week before participation.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with contraindications to moderate physical activity, EEG incompatibilities, active psychiatric conditions, or recent substance use or caffeine intake near the study sessions may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized cross-over trial compares two 15-minute interventions in 30 healthy adults aged 18–35: moderate-intensity stationary cycling and a breathing training called cyclic sighing. Each participant experiences both interventions with a one-week washout period between sessions. Physiological data will be collected via wearable activity trackers and EEG measurements before and after each intervention to explore short-term effects on stress markers and cognitive function. The study is conducted at the Poznan University of Physical Education with each participant serving as their own control to reduce variability.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could identify simple, nonpharmacological strategies to help manage stress and support cognitive function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown short-term stress and cognitive responses to exercise and breathing techniques, but this exact cross-over design with EEG and wearables is relatively novel in this population.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * male or female participants, * age 18-35, * without chronic somatic diseases, * no current episode of psychiatric disorder (no active depression, mania, or psychosis), * regular sleep schedule in the week prior to the study, * not taking psychotropic drugs or medications, * non-smoker, * not working nightshifts. Exclusion Criteria: * consumption of alcohol or psychoactive substances the day before or on the day of the study, * intense physical activity less than 2 hours before the study, * consuming coffee, black tee, energy drinks less than 2 hours before the study, * contraindications to moderate-intensity physical activity on cycle ergometer (e.g., recent injuries), * contraindications to EEG (e.g., scalp skin conditions preventing proper electrode placement, hypersensitivity to conductive gels or pastes).
Where it's running
-
Poznan University of Physical Education
Poznan, Wielkopolska, Poland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Beata Jóźwiak
- Email: b.jozwiak@awf.poznan.pl
- Phone: (61) 835 53 49
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Diabetes, Dementia, and Oxidative Stress: A look at Nox2-related markers
This study tests whether oxidative stress linked to Nox2 is related to dementia risk in adults with type 2 diabetes.
-
Opioid-Free vs Opioid-Based Anesthesia for Thyroid Surgery
This study tests whether a non-opioid anesthesia approach can match or improve outcomes for adults undergoing thyroidectomy.
-
Training to reduce oxidative stress in knee OA
A six-week program compares supervised knee-strengthening training with a daily 6,000-step walking plan to see if it improves pain, function, and blood markers of cellular stress in people with knee osteoarthritis.
-
Ashwagandha with resistance training to boost strength and stress markers
This 12-week study tests whether taking ASHWAGANDHA along with regular resistance training helps healthy, trained men see improvements in strength, stress levels, sleep, and cognitive function compared with a placebo.
-
Oxidative Stress and Heart Risk in People with Rheumatoid Arthritis
This study tests whether certain markers of oxidative stress in people with rheumatoid arthritis are linked to subclinical atherosclerosis and arterial stiffness, which could relate to future heart disease risk.
-
NVTIA Ergothioneine for Healthy Aging and Skin Health
This study tests whether taking NVTIA Ergothioneine daily for 12 weeks helps healthy adults age more gracefully and keeps skin looking and feeling better compared with a placebo.
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.