Improving smoking cessation success through sleep and chess training

Increasing the Smoking Cessation Success Rate by Enhancing Improvement of Self-control Through Sleep-amplified Memory Consolidation

Not applicable Interventional Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim · NCT05726045

This study is testing whether combining chess training and better sleep can help people quit smoking more successfully.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment140 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorCentral Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim Academic / other
Locations1 site (Mannheim, Baden-Wurttemberg)
Trial IDNCT05726045 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to enhance the effectiveness of smoking cessation programs for individuals with tobacco use disorder by integrating cognitive remediation training using chess and improving sleep through high-intensity interval training. Participants will undergo fMRI measurements and sleep monitoring before being assigned to one of four experimental groups that combine these interventions. The study hypothesizes that both chess-based training and sleep enhancement will improve treatment outcomes, either individually or in combination. The approach is designed to be cost-effective and increase patient compliance by utilizing app-based training methods.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals diagnosed with severe tobacco use disorder who are right-handed and can communicate effectively with researchers.

Not a fit: Patients with severe internal, neurological, or psychiatric comorbidities, or those who have a history of brain injury, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve smoking cessation rates among individuals with tobacco use disorder.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in enhancing cognitive control through cognitive remediation, making this approach a potentially valuable advancement in smoking cessation treatment.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* severe tobacco use disorder (TUD) according to DSM-5
* sufficient ability to communicate with investigators and answer questions in both written and verbal format
* ability to provide fully informed consent and to use self-rating scales
* right-handedness
* HIIT can be performed without the risk of side effect (medical sports check)

Exclusion Criteria:

* severe internal, neurological, and/or psychiatric comorbidities; other Axis I mental disorders other than TUD according to ICD-10 and DSM 5 (except for mild depression, i.e. F32.0, adjustment disorder and specific phobias) in the last 12 months
* history of brain injury
* severe physical diseases
* common exclusion criteria for MRI (e.g. metal, claustrophobia)
* positive drug screening (opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, cocaine, amphetamines)
* psychotropic medication within the last 14 days
* pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Mannheim, Baden-Wurttemberg

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 Tobacco Use DisorderAddictionNicotineSmoking CessationRelapseCognitive remediationExercise training
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.