---
title: "Strength Training and Executive Functions: A Randomized Controlled Trial"
nct_id: NCT04488445
overall_status: UNKNOWN
phase: NA
sponsor: Universidad de Zaragoza
study_type: INTERVENTIONAL
primary_condition: Executive Function Disorder
countries: Spain
canonical_url: "https://parkinsonspathways.com/agent/trials/NCT04488445.md"
clinicaltrials_gov: "https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04488445"
ct_last_update_post_date: 2020-11-10
last_seen_at: "2026-05-12T06:26:10.685Z"
source: ClinicalTrials.gov (mirrored, no enrichment)
---
# Strength Training and Executive Functions: A Randomized Controlled Trial

**Official Title:** Acute Effects of Strength Training Over Executive Functions in Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial

**NCT ID:** [NCT04488445](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04488445)

## Key Facts

- **Status:** UNKNOWN
- **Phase:** NA
- **Study Type:** INTERVENTIONAL
- **Target Enrollment:** 50
- **Lead Sponsor:** Universidad de Zaragoza
- **Conditions:** Executive Function Disorder, Strength Training, Adolescent Behavior, Academic Achievement
- **Start Date:** 2020-09-01
- **Completion Date:** 2021-01-30
- **CT.gov Last Update:** 2020-11-10

## Brief Summary

A group of 50 age-schooled adolescents was randomized into one intervention and another control group of 25 subjects each. After estimating one maximum repetition for all the participants in a previous session, the intervention group performed a resistance training based on a resistance exercise of 3 sets of 3 to 5 repetitions (90% of an estimated 1 RM) whereas the control group performed both stretching and balance exercises. Measures of executive functions ( i.e. a cognitive function associated with academic performance) were taken for all the participants before and after the training. Both independent and paired t-test will serve to check differences between and within groups respectively.

## Detailed Description

A group of 50 age-schooled adolescents was randomized into one intervention and another control group of 25 subjects each. After estimating one maximum repetition for all the participants in a previous session, the intervention group performed a resistance training based on a resistance exercise of 3 sets of 3 to 5 repetitions (90% of an estimated 1 RM) whereas the control group performed both stretching and balance exercises. Measures of executive functions ( i.e. a cognitive function associated with academic performance) were taken for all the participants before and after the training. Both independent and paired t-test will serve to check differences between and within groups respectively. The selected resistance exercise is based on a global muscle involvement.

## Eligibility

- **Minimum age:** 15 Years
- **Maximum age:** 17 Years
- **Sex:** ALL
- **Healthy Volunteers:** Yes

```
Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy age-schooled adolescent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Not healthy, injured age-schooled adolescent
```

## Arms

- **Strength Training** (EXPERIMENTAL) — The intervention group performs a resistance training based on a resistance exercise of 3 sets of 3 to 5 repetitions (90% of an estimated 1 RM) and 3 minutes of resting time between sets.
- **Stretching** (PLACEBO_COMPARATOR) — The control group performs 3 exercises of stretching and balance during one minute each and three sets. One minute of resting time between sets.

## Interventions

- **Strength training** (BEHAVIORAL) — 3 sets of 3 to 5 repetitions with 4 minutes of rest between sets. 90% load of 1 maximum repetition of a resistance exercise
- **Stretch and balance training** (BEHAVIORAL) — 3 sets of 3 exercises of stretching and balance of one minute each. One minute of resting time between sets.

## Primary Outcomes

- **Time to successfully complete the executive function test** _(time frame: up to 24 weeks)_ — Executive function

## Locations (1)

- University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain — _RECRUITING_

## Recent Field Changes (last 30 days)

- `status.overallStatus` — added _(2026-05-12)_
- `status.primaryCompletionDate` — added _(2026-05-12)_
- `status.completionDate` — added _(2026-05-12)_
- `status.lastUpdatePostDate` — added _(2026-05-12)_
- `design.phases` — added _(2026-05-12)_
- `design.enrollmentCount` — added _(2026-05-12)_
- `eligibility.criteria` — added _(2026-05-12)_
- `eligibility.minAge` — added _(2026-05-12)_
- `eligibility.maxAge` — added _(2026-05-12)_
- `eligibility.sex` — added _(2026-05-12)_
- `outcomes.primary` — added _(2026-05-12)_
- `armsInterventions.arms` — added _(2026-05-12)_
- `armsInterventions.interventions` — added _(2026-05-12)_
- `sponsor.lead` — added _(2026-05-12)_
- `results.hasResults` — added _(2026-05-12)_
- `locations.university of zaragoza|zaragoza|aragon|spain` — added _(2026-05-12)_

---

*Canonical: https://parkinsonspathways.com/agent/trials/NCT04488445.md*  
*Source data (authoritative): https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04488445*  
*This page is a raw mirror with no AI summary, no editorial enrichment, and no Parkinson's-specific filtering.*