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Exercise and Endocannabinoids for Brain and Mental Health
Sponsor: Wayne State University
Summary
This study will explore how exercise affects brain chemicals called endocannabinoids, which may improve thinking skills and reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and low mood in children and teens aged 9 to 17. Participants will take part in a single 30-minute activity session, where they will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: 1. Moderate-intensity exercise (walking or running on a treadmill at 50-70% of their maximum heart rate). 2. Light stretching (gentle movements at less than 40% of their maximum heart rate). 3. Seated meditation (relaxing without movement at less than 30% of their maximum heart rate). The investigators will measure endocannabinoid levels, thinking skills, and mood before and after the activity to see how these activities affect the brain and emotions.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
9 Years - 17 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
68
Start Date
2021-12-21
Completion Date
2024-03-18
Last Updated
2026-08-19
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Moderate Intensity Exercise
Participants randomized to the moderate intensity exercise condition will complete a 30 min session on a motor driven treadmill. Participants will complete a 3-minute warm-up at low speed on a treadmill. Speed and incline will be increased in 3-minute increments until moderate-intensity exercise, defined as the goal of participants staying within a target zone of 50-70% AAMHR while briskly walking and/or jogging depending on current fitness status.
Light Intensity Stretching
Participants randomized into the light stretching condition will complete a 30-minute video, tailored for 9-17-year-olds. This video leads participants through a series of seated arm, torso, leg, knee and shoulder stretches on a yoga mat. Participants will be monitored throughout the stretching session by a trained research assistant, and HR and perceived exertion will also be measured throughout. The research assistant may make modifications to the poses in real-time to ensure that AAMHR is kept below 40%.
Seated Meditation
Participants randomized into the meditation condition will complete a 30-minute video, tailored for 9-17-year-olds. This video leads participants through a seated guided meditation on a yoga mat. This includes a series of breathing, visualization, and body awareness exercises. Participants will be monitored throughout the meditation session by a trained research assistant, and HR and perceived exertion will also be measured throughout, to ensure that AAMHR is kept below 30%.
Locations (1)
Tolan Park Medical Building
Detroit, Michigan, United States