Exercise Timing and Postprandial Glucose Responses
Exercise Timing and Postprandial Glucose Responses in Healthy Adults
Technical University of Munich
30 participants
Apr 1, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This interventional crossover study examines the effect of exercise timing relative to meal intake on postprandial glucose responses in healthy, physically active young adults. Participants complete five experimental conditions involving endurance exercise performed before or after breakfast or dinner, as well as a non-exercise control condition, while wearing a continuous glucose monitoring device. Postprandial glucose responses are assessed for the three consecutive meals following each exercise session. Following morning exercise, outcomes are assessed after breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the same day. Following evening exercise, outcomes are assessed after dinner on the same day and after breakfast and lunch on the subsequent day. All meals are standardized and consumed at fixed clock times.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria7
- 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 are 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
Exclusion Criteria8
- 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 that could affect appetite regulation, glucose regulation, or make vigorous endurance exercise unsafe
- Current smoking or use of nicotine-containing products
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Interventions
The exercise intervention consists of a 45 minute continuous outdoor run performed on a standardized route. Participants are instructed to maintain a consistent running pace across all exercise conditions. Exercise intensity is standardized using a target heart rate corresponding to 75 to 85 percent of maximal heart rate, and participants must be able to complete 45 minutes of continuous running at this intensity without stopping. Heart rate, duration, distance, and pace are recorded using a heart rate monitor and GPS enabled device. Ambient temperature and precipitation are recorded for each session. Exercise sessions may be rescheduled in cases of extreme weather or acute illness.
This intervention involves a non-exercise control condition
Locations(1)
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NCT07434349