Neurocognitive Effects of Meal Timing in a One-Meal-a-Day Regimen

Erzurum Technical University12 enrolled

Overview

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine how meal timing in a one-meal-a-day (OMAD) regimen influences neurocognitive outcomes. Methods: Twelve cognitively active participants (academics, students, software engineers) will complete three randomized OMAD conditions, consuming a standardized isocaloric meal at 08:00, 12:30, or 18:00. ERPs will be recorded during a computerized Stroop task to evaluate peak amplitudes and latencies under congruent and incongruent conditions. Resting-state EEG will be measured under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. Behavioral performance on the Stroop task, including reaction time and accuracy, will also be assessed.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Fasting State Cognitive Abilities

Interventions

Arm Title: Morning Meal (08:00) Intervention: Other: One-meal-a-day (OMAD) Description: Participants consume a single isocaloric meal at 08:00. Arm Title: Midday Meal (12:30) Intervention: Other: One-meal-a-day (OMAD) Description: Participants consume a single isocaloric meal at 12:30. Arm Title: Evening Meal (18:00) Intervention: Other: One-meal-a-day (OMAD) Description: Participants consume a single isocaloric meal at 18:00.

Eligibility

Sex: MALEMin age: 20 YearsMax age: 40 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: Male, 20 to 45 years of age Right-handed Normal or corrected-to-normal vision Cognitively active individuals (academic staff, graduate students, or software/algorithm engineers) Regular sleep-wake schedule during the week preceding the experiment Ability to abstain from caffeine, alcohol, or psychoactive substances for at least 24 hours prior to each test session Body mass index between 18.5 and 30 kg/m² Exclusion Criteria: History of neurological, psychiatric, metabolic, or sleep disorders Current use of medications that affect the central nervous system Shift work or irregular sleep patterns (verified by sleep diary) Prior experience with one-meal-a-day dietary routines Body mass index below 18.5 or above 30 kg/m²

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Positive Peak Amplitude of Event-Related Potentials During Stroop - Congruent Trials

Maximum voltage deflection (µV) within 250-450 ms after stimulus onset at CP1, CP2, Pz, P3, O1, and O2 electrodes, recorded during congruent Stroop trials using a 32-channel EEG system.

Time frame: Day 1 Morning session (09:30-11:00, pre-meal) and Day 1 Afternoon session (14:30-16:00, ~6 hours post-meal). Each participant completes three separate test days (morning, midday, evening feeding), ≥48 hours apart.

Latency of Positive Peak of Event-Related Potentials During Stroop - Congruent Trials

Time point (ms) of maximum positive deflection within 250-450 ms after stimulus onset at CP1, CP2, Pz, P3, O1, and O2 electrodes.

Secondary Outcomes

Resting-State EEG Absolute Power (Eyes-Open and Eyes-Closed)

Broadband spectral power (µV²) recorded at CP1, CP2, Pz, P3, O1, and O2 electrodes during standardized eyes-open and eyes-closed resting-state EEG.