Digital Mindset Intervention for Half Marathon Performance
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18+
SponsorUniversity of Auckland, New Zealand
About this trial
The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to test whether a brief digital mindset training program can improve performance among recreational runners training for a half marathon in New Zealand in 2025. The study will recruit healthy adult participants who are registered for an upcoming half-marathon event.
The study aims to answer two main questions:
1. Does the mindset training program - designed to reframe common physical symptoms like fatigue or muscle soreness as signs of progress - help more runners complete the race and improve their official times, compared to standard training advice? 2. Does it support better training (e.g., longer peak training weeks) and faster physical recovery after the race?
Researchers will compare participants who receive the mindset training program to those who receive widely followed half-marathon training content and a group who receive no study content, to see whether the mindset training leads to better half-marathon performance and training outcomes.
Participants will:
* Complete a brief online survey at the start of the study * Receive and engage with four pieces of digital content across nine weeks before the half-marathon race (if assigned to a training group) * Complete a follow-up survey after the half-marathon
Eligibility criteria
This trial does not accept healthy volunteersQualifiers
Be aged 18 years or older
Be registered to run (not walk) in a 2025 half marathon in New Zealand
Be running their 1st, 2nd, or 3rd half marathon
Be able to complete the half-marathon without physical assistance or aids
Disqualifiers
Have completed more than 2 half marathons in the past
Are currently injured or unable to complete the race unassisted
Are unable to complete online questionnaires independently
Do not have access to a device capable of receiving digital content via app or email
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
Mindset Intervention
BehavioralThe mindset intervention includes 4 brief digital modules over 9 weeks (once every 3 weeks) via app or email, prior to the half-marathon race. The content introduces meta-mindsets (beliefs about how mindsets shape experiences and outcomes) and reframes non-severe physical symptoms (e.g., muscle soreness, fatigue) as signs of physiological adaptation. Modules cover: (1) what mindsets are and how they affect performance; (2) how to interpret normal training symptoms as positive signals; (3) how to maintain adaptive mindsets during peak training; and (4) race-day mindset preparation. Each module includes brief text, visuals, and reflection questions and takes approximately five minutes to complete.
Marathon Performance Training
BehavioralThe marathon performance training intervention includes 4 brief digital modules over 9 weeks (once every 3 weeks) via app or email, prior to the half-marathon race. Content is based on publicly available half-marathon training guidance and excludes any mindset-related material. Modules cover: (1) setting race goals and structuring training plans; (2) training tips and best practices (e.g., pacing, injury prevention); (3) navigating peak training periods (e.g., distance increases, rest and recovery); and (4) practical race-day preparation strategies (e.g., pacing, fueling, warm-up routines). Each module includes concise text, visuals, and actionable tips designed to take approximately five minutes to complete.
Treatment groups
207 Participants
are divided into 3 treatment groupsGroup A: Mindset InterventionExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: Marathon Performance TrainingActive comparator 1 intervention
Group C: ControlNo intervention 0 interventions
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Official Race Times
The primary study outcome is the official half-marathon finish time recorded for each participant (in hours, minutes, and seconds)
Time frame
At half-marathon race completion (approximately 9 weeks after intervention start)2
Race Completion
Number of participants who complete a half marathon, across each study arm.
Time frame
At half-marathon race completion (approximately 9 weeks after intervention start)Secondary outcomes
1
Race Recovery
Number of days it took participants to feel fully recovered from their half-marathon race. For example, when fatigue and muscle pain subsided.
Time frame
1-week post-race (self-reported number of days to recover since race day)2
Peak Training Week Run Frequency
The number of days each participant ran during their peak training week before the half-marathon race. Measured with the question: During your peak training week, how many days did you train? (days/week)
Time frame
1-week post-race (reflecting participant-identified peak training week, usually 3-4 weeks before race day)3
Peak Training Week - Total Distance Run
The total distance (in kilometers) that each participant ran across all training runs during their peak training week prior to the half-marathon race. Measured with the question: During your peak training week, what was the total distance you ran across all your runs that week? (km)
Time frame
1-week post-race (reflecting participant-identified peak training week, usually 3-4 weeks before race day)Other outcomes
1
Adapted Body Mindset Inventory
The Body Mindset Inventory - Version 2 (BMI-2), adapted for half-marathon runners. Assessed using 6-point Likert scale (1 = Strongly disagree, 6 = Strongly agree).
Time frame
From baseline to 1-week post-race.2
Mindset vs. Training Attribution
Perceived influence of mindset vs. training schedule on race performance Assessed via two self-report items using 10-point Likert scales (1 = Not at all, 10 = An extreme amount): "How much do you think your mindset influenced your half marathon training and performance?" "How much do you think your training schedule influenced your half marathon performance?" A difference score will be calculated by subtracting the response to item 2 (training schedule) from item 1 (mindset). This score reflects the participant's relative attribution of their performance to mindset vs. training. Positive scores indicate greater perceived influence of mindset; negative scores indicate greater influence of the training schedule.
Time frame
1-week post-race (reflecting 9-week intervention period)3
Interpretation of Exercise Symptoms as Signs of Adaptation
The extent to which participants interpret common sensations during challenging runs (e.g., fatigue, muscle discomfort, heavy breathing) as indicators that their body is getting stronger. Responses are collected using a 10-point visual analogue scale ranging from 1 ("not at all signs of getting stronger") to 10 ("definitely signs of getting stronger").
Time frame
From baseline to 1-week post-race4
Belief in the Controllability of One's Mindset
Participants' belief in their ability to influence their mindset, even in high-stakes situations, measured using one item from the Controllable Meta-Mindset Scale: "Even in moments when it really matters, I can't do much to change my mindset." Responses are rated on a 6-point Likert scale (1 = Strongly disagree, 6 = Strongly agree).
Time frame
From baseline to 1-week post-raceSponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov