This study investigates how different types of aerobic exercise-specifically continuous treadmill running versus intermittent ball games-influence mental restoration in university students. The research introduces the concept of "Physical Ardor" (PA), a state of high-intensity physical engagement that may act as a "circuit breaker" for persistent self-narrative and stress. A total of 600 participants were assigned to four experimental groups to compare the effects of exercise intensity (moderate vs. high) and modality (continuous vs. intermittent). The study aims to determine whether high-intensity physical ardor can trigger a "State Anattā Experience" (a psychological state of "no-self" and tranquility) and subsequently enhance psychophysiological release and recovery. Results from this study will provide new insights into how structured exercise can be used as an effective intervention for academic stress and mental fatigue.
Age range
18 Years – 30 Years
Sex
ALL
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Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
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.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Rating of Perceived Exertion
Timeframe: Immediately post-intervention (0-2 minutes after the end of exercise)
%HRmax
Timeframe: Continuously during the active intervention session (average of approximately 15/30 minutes, from start to completion of exercise)
Salivary Alpha-Amylase
Timeframe: Baseline (collected 8-10 minutes prior to intervention, following an 8-minute quiet rest period) and Post-intervention (collected 5-6 minutes after the end of exercise).
Heart Rate Variability
Timeframe: Baseline (collected 8-10 minutes prior to intervention, following a quiet rest period) and Post-intervention recovery (collected 12-20 minutes after the end of exercise).
De-identification
Timeframe: Immediately post-intervention (collected 2-5 minutes after the end of exercise, reflecting on the moment of maximum intensity).
Cessation of Self-Narrative
Timeframe: Immediately post-intervention (collected 2-5 minutes after the end of exercise, reflecting on the moment of maximum intensity).
Loss of Agency
Timeframe: Immediately post-intervention (collected 2-5 minutes after the end of exercise, reflecting on the moment of maximum intensity).
Dissolution of Boundaries
Timeframe: Immediately post-intervention (collected 2-5 minutes after the end of exercise, reflecting on the moment of maximum intensity).
Loss of Time Perception
Timeframe: Immediately post-intervention (collected 2-5 minutes after the end of exercise, reflecting on the moment of maximum intensity).
Sense of Relief
Timeframe: Post-rest recovery (collected 10-12 minutes after the end of exercise, following the secondary HRV measurement window).
Equanimity & Pliability
Timeframe: Post-rest recovery (collected 10-12 minutes after the end of exercise, following the secondary HRV measurement window).
Cognitive Openness & Flexibility
Timeframe: Post-rest recovery (collected 10-12 minutes after the end of exercise, following the secondary HRV measurement window).