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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07670104

Acute Effects of Moderate-Intensity Swimming Exercise on Inhibitory Control, Cognitive Flexibility, and Selective Attention

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the acute effects of a single session of moderate-intensity freestyle swimming exercise on cognitive performance in healthy young adults. Cognitive functions such as inhibitory control, selective attention, and cognitive flexibility are essential components of executive functioning and play an important role in academic, occupational, and daily activities.

A total of 60 healthy adults aged 18-35 years will be randomly assigned to either an exercise group or a control group. Participants in the exercise group will complete a 30-minute session of moderate-intensity freestyle swimming, while participants in the control group will undergo passive seated rest for the same duration.

Cognitive performance will be evaluated immediately before and after the intervention using the Eriksen Flanker Task and the Stroop Color-Word Test. These assessments measure reaction time, attention control, information processing speed, and inhibitory control.

The study is designed to determine whether a single bout of swimming exercise can produce immediate improvements in executive functions compared with passive rest. Findings from this research may contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between aerobic exercise and cognitive performance and may help inform exercise-based strategies for enhancing cognitive health and performance in healthy individuals.

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Key information

Conditions

Executive Function Cognitive Performance Inhibitory Control Selective Attention

Age range

18 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Istanbul Rumeli University, Faculty of Sport Sciences

Istanbul, 34290, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Healthy adults aged 18 to 35 years.
  • Normal or corrected-to-normal vision.
  • Right-handed as determined by the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory.
  • No history of neurological, psychiatric, or cardiovascular disorders.
  • Engaging in structured exercise fewer than three times per week.
  • Ability to safely participate in moderate-intensity swimming exercise.
  • Provision of written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

  • Use of medications that may affect cognitive performance.
  • Active musculoskeletal injury or pain limiting participation in exercise.
  • Previous experience with the Eriksen Flanker Task or Stroop Color-Word Test.
  • Contraindications to swimming exercise.
  • Participation in vigorous physical activity within 24 hours before testing.
  • Any medical condition considered unsafe for exercise participation by the investigators.

Treatment and study plan

Moderate-Intensity Freestyle Swimming Exercise

Behavioral

A single session of moderate-intensity freestyle swimming lasting 30 minutes. The protocol consisted of a 5-minute warm-up, 20 minutes of continuous freestyle swimming performed at approximately 60-70% of age-predicted maximum heart rate, and a 5-minute cool-down. Exercise intensity was monitored using ratings of perceived exertion and heart rate measurements.

Primary outcomes

  1. Congruent Flanker Task Reaction Time

    Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after the 30-minute intervention session

    Mean reaction time during congruent trials of the Eriksen Flanker Task.

  2. Incongruent Flanker Task Reaction Time

    Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after the 30-minute intervention session

    Mean reaction time during incongruent trials of the Eriksen Flanker Task.

  3. Stroop Test Completion Time

    Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after the 30-minute intervention session

    Total completion time across the Stroop Color-Word Test (TBAG Form), assessing inhibitory control, selective attention, and cognitive flexibility.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Görkem Açar

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Acute Effects of Moderate-Intensity Freestyle Swimming Exercise on Inhibitory Control, Cognitive Flexibility, and Selective Attention: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Acronym: SWIMCOG

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jun 26, 2026
Registry last updated
Jun 26, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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