Children, Adolescents
Conditions
Keywords
Exercise, Endocannabinoid, Anxiety, Meditation, Stretching
Brief summary
This study will explore how exercise affects brain chemicals called endocannabinoids, which may improve thinking skills and reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and low mood in children and teens aged 9 to 17. Participants will take part in a single 30-minute activity session, where they will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: 1. Moderate-intensity exercise (walking or running on a treadmill at 50-70% of their maximum heart rate). 2. Light stretching (gentle movements at less than 40% of their maximum heart rate). 3. Seated meditation (relaxing without movement at less than 30% of their maximum heart rate). The investigators will measure endocannabinoid levels, thinking skills, and mood before and after the activity to see how these activities affect the brain and emotions.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALModerate Intensity Exercise
Participants randomized to the moderate intensity exercise condition will complete a 30 min session on a motor driven treadmill. Participants will complete a 3-minute warm-up at low speed on a treadmill. Speed and incline will be increased in 3-minute increments until moderate-intensity exercise, defined as the goal of participants staying within a target zone of 50-70% AAMHR while briskly walking and/or jogging depending on current fitness status.
BEHAVIORALLight Intensity Stretching
Participants randomized into the light stretching condition will complete a 30-minute video, tailored for 9-17-year-olds. This video leads participants through a series of seated arm, torso, leg, knee and shoulder stretches on a yoga mat. Participants will be monitored throughout the stretching session by a trained research assistant, and HR and perceived exertion will also be measured throughout. The research assistant may make modifications to the poses in real-time to ensure that AAMHR is kept below 40%.
BEHAVIORALSeated Meditation
Participants randomized into the meditation condition will complete a 30-minute video, tailored for 9-17-year-olds. This video leads participants through a seated guided meditation on a yoga mat. This includes a series of breathing, visualization, and body awareness exercises. Participants will be monitored throughout the meditation session by a trained research assistant, and HR and perceived exertion will also be measured throughout, to ensure that AAMHR is kept below 30%.
Sponsors
Wayne State University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
9 Years to 17 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Provision of signed and dated informed consent form * Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and available for the duration of the study * 9-17 years of age * Adolescent and parent/guardian are English-speaking, as study assessments are in English * Right-handed
Exclusion criteria
* Head injury * Sensory (e.g., hearing) impairment * Physical (e.g., motor, balance) impairment * Physical disabilities * Neurological disorders * Any condition that would contraindicate blood draws
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Endocannabinoid (eCB) Concentrations | Within 30 minutes before and after exercise or control conditions | Plasma and saliva samples will be collected immediately before and after exercise or control conditions. Samples will be analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to quantify concentrations of eCBs. |
| Cognitive performance (Dimensional Change Card Sort Test) | Within 30 minutes before and after exercise or control conditions | The NIH Toolbox® iPad application will be administered to measure executive functioning before and after the exercise or control condition: Dimensional Change Card Sort Test (DCCS). |
| Cognitive performance (Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention Test) | Within 30 minutes before and after exercise or control conditions | The NIH Toolbox® iPad application will be administered to measure executive functioning before and after the exercise or control condition: Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention Test (Flanker). |
| Cognitive performance (Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test) | Within 30 minutes before and after exercise or control conditions | The NIH Toolbox® iPad application will be administered to measure executive functioning before and after the exercise or control condition: Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test (PCT). |
| Cognitive performance (Picture Sequence Memory Test) | Within 30 minutes before and after exercise or control conditions | The NIH Toolbox® iPad application will be administered to measure executive functioning before and after the exercise or control condition: Picture Sequence Memory Test (PSMT). |
| Anxiety symptoms | Within 30 minutes before and after exercise or control conditions | State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for children |
| Affect | Within 30 minutes before and after exercise or control conditions | Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) - Child Version |
| Mood state | Within 30 minutes before and after exercise or control conditions | Mood and Feelings Questionnaire for Children |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed