The Influence of Climate and Air Pollution on Physical Activity of Chinese People in Shenyang and Shenzhen

NCT07523659 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: SIAT-IRB-240415-H0888
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 124
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 2

Brief Summary

Physical activity (PA) refers to bodily movements that result in a significant increase in energy expenditure due to the contraction of skeletal muscles. Physical inactivity has become a major global public health concern and is currently the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity (MPA) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity (VPA) per week. Although some studies suggest that individual differences in PA may have a genetic basis, PA is generally considered to be largely under voluntary control and influenced by climatic and environmental factors. For instance, extreme temperatures-either hot or cold-can increase health risks and reduce individuals' willingness to engage in physical activity. In addition, air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), poses serious health risks. Exercising in polluted environments may trigger asthma, cardiovascular, or pulmonary conditions. Since the Industrial Revolution, fossil fuel emissions have contributed to a global surface temperature increase of approximately 1.1°C, with projections suggesting a further rise of 2.5-2.9°C by the end of the century. At the same time, PM2.5 pollution has become a pressing issue, contributing to an estimated 7 million deaths globally in 2012-over one-third of which occurred in rapidly developing Asian countries. Given the seasonal and geographic variability in climate and air quality, physical activity levels are likely to be affected accordingly.This study aims to investigate the extent to which climatic and environmental factors influence physical activity levels and intensity.

Conditions

Physical Activity; Climate; Air Pollution

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Physical activity level

  Physical activity in vector magnitude counts will be recorded using GT3X accelerometer worn near the hip for a consecutive period of 7 days. The monitor should not be worn while bathing or swimming.

  Through study completion, every two months across 6 assessment rounds, up to 12 months per participant

Secondary Outcomes (11)

• Temperature

  Through study completion, an average of 2 years

• Humidity

  Through study completion, an average of 2 years

• Subject exposure to environmental temperature

  Through study completion, every two months across 6 assessment rounds, up to 12 months per participant

• PM2.5

  Through study completion, an average of 2 years

• Sunshine duration

  Through study completion, an average of 2 years

Study Arms (2)

Subjects in Shenzhen

The investigators planned to recruit 62 subjects in Shenzhen. Shenzhen is located in 22.324386ºN, 114.031040ºE, the south of China, with long summers and short winters, high temperatures and frequent rains. The average annual temperature is 23.3℃. In addition, Shenzhen is a city with good economic and technological development. The investigators will measure the physical activity of subjects, and the Temperature, humidity and PM2.5 data of Shenzhen.

Subjects in Shenyang

The investigators planned to recruit 62 subjects in Shenyang. Shenyang is located in 41.481175ºN, 123.253118ºE, the northeastern of China, with cold winters and warm summers, also has long cold periods. The average annual temperature ranges from 6.2 to 9.7℃. In addition, Shenyang focuses on industrial development. The investigators will measure the physical activity of subjects, and the Temperature, humidity and PM2.5 data of Shenyang.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 55 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population consisted of healthy individuals. Female participants were neither pregnant nor planning to become pregnant, and none were lactating. All subjects were free from serious illnesses or disabilities that could interfere with the study.

You may qualify if:

• Aged 18 to 55 years
• Residing in Shenzhen or Shenyang for the entire year

You may not qualify if:

• Disabilities that limit physical activity
• Any condition preventing participation in physical activity
• Pregnant or planning pregnancy during the study period
• Lactating or planning to lactate during the study period

Sponsors & Collaborators

• China Medical University, China: collaborator
• Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology ,Chinese Academy of Sciences: lead

Study Sites (2)

Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Science

Shenzhen, Guangdong, China

RECRUITING

China Medical University

Shenyang, China

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Motor Activity

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Behavior

Central Study Contacts

John R Speakman, Doctor

CONTACT

15810868669; j.speakman@abdn.ac.uk

Xueying Zhang, Doctor

CONTACT

18201296155; zhangxy@siat.ac.cn

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Professer

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 11, 2025
• First Posted: April 13, 2026
• Study Start: August 1, 2024
• Primary Completion (Estimated): August 31, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): August 31, 2026
• Last Updated: April 13, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03

Locations

CN (2)