Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

High-Intensity Interval Training Across Exercise Environments: Acute Effects on Physiological Stress, Cardiovascular Responses, Executive Function, and Psychological Experience

China25 participantsStarted 2026-04-15

Plain-language summary

The goal of this clinical trial utilizing a randomized crossover design)is to explore the modulating effects of different exercise environments （green parks, outdoor athletic tracks, and indoor settings) on acute responses to High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). It aims to determine if environmental factors can optimize an individual's stress regulation, cognitive improvement, and psychological exercise experience. The study involves 25 healthy full-time college students aged 18 to 25. The main questions it aims to answer are： 1. Are there significant differences in physiological stress (e.g., salivary cortisol, HRV) and cardiovascular responses when performing HIIT in different exercise environments (indoor, track, park)? 2. How does the exercise environment influence executive function (inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility) and subjective psychological experiences (e.g., emotional state, enjoyment, and exercise motivation) following HIIT? Researchers will compare the performance of participants across three conditions-Green Park (natural environment), Outdoor Athletic Track (conventional outdoor environment), and Indoor Venue (artificial environment)-to identify the modulating effects of different environments on exercise outcomes. Participants will ： Sign the informed consent form and complete baseline health screenings and psychological scales. Undergo resting physiological measurements (Heart Rate, Heart Rate Variability, Blood Pressure, Salivary Cortisol) and complete computerized executive function tasks (Stroop task and More-odd-shifting task). Perform approximately 15 minutes of standardized preparation activities (warm-up). Complete a 15-minute high-intensity interval jump-rope training session (using a protocol of 30 seconds of high-intensity exercise followed by 30 seconds of recovery) in a randomly assigned environment. Immediately following the exercise, undergo repeated physiological measurements, psychological assessments, and cognitive function tests.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 25 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: * Full-time college students aged 18 to 25 years old. * Healthy, with no history of major cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, or endocrine diseases. * No exercise contraindications or lower limb injuries, able to safely complete high-intensity interval training (including jump rope). * No recent events affecting physiological or psychological status, such as severe insomnia, anxiety, depression, or extreme fatigue. * Have not taken medications or supplements affecting heart rate, blood pressure, mood, or attention in the past week. * Normal vision or corrected-to-normal vision, capable of smoothly completing computerized cognitive tasks. * Able to comprehend and truthfully complete psychological questionnaires. * Voluntarily participate, fully understand the research procedures, and sign the informed consent form. Exclusion Criteria: * Severe cardiovascular diseases (e.g., myocardial infarction, severe arrhythmias, uncontrolled hypertension). * Severe respiratory diseases (e.g., severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or recent acute respiratory infections). * History of neurological diseases or brain injuries (e.g., epilepsy, recent concussion) that may affect safety or cognitive tasks. * Uncontrolled endocrine or metabolic diseases that may interfere with cortisol or metabolic measurements. * Severe psychological disorders or receiving psychiatric treatment in the past month. * Use of drugs or supplements significantly affecting h…

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

Change in Salivary Cortisol Concentration

Timeframe: Administered at baseline (pre-exercise) and post-exercise.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07488715

SponsorShanghai University of Sport

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-06-10

Contact for this trial

jing Wang

86-15906075548 2521151009@sus.edu.cn

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Sport Participation trials