Exercise Training on Brain Insulin Responsiveness
This study wants to understand how a single workout session changes how your brain responds to insulin. Researchers are comparing two types of exercise: moderate exercise (like a steady jog) and high-intensity interval training (short bursts of intense effort followed by rest). They also have a group who don't exercise, as a comparison. The main goal is to see if and how exercise, even just once, can improve how your brain uses insulin. This is important because insulin plays a role in brain health, and problems with how the body uses insulin are linked to conditions like obesity. The study uses special brain scans to look at brain activity after exercise and after giving a form of insulin through the nose. They're also checking blood markers and looking at changes in how people eat.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research study is looking into how different types of exercise affect your brain's response to insulin. Think of insulin as a key that helps your body, including your brain, use sugar for energy. Sometimes, especially in conditions like obesity, the body doesn't respond to insulin as well as it should. This is called insulin resistance, and it can affect your brain too.
The main idea behind this study is to discover if even one session of exercise can change how your brain reacts to insulin. They are comparing two popular types of exercise: moderate intensity continuous training (MICT), which is like a steady jog or brisk walk, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which involves short, intense bursts of activity followed by brief rest periods. There's also a 'control' group who won't exercise, so researchers can accurately compare the effects.
To see what's happening in the brain, the researchers use a special type of scan called functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). They'll also give participants insulin through a nasal spray to see how the brain responds to it after each exercise session. This will help them understand if exercise helps the brain use insulin more effectively. They're also curious if there are any changes in blood tests and even in how people typically eat after exercising.
Key takeaways
- Study looks at how a single workout affects brain insulin response.
- Compares moderate exercise, intense interval exercise, and no exercise.
- Uses special brain scans (fMRI) and nasal insulin to measure brain changes.
- Aims to understand exercise benefits for brain health in people with and without obesity.
- Explores changes in blood and eating habits as well.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you should be between 20 and 65 years old. Your body mass index (BMI) needs to be between 19.5 and 39. You should also generally be less active than recommended, meaning you do less than 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week. You'll need to be able to understand and sign consent forms and be willing to know if any unexpected health findings come up during the study.
There are several reasons you might not be able to join. For instance, if you have a history of serious health conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart problems, or certain brain disorders like epilepsy or severe migraines, you won't be suitable. If you've had bariatric surgery, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking medications that affect your sugar levels or thin your blood, you also can't participate. You also can't join if you have limited German language skills, have certain metal implants, get very claustrophobic, or are sensitive to loud noises, as these can affect the brain scans.
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 20 and 65 years old?
- Do you do less than 2.5 hours of moderate exercise per week?
- Do you feel comfortable with enclosed spaces and loud noises?
- Do you NOT have diabetes or serious heart/brain conditions?
- Are you NOT pregnant or breastfeeding?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you'll visit the research centre multiple times. During these visits, you'll take part in different sessions that include one type of exercise (either moderate steady exercise or high-intensity interval exercise) or a resting period. You'll complete these different sessions in a random order over time. Before and after these sessions, you'll have special brain scans (fMRI) where you'll also receive insulin through a nasal spray. Researchers will also take blood samples and ask you questions about your eating habits. The total duration of your involvement will spread over several weeks due to the 'cross-over design,' meaning you'll experience all study conditions in no particular order.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University Clinic Tübingen, Department of Internal Medicine IVVerified postcodeTübingen, Germany· Recruiting
Common questions
What is 'brain insulin responsiveness'?
It's how well your brain responds to insulin, a hormone that helps your body use sugar for energy. Problems with this can affect brain health.
What kind of exercise will I do?
You'll either do moderate steady exercise (like brisk walking) or short bursts of very intense exercise followed by rest (HIIT).
Will I have to exercise every time I visit?
No, one of the sessions will involve just resting, for comparison with the exercise sessions.
What's an fMRI scan?
It's a special type of brain scan that helps researchers see which parts of your brain are active. It uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves.
Can I eat normally during the study?
The study will also look at how your eating habits might change, so you'll likely be asked about what you eat.
How to find out more
Stephanie Kullmann, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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