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

NCT07119684 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: cognitiveshamelGazi
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 35
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

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.

Conditions

Cognitive Function and Well-Being; Healthy Participants; Walking

Keywords

Exercise Duration, Exercise Frequency, Cognitive Function, Walking Exercise

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) Score

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

  Baseline and 6 weeks post-intervention

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Stroop Test

  Baseline and 6 weeks post-intervention

Study Arms (2)

Short-Duration Walking Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants walked 3 sessions of 10 minutes per day, five days a week for 6 weeks, at 60% of their maximum heart rate.

Behavioral: Short-Duration Walking Exercise

Long-Duration Walking Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants walked 1 continuous 30-minute session per day, five days a week for 6 weeks, at 60% of their maximum heart rate.

Behavioral: Long-Duration Walking Exercise

Interventions

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.

Short-Duration Walking Group

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.

Long-Duration Walking Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 25 Years
• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• 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

You may not qualify if:

• 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Gazi University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Gazi University

Ankara, Cankaya, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: INVESTIGATOR, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: Participants were not blinded (they knew their group) Investigators (those conducting and monitoring the intervention) were blinded Outcomes assessors (evaluating cognitive tests) were blinded
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: associate professor

Model Details: 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)

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 6, 2025
• First Posted: August 13, 2025
• Study Start: January 1, 2024
• Primary Completion: February 16, 2024
• Study Completion: February 16, 2024
• Last Updated: August 13, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-08

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share
• Shared Documents: SAP

Locations

TU (1)