Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Can Exercise Rewire the Brain Addiction Circuitry?

60 participantsStarted 2026-01

Plain-language summary

The aim of the present study is to apply neuroimaging techniques to investigate how physical exercise may influence the addiction circuitry, ultimately reducing alcohol consumption and craving in youth binge drinkers. This proposal will advance knowledge on how exercise may modulate the neurocircuitry of addiction. Uncovering the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the interactive neural effects of exercise and alcohol intake may provide additional scientific insights for the development of preventive and intervention programs for youth BD and AUD.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 24 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * binge drinking \> or = 5 ; \> or =4 for women alcoholic drinks * in the same time window (±2h) * at least once per month * \<150 minutes of physical activity per week Exclusion Criteria: * Major and/or unstable medical conditions * Physical limitations that may constraint the practice of exercise * Cardiovascular and respiratory insufficiency * History of traumatic brain injury or neurological disorder * Non-corrected sensory deficits * Personal history of psychopathological disorders * Family history of alcoholism or substance abuse in first degree relatives * Consumption of medical drugs with psychoactive effects (e.g., sedatives or anxiolytics) during the month previous to the assessment * Use of illegal drugs and AUDIT scores \>20 * MRI contraindications * Current or previous (past year) participation in a physical exercise program

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Behavioral: alcohol consumption

Timeframe: Through study completion, an average of 1 year

Behavioral: binge episodes

Timeframe: Through study completion, an average of 1 year

Behavioral : drunkenness

Timeframe: Through study completion, an average of 1 year

Psychological (craving levels)

Timeframe: Through study completion, an average of 1 year

Brain structure

Timeframe: Through study completion, an average of 1 year

Brain structural connectivity- FA

Timeframe: Through study completion, an average of 1 year

Brain structural connectivity - MD

Timeframe: Through study completion, an average of 1 year

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06317753

SponsorUniversity of Minho

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-12

Contact for this trial

Sónia Sousa, PhD

+351917824280 soniamachado@psi.uminho.pt

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Physical Exercise trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 24 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Behavioral: alcohol consumption

Timeframe: Through study completion, an average of 1 year

Behavioral: binge episodes

Timeframe: Through study completion, an average of 1 year

Behavioral : drunkenness

Timeframe: Through study completion, an average of 1 year

Psychological (craving levels)

Timeframe: Through study completion, an average of 1 year

Brain structure

Timeframe: Through study completion, an average of 1 year

Brain structural connectivity- FA

Timeframe: Through study completion, an average of 1 year

Brain structural connectivity - MD

Timeframe: Through study completion, an average of 1 year