Digital Mindset Intervention for Half Marathon Performance

NCT06972121 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: UAHPEC29030
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 207
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to test whether a brief digital mindset training program can improve performance among recreational runners training for a half marathon in New Zealand in 2025. The study will recruit healthy adult participants who are registered for an upcoming half-marathon event. The study aims to answer two main questions:

• Complete a brief online survey at the start of the study
• Receive and engage with four pieces of digital content across nine weeks before the half-marathon race (if assigned to a training group)
• Complete a follow-up survey after the half-marathon

Conditions

Healthy; Exercise; Psychological Intervention

Keywords

Mindset; Exercise; Physical Activity; Sports psychology; Marathon; Performance

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Official Race Times

  The primary study outcome is the official half-marathon finish time recorded for each participant (in hours, minutes, and seconds)

  At half-marathon race completion (approximately 9 weeks after intervention start)

• Race Completion

  Number of participants who complete a half marathon, across each study arm.

  At half-marathon race completion (approximately 9 weeks after intervention start)

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Race Recovery

  1-week post-race (self-reported number of days to recover since race day)

• Peak Training Week Run Frequency

  1-week post-race (reflecting participant-identified peak training week, usually 3-4 weeks before race day)

• Peak Training Week - Total Distance Run

  1-week post-race (reflecting participant-identified peak training week, usually 3-4 weeks before race day)

Other Outcomes (21)

• Adapted Body Mindset Inventory

  From baseline to 1-week post-race.

• Mindset vs. Training Attribution

  1-week post-race (reflecting 9-week intervention period)

• Interpretation of Exercise Symptoms as Signs of Adaptation

  From baseline to 1-week post-race

Study Arms (3)

Mindset Intervention

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this arm are assigned to receive a digital mindset intervention designed to improve training experiences by targeting core beliefs about mindsets, and exercise symptoms such as discomfort and fatigue. This arm allows testing of the effects of mindset-focused content compared to standard training and control. Participants receive 4 brief digital modules over 9 weeks via app or email. The modules include mindset theory, reframing of physical symptoms, and race-day mental preparation.

Behavioral: Mindset Intervention

Marathon Performance Training

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in this arm are assigned to receive standard half-marathon performance training content. This arm serves as an attentional control, allowing comparison with the mindset intervention arm. Participants receive 4 brief digital modules over 9 weeks via app or email. The modules are based on publicly available running guidance and do not include any mindset-related material.

Behavioral: Marathon Performance Training

Control

NO INTERVENTION

Participants in the control group will not receive any digital training or mindset content during the study period. They will continue their usual preparation for the half-marathon without additional input from the research team. This group serves as a no-intervention comparator to assess the added effects of both the mindset intervention and the marathon performance training content.

Interventions

Mindset Intervention BEHAVIORAL

The mindset intervention includes 4 brief digital modules over 9 weeks (once every 3 weeks) via app or email, prior to the half-marathon race. The content introduces meta-mindsets (beliefs about how mindsets shape experiences and outcomes) and reframes non-severe physical symptoms (e.g., muscle soreness, fatigue) as signs of physiological adaptation. Modules cover: (1) what mindsets are and how they affect performance; (2) how to interpret normal training symptoms as positive signals; (3) how to maintain adaptive mindsets during peak training; and (4) race-day mindset preparation. Each module includes brief text, visuals, and reflection questions and takes approximately five minutes to complete.

Mindset Intervention

Marathon Performance Training BEHAVIORAL

The marathon performance training intervention includes 4 brief digital modules over 9 weeks (once every 3 weeks) via app or email, prior to the half-marathon race. Content is based on publicly available half-marathon training guidance and excludes any mindset-related material. Modules cover: (1) setting race goals and structuring training plans; (2) training tips and best practices (e.g., pacing, injury prevention); (3) navigating peak training periods (e.g., distance increases, rest and recovery); and (4) practical race-day preparation strategies (e.g., pacing, fueling, warm-up routines). Each module includes concise text, visuals, and actionable tips designed to take approximately five minutes to complete.

Marathon Performance Training

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Be aged 18 years or older
• Be registered to run (not walk) in a 2025 half marathon in New Zealand
• Be running their 1st, 2nd, or 3rd half marathon
• Be able to complete the half-marathon without physical assistance or aids
• Be able to read and understand English
• Have regular access to email or an internet-connected device

You may not qualify if:

• Have completed more than 2 half marathons in the past
• Are currently injured or unable to complete the race unassisted
• Are unable to complete online questionnaires independently
• Do not have access to a device capable of receiving digital content via app or email

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Auckland, New Zealand: lead

Study Sites (1)

Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland

Auckland, 1142, New Zealand

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Motor Activity

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Behavior

Study Officials

• Keith Petrie, Professor

  University of Auckland, New Zealand

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Michelle Taylorson, Health Psychology Masters Stud

CONTACT

+64 21 230 8053; mtay322@aucklanduni.ac.nz

Rachael Yielder, Health Psychology PhD Candidat

CONTACT

+64 21 032 2113; rachael.yielder@auckland.ac.nz

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: SUPPORTIVE CARE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Professor, Department of Psychological Medicine

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 14, 2025
• First Posted: May 14, 2025
• Study Start: May 15, 2025
• Primary Completion: September 1, 2025
• Study Completion: September 1, 2025
• Last Updated: May 28, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

NZ (1)