Actively Recruiting
Exercise Timing and Postprandial Glucose Responses in Healthy Adults
Led by Technical University of Munich · Updated on 2026-04-20
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating how the timing of endurance exercise relative to meal intake affects blood sugar levels after eating in healthy, physically active young adults aged 18 to 35. This randomized crossover study aims to understand if exercising before or after breakfast or dinner changes post-meal glucose responses. The study is conducted by the Technical University of Munich and involves wearing continuous glucose monitors to track glucose levels. Participants complete five different conditions within two weeks, including running for 45 minutes outdoors at vigorous intensity either before breakfast, after breakfast, before dinner, after dinner, or not exercising on a control day. All meals are standardized with a high glycemic load and eaten at fixed times (8:00, 13:00, and 18:00). Exercise sessions are closely monitored, and environmental factors like temperature and precipitation are recorded. The order of conditions is randomized, and all participants complete all five conditions. During the study, glucose levels are measured for three hours after each of the three consecutive meals following exercise or control days. Participants follow strict routines regarding sleep, caffeine intake, and meal habits before each intervention day to ensure consistency. Researchers collect data on glucose area under the curve, peak glucose levels, time to peak glucose, appetite ratings, and perceived exertion. The total study period per participant is 14 days, with continuous glucose monitoring and adherence checks throughout.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Exercise Timing and Postprandial Glucose Responses
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18 to 35 years
- Body mass index 18.5 to 24.9 kg per square meter
- Able to complete 45 minutes of continuous running at an intensity corresponding to 75 to 85 percent of maximal heart rate without stopping
- Engages in regular endurance-type physical activity
- Habitual waking times compatible with the fixed breakfast time of 08:00
- Willing and able to comply with all study procedures, including standardized meals, exercise sessions, behavioral restrictions, and continuous glucose monitoring
- For female participants: non-pregnant and using stable hormonal contraception for at least 3 months
You will not qualify if you...
- Acute or chronic illness
- Metabolic disorders or conditions associated with altered glucose or lipid metabolism
- Use of medications known to interfere with glucose metabolism or study outcomes
- Intolerance or allergy to components of the standardized study diets
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Body mass index greater than or equal to 25 kg per square meter
- Current or past eating disorder or any medical condition or medication affecting appetite or glucose regulation or making vigorous endurance exercise unsafe
- Current smoking or use of nicotine-containing products
AI-Screening
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Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 14 days
Participants complete five intervention conditions within a 14-day period. These include four days of 45-minute outdoor runs at specified times before or after breakfast or dinner, and one recovery day without exercise. Meals are standardized and consumed at fixed times. Glucose responses are monitored continuously during this period.
Daily visits or check-ins for 5 intervention days within 14 days
Duration - Concurrent with the 14-day intervention period
Participants' postprandial glucose responses are assessed following each exercise or control condition, including meals on the day of exercise and the following day when applicable. Subjective appetite and exertion ratings are collected before and after meals and exercise sessions.
Continuous glucose monitoring and repeated assessments during intervention days
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Technical University of Munich
München, Bavaria, Germany, 80809
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Christoph Höchsmann, PD Dr.
K
Karsten Köhler, Prof. Dr.
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
5
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