Exploring how different emotions affect eating before exercise

The Influence of Different Mood States and Emotions on the Physiologic, Metabolic, and Perceptual Responses to Feeding Before Exercise

Not applicable Interventional Old Dominion University · NCT05217589

This study tests how different emotions, like stress or laughter, affect what you eat and how well you perform during exercise.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
SponsorOld Dominion University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Norfolk, Virginia)
Trial IDNCT05217589 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of various emotional states on the physiological and metabolic responses to food intake prior to exercise. Participants will watch different types of movie clips designed to induce specific emotions—stressful, horror, and funny—before consuming food and engaging in endurance running on a treadmill. The study aims to understand how these mood states influence gut tolerance and overall performance during exercise. By examining these interactions, the research seeks to provide insights into optimizing nutritional strategies for athletes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are physically active adults aged 18 to 55 who can run for 30 minutes at a moderate-to-vigorous intensity.

Not a fit: Patients with cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, or those who are not physically active may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help athletes better manage their nutrition and emotional states to enhance performance and reduce gastrointestinal issues during competition.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study is novel, there is limited existing research directly linking emotional states to pre-exercise feeding tolerance.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged 18 to 55 years
2. Able to run for 30 min at a moderate-to-vigorous intensity without stopping
3. No diagnosis or signs/symptoms of cardiovascular disease (CVD) or metabolic disorders
4. Currently physically active (at least 3 days/week of exercise at a moderate or higher intensity)
5. No visual or hearing impairments interfering with ability to see and hear video clips
6. No allergies to ingredients in Boost drink

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Aged \<18 or \>55 years
2. Unable to run for 30 min at a moderate-to-vigorous intensity without stopping
3. A diagnosis or signs/symptoms of CVD or metabolic disorders
4. Currently physically inactive (\< 3 days/week of exercise at a moderate or higher intensity)
5. Visual or hearing impairments interfering with ability to see and hear video clips
6. Allergies to ingredients in Boost drink

Where this trial is running

Norfolk, Virginia

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 Other Gastrointestinal DisordersCramp, Abdominal
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.