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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07119684

The Effect of Duration and Frequency of Walking Exercise on Cognitive Functions

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.

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Key information

Age range

18 year–25 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Gazi University

Ankara, Cankaya, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

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

Treatment and study plan

Short-Duration Walking Exercise

Behavioral

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.

Long-Duration Walking Exercise

Behavioral

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.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) Score

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks post-intervention

    Main endpoint; large effect size; reflects executive function & speed

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in Stroop Test

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks post-intervention

    Exploring other areas the intervention might influence (e.g., different aspects of cognitive function).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Gazi University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effect of Duration and Frequency of Walking Exercise on Cognitive Functions: A Randomized Controlled Comparative Study

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Aug 13, 2025
Registry last updated
Aug 13, 2025

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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