Investigating the effects of intermittent running on metabolic health

Acute Effects of Intermittent vs. Continuous Running Exercise on Physiological and Metabolic Responses

Not applicable Interventional National Taiwan Normal University · NCT06962605

This study is testing how different types of intermittent running can improve energy use and blood sugar control in active adults compared to those who don’t exercise.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment16 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 45 Years
SexMale
SponsorNational Taiwan Normal University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Taipei)
Trial IDNCT06962605 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines how different types of intermittent running, including moderate-intensity continuous running and varying interval lengths, affect energy expenditure and glycemic control in recreationally active adults. Participants will engage in a series of running trials in a randomized-crossover design, with measurements taken before, during, and after exercise. The study aims to compare the metabolic responses to these exercise regimens against a control group that does not exercise. By analyzing the data, researchers hope to determine the most effective exercise strategy for improving metabolic health.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy recreationally active men aged 20 to 45 with a BMI between 18.5 and 27 who regularly engage in cardio exercise.

Not a fit: Patients with cardiovascular, metabolic, or pulmonary diseases, or those on medications affecting metabolic responses, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into effective exercise strategies for improving glucose control and overall metabolic health.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with similar intermittent exercise approaches, suggesting potential for success in this investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy recreationally active men
* BMI between 18.5-27 kg/m2
* Aged between 20 to 45 years
* Regular exercise (3 times per week and longer than 3 months) with cardio exercise longer than 30 minutes at least once a week
* Weight stable for more than 3 months (no change in weight +/- 3%)
* Non-shift workers and sleep at least 6.5-9 hours for the past 3 months
* Non-smoker

Exclusion Criteria:

* having any cardiovascular, metabolic or pulmonary disease (angina pectoris or uncontrolled arrhythmias)
* suffering from infectious contagious diseases,
* using medications that could affect metabolic responses (including anti-inflammatory medications)
* smoking
* heavy alcohol intake (more than 4 drinks on any day or more than 14 drinks a week).
* undergoing special diets (e.g., intermittent fasting and/or ketogenic diets)

Where this trial is running

Taipei

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 Metabolic RegulationEnergy ExpenditureIntermittent runningEnergy expenditure
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.