Cognitive Function and Well-Being, Healthy Participants, Walking
Conditions
Keywords
Exercise Duration, Exercise Frequency, Cognitive Function, Walking Exercise
Brief summary
Physical activity is very important for staying healthy and improving how well our brain works. Walking is a simple and easy way to exercise that can help people of all ages feel better physically and mentally. It's affordable, easy to do, and doesn't require special equipment. Walking can improve memory, thinking speed, and problem-solving skills, which are important for everyday life. This study looks at whether doing shorter walks more often (like three 10-minute walks a day) is as good for the brain as doing one longer walk (one 30-minute walk a day). This is important because many people find it hard to fit long exercise sessions into their day due to busy schedules, health issues, or personal preferences. By understanding which way of walking helps the brain the most, doctors and patients can choose exercise plans that are easier to stick to and still improve thinking skills. This study will compare these two walking routines over 6 weeks to see how they affect brain health. This clinical trial investigates the cognitive effects of two different walking exercise protocols over a 6-week period. Participants will either complete three daily 10-minute walking sessions or a single continuous 30-minute walking session. The study aims to determine whether shorter, more frequent exercise sessions provide cognitive benefits comparable to a longer, single session. Outcomes will focus on improvements in memory, processing speed, and executive function. Findings will inform recommendations for accessible and flexible exercise programs to enhance cognitive health.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALShort-Duration Walking Exercise
articipants performed three 10-minute walking sessions per day, 5 days per week for 6 weeks, at 60% of their maximum heart rate on a treadmill.
BEHAVIORALLong-Duration Walking Exercise
Participants performed one continuous 30-minute walking session per day, 5 days per week for 6 weeks, at 60% of their maximum heart rate on a treadmill.
Sponsors
Gazi University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE (Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
Participants were not blinded (they knew their group) Investigators (those conducting and monitoring the intervention) were blinded Outcomes assessors (evaluating cognitive tests) were blinded
Intervention model description
Two groups (10-minute walking group vs. 30-minute walking group) Each group receives a different intervention Participants stay in the same group throughout the study (no crossover)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to 25 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Female Aged between 18 and 25 years Sedentary lifestyle, defined as taking \<5000 steps/day in the previous week Non-smoker Having a work or school schedule that allows consistent participation in the 6-week walking program Able to walk on a treadmill Provided written informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m² Participation in another regular exercise program during the study period Neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, epilepsy) Severe cardiovascular conditions (e.g., heart failure, arrhythmias) Any physical limitation that prevents safe walking on a treadmill Pregnancy
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) Score | Baseline and 6 weeks post-intervention | Main endpoint; large effect size; reflects executive function & speed |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Stroop Test | Baseline and 6 weeks post-intervention | Exploring other areas the intervention might influence (e.g., different aspects of cognitive function). |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed