HIIT + Mindfulness for Healthy Children
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how different school-based programs—mindfulness, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and a combination of both—affect children's brain functions, specifically their executive function, which involves managing thoughts and tasks. Researchers will assign participants to one of these programs or to a group with more sedentary activities to determine which offers the most benefits. Children aged 8-12, without neurological conditions like epilepsy, and who can exercise without issues are ideal candidates for this study. As a Phase 1 and Phase 2 trial, the research aims to understand how these programs work in children and measure their effectiveness in improving brain function.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications. It seems focused on exercise and mindfulness, so it's unlikely that medications would need to be stopped, but you should check with the trial organizers to be sure.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research shows that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is generally safe for kids and teens, improving fitness, such as heart and lung health, without causing major issues. One study found that fewer kids quit HIIT compared to other activities, suggesting they handle it well.
Regarding mindfulness (MF), studies indicate that mindfulness programs are easy for children to do and they manage them well. These programs might also boost mental well-being.
The researchers are exploring the combination of mindfulness with HIIT (MF-HIIT). While specific safety data for this combination isn't detailed, both HIIT and mindfulness alone are safe for kids. Therefore, combining them is likely safe too, but this needs confirmation in trials like this one.
Overall, the treatments in this trial—HIIT-only, MF-only, and MF-HIIT—are expected to be safe for children, based on existing research.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about the HIIT + Mindfulness protocol because it combines physical and mental training in a novel way, potentially offering a holistic approach to children's health. Unlike standard treatments that typically focus on either physical exercise or mental well-being separately, this method integrates high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with mindfulness practices. This combination aims to enhance both physical fitness and mental resilience simultaneously, which could lead to improved overall health outcomes for children. Moreover, the mindfulness component might help children better manage stress and emotions, while the HIIT aspect focuses on boosting physical fitness in a time-efficient manner. This dual approach is what sets it apart from traditional single-focus interventions.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for improving executive function in children?
Research shows that high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which participants in this trial may receive, can greatly boost physical fitness and brain function in children. One study found that a 10-minute HIIT session each day for six weeks improved children's focus and memory. Mindfulness-based activities (MF), another treatment option in this trial, have also been found to enhance children's cognitive and emotional well-being. A review of several studies found that mindfulness programs in schools can improve children's mental, social, and cognitive skills. Combining mindfulness with HIIT (MF-HIIT), also tested in this trial, is thought to offer even more benefits by mixing mental focus with physical exercise, potentially enhancing children's task management abilities.24567
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for healthy children aged 10-12 years old. It's designed to see if a special program combining mindfulness and high-intensity exercise can improve their thinking skills, fitness, and mindfulness compared to just sitting around. The kids must be able to do some tests before and after the program.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Pretest
Participants and their parents complete assessments including intelligence, fitness, mindfulness, and executive function tests
Intervention
Participants receive a 12-week classroom-based intervention combining mindfulness with high-intensity interval training, or mindfulness-only, or HIIT-only
Posttest
Participants complete the same assessments as in the pretest phase to evaluate changes in fitness, mindfulness, and executive function
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for any long-term effects of the intervention on executive function
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- HIIT-only
- MF-HIIT
- MF-only
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Purdue University
Lead Sponsor