Fitness Buddy Program to Boost Physical Activity in University Students

NCT06795061 | Active Not Recruiting

• 2 other identifiers: SBRE-24-0228TDLEG
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 200
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study explores whether a peer-supported "fitness buddy" program can help first-year university students increase physical activity levels and improve mental well-being. Over 12 weeks, participants will form small exercise groups, choose enjoyable activities (such as jogging, cycling, or yoga), and support each other through shared goals and regular check-ins. A professional coach will offer weekly guidance on exercise safety, injury prevention, and motivation strategies, but the actual workouts will be conducted by the students. The investigators aim to determine if this peer-based approach helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, while boosting self-esteem and social connectedness. Students in a control group will receive usual campus resources without structured group support. By comparing outcomes at the start, after the 12-week program, and again at follow-up, the study will assess whether peer-led, knowledge-supported exercise can sustainably enhance both physical and mental health during the critical transition into university life.

Conditions

Physical Inactivity; Psychological Stress; Mental Well-being

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Physical Activity Levels (IPAQ)

  Self-reported physical activity levels will be assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), capturing frequency, duration, and intensity of exercise. This will help determine whether peer-supported exercise plus professional guidance leads to significant changes in overall activity compared to usual campus resources.

  Baseline, Week 12 (post-intervention), and Week 16 (follow-up)

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Overall Mental Health and Psychosocial Well-Being

  Baseline, Week 12 (post-intervention), and Week 16 (follow-up)

Study Arms (2)

Peer-Supported Exercise Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will form peer-support groups of four to six students. They will coordinate weekly exercise sessions (e.g., running, cycling, yoga), share goals, and encourage each other. A professional coach provides knowledge-based guidance on exercise safety, basic nutrition, and motivation strategies, but does not conduct in-person training.

Behavioral: Peer-Supported Exercise with Professional Guidance

Control Group (Usual Campus Resources)

NO INTERVENTION

Participants will have access to the usual resources available on campus (e.g., sports facilities, counseling services) without any structured peer-support exercise sessions or professional coaching.

Interventions

Peer-Supported Exercise with Professional Guidance BEHAVIORAL

Participants will engage in small, peer-supported exercise groups (4-6 individuals) to coordinate weekly sessions (e.g., running, cycling, yoga). A professional coach provides knowledge-based guidance remotely, focusing on safe exercise techniques, injury prevention, basic nutrition, and motivation strategies, but does not conduct in-person training sessions. The aim is to improve adherence to physical activity and enhance mental well-being through peer accountability and evidence-informed coaching.

Peer-Supported Exercise Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 25 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• First-year undergraduate students (ages 18-25) enrolled at the university.
• Able to safely participate in moderate-intensity exercise as determined by a pre-screening health questionnaire.
• Willing to join a 12-week, peer-supported exercise program and complete all baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up assessments.

You may not qualify if:

• Documented medical conditions that preclude safe engagement in moderate-intensity physical activity (e.g., severe cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension).
• Current major psychiatric disorders (e.g., psychotic disorders) that could significantly impede adherence to the study protocol.
• Enrollment in any structured exercise program (≥3 sessions per week) for at least 3 consecutive months prior to study entry.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Jinan University Guangzhou: lead

Study Sites (1)

Physical Education Unit

Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Sedentary Behavior; Stress, Psychological; Psychological Well-Being

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Behavior; Behavioral Symptoms; Personal Satisfaction

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: lecturer

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: January 24, 2025
• First Posted: January 27, 2025
• Study Start: January 20, 2025
• Primary Completion: April 20, 2025
• Study Completion: May 20, 2025
• Last Updated: January 29, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-01

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share

Locations

HK (1)