Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Exercise-Induced Lactate and Cognitive Function (ExLBC)

This study aims to understand how exercise improves our thinking skills, like memory, paying attention, and problem-solving. Scientists suspect a substance called lactate, which our muscles make during exercise, might be key. Lactate was once thought of as just a waste product, but we now know it's an important energy source for the brain. This study will explore if boosting lactate levels during exercise, using a common substance called sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), leads to better brain function afterwards. We want to see if higher lactate levels help improve specific types of memory and general thinking abilities in young adults compared to a group who gets a plain drink.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

McMaster University

Enrolment target

Start

10 Feb 2025

Estimated completion

20 Sep 2025

Cognition Sodium Bicarbonate Lactate Exercise

What is this study about?

When we exercise, it's not just our bodies that benefit; our brains get a boost too! Many people notice they feel sharper and can think more clearly after a good workout. This study is trying to understand why this happens. One interesting idea is that a substance called lactate, which our muscles produce when we're active, plays an important role. For a long time, scientists thought lactate was just a waste product from exercise, but now we know it's actually used by our brains as a source of energy.

Previous research has shown that when lactate levels go up during exercise, people often perform better on brain tasks afterwards. There's also another important substance called BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) that increases with exercise and helps brain cells grow and function. This study wants to see if the increase in lactate and BDNF are connected and if they both contribute to making our thinking skills better after exercise.

To figure this out, we'll try to gently increase the amount of lactate in people's bodies during exercise using a simple drink called sodium bicarbonate (it's similar to baking soda). We'll compare what happens to their thinking skills when they have this drink versus a plain, inactive drink. By doing this, we hope to learn more about how lactate specifically affects different parts of our brain, like memory and how well we can plan and solve problems.

Key takeaways

Exploring why exercise makes our brains work better.
Focusing on lactate, a substance made during exercise, as a key player.
Using a drink (sodium bicarbonate) to safely increase lactate levels.
Measuring changes in memory and thinking skills after exercise.
Aiming to help us understand exercise's impact on brain health for everyone.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for young adults between the ages of 18 and 35. To be a part of it, you should also be fairly active, doing at least 150 minutes (about 2 and a half hours) of moderate to strong exercise each week. This could be things like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.

There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have type 2 diabetes or issues with low blood sugar, this study wouldn't be suitable. We also can't include people who have had significant heart problems (like a heart attack), ongoing symptoms from past concussions, or certain mental health conditions.

Finally, if you have any injuries that would stop you from exercising or if you have colour-blindness, you wouldn't be eligible. The aim is to make sure everyone taking part can safely complete the exercise and that the results aren't affected by other health issues.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 35 years old?
Do you exercise moderately or vigorously for at least 2.5 hours every week?
Do you *not* have type 2 diabetes or problems with low blood sugar?
Have you *not* had serious heart problems or mental health conditions?
Do you have no injuries stopping you from exercising?
Are you *not* colour-blind?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would likely have a few visits to the study centre. During these visits, you would be asked to do some exercise. Before the exercise, you would either be given a drink containing sodium bicarbonate or a plain drink (you wouldn't know which one you received). We would then measure your thinking skills and memory before and after the exercise. We would also take some samples, like blood, to check your lactate and other levels. You might also complete some questionnaires. The total duration of your participation, including all visits and follow-ups, would be explained to you in detail by the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in a study like this might have some potential benefits, such as gaining a better understanding of your own health and contributing to medical knowledge that could help others in the future. As with any exercise, there's a small risk of muscle soreness or discomfort, and taking sodium bicarbonate can sometimes cause mild stomach upset. The study team will monitor you closely to ensure your safety. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

McMaster University
Verified postcode
Hamilton, Canada

Common questions

What is sodium bicarbonate?

It's a common substance, similar to baking soda, sometimes used to help with heartburn or to improve exercise performance.

Will I know if I'm getting the active drink or the plain one?

No, this is a 'blinded' study, meaning neither you nor the researchers will know who gets which drink until after the study is complete. This helps keep the results fair.

What kind of exercise will I need to do?

The type of exercise will be clearly explained by the research team. It will be safe and appropriate for healthy young adults.

How long will each visit take?

The study team will provide you with a detailed schedule of each visit, including how long it's expected to last.

Will I get paid for taking part?

This information will be provided by the research team. Some studies offer compensation for time and travel.

How to find out more

Jeremy J Walsh, PhD

walshj18@mcmaster.ca 905-525-9140 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.