Measuring the effects of standing breaks on young people's health and cognition

The Impact of Different Exercise Timings on Blood Glucose Control and Cognition in Children and Adolescents Using the Freestyle Libre Continuous Glucose Monitoring System

Not applicable Interventional Oxford Brookes University · NCT04989712

This study is testing if taking short breaks to stand and move can help kids and teens aged 9-18 feel better and think more clearly compared to sitting for a long time.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages9 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorOxford Brookes University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Oxford, Oxfordshire)
Trial IDNCT04989712 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how brief standing physical activity breaks can impact physical and cognitive performance in healthy children and adolescents aged 9-18. It employs a crossover randomized design to compare the effects of moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) breaks against a condition of prolonged sitting. Participants will undergo dietary analysis and metabolic and cognitive tests to evaluate the immediate and short-term benefits of these interventions on their health and wellbeing. The study aims to provide insights into how interrupting sedentary behavior can enhance overall performance and health in young individuals.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy children and adolescents aged 9-18 who can safely participate in physical activity.

Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled epilepsy, diabetes, or those on certain medications that affect glucose metabolism may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved health and cognitive outcomes for young people by promoting active breaks during sedentary activities.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive effects of physical activity breaks on cognitive performance, suggesting this approach may be beneficial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Young people aged 9-18 years old
* No significant current or previous medical history
* Are able to participate safely in the study's assessments and brief interrupted sitting moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Those with uncontrolled epilepsy/seizures (stable epilepsy/on medication \> 12 weeks)
* Those who have Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes or other glucose intolerance or on medication for such conditions
* Those who experience contraindications to physical training
* Those who are on any form of steroids, anti-anxiety/depression drugs, birth control, beta-blockers, statin, adrenaline, HIV or Hepatitis C medications (these medications can affect the readings during the oral glucose tolerance test)
* Those with known allergies to plasters

Where this trial is running

Oxford, Oxfordshire

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 Blood GlucoseExecutive FunctionCognitive ChangeMVPAGlucoseCognitionChildrenAdolescents
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.