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

NCT07670104 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: IRU-2026
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 60
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

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.

Conditions

Executive Function; Cognitive Performance; Selective Attention; Inhibitory Control

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Congruent Flanker Task Reaction Time

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

  Immediately before and immediately after the 30-minute intervention session

• Incongruent Flanker Task Reaction Time

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

  Immediately before and immediately after the 30-minute intervention session

• Stroop Test Completion Time

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

  Immediately before and immediately after the 30-minute intervention session

Study Arms (2)

Experimental Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants assigned to the experimental group completed a single 30-minute session of moderate-intensity freestyle swimming exercise. The exercise protocol included a 5-minute warm-up, 20 minutes of continuous swimming at moderate intensity (approximately 60-70% of age-predicted maximum heart rate), and a 5-minute cool-down period.

Behavioral: Moderate-Intensity Freestyle Swimming Exercise

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

Participants assigned to the control group remained seated at rest for 30 minutes in a quiet environment. During this period, participants were instructed to avoid physical activity and cognitive stimulation.

Interventions

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.

Experimental Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 35 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• 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.

You may not qualify if:

• 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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Görkem Açar: lead

Study Sites (1)

Istanbul Rumeli University, Faculty of Sport Sciences

Istanbul, Istanbul, 34290, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: The researcher responsible for scoring cognitive outcomes was blinded to group allocation. Cognitive assessments were scored using standardized procedures and automated software. Participants and investigators supervising the intervention were not blinded due to the nature of the exercise intervention.
• Purpose: BASIC SCIENCE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Ress. Asst.

Model Details: Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either a moderate-intensity freestyle swimming exercise group or a passive rest control group. Both groups completed pre- and post-intervention cognitive assessments, and outcomes were compared between groups.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 19, 2026
• First Posted: June 26, 2026
• Study Start: May 1, 2026
• Primary Completion: May 30, 2026
• Study Completion: May 30, 2026
• Last Updated: June 26, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-06

Locations

TU (1)