NCT07130825

The Effect of Different Physical Activity Strategy on Cognitive Efficiency and Mental Fatigue Resistance

The Effect of Different Physical Activity Strategy on Cognitive Efficiency and Mental Fatigue Resistance During a Simulated Mental Working Day

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Lithuanian Sports University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The main aim of this biomedical study is to determine the effect of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, before and after an 8-hour workday and a combined work model, on the performance and efficiency of cognitive functions during mental work. There are lack of previous studies analysing the effects of different physical activity strategies on cognitive efficiency and investigating mental fatigue resistance. Limited research in this area shows that the mechanism of the effect of physical activity on mental fatigue resistance is still unclear. This research will aim to investigate different physical activity strategies, such as combined work model and moderate intensity physical activity before and after office workday, and their impact on a mental and emotional fatigue, cognitive efficiency, sympathetic and parasympathetic systems and metabolic indicators during mentally demanding 8 h workday.

Detailed description

Prolonged sedentary behavior and sustained cognitive workload during typical office workdays contribute significantly to the onset of acute mental fatigue (Kunasegaran et al., 2023). This condition is linked to physiological mechanisms such as reduced cerebral blood flow, diminished glucose availability and transport to active brain regions (García et al., 2021; Kennedy \& Scholey, 2000), as well as hormonal alterations (Miyashita \& Williams, 2006; Wiehler et al., 2022). These changes negatively impact cognitive efficiency, motivation, and overall brain function (Kunasegaran et al., 2023; Tran et al., 2020). While existing evidence supports the positive influence of physical activity on physical and mental health (Calderwood et al., 2021; Jacquet et al., 2021), there remains a lack of research specifically examining how different physical activity strategies influence cognitive efficiency and resistance to mental fatigue. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the effects of various physical activity interventions, including a combined work-exercise model and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise performed either before or after an 8-hour mentally demanding workday. Outcomes will focus on mental and emotional fatigue, cognitive efficiency, autonomic nervous system activity (sympathetic and parasympathetic balance), and metabolic responses. By evaluating these parameters, the study seeks to clarify the potential of targeted physical activity strategies to enhance mental fatigue resistance and support cognitive performance in occupational settings. The findings are expected to contribute valuable insight into the development of effective workplace interventions that promote employee well-being, productivity, and resilience.

Conditions

• Healthy Adults

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	8 hours simulated mental workday	During a simulated 8-hour mental work day, subjects will complete a set of cognitive tests (ANAM4, version 4; Vista Life Science, Norman, OK, USA) 8 times (1 session approximately 45 minutes), with a break of approximately 10 minutes after each session.
OTHER	Moderate intensity aerobic activity	In one of the conditions, subjects will perform moderate intensity aerobic activity (cycle veloergometer) for 30 min before 8 hours simulated mental workday and after.
OTHER	Combined work model	In one of the conditions, subjects will perform cognitive test during 8 hours simulated mental workday applying combined work model (they will work standing and sitting on a balance ball).

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-08-01
• Primary completion: 2031-03-01
• Completion: 2031-03-01
• First posted: 2025-08-19
• Last updated: 2025-08-19

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Lithuania