《Increasing Outdoor Activity Time During School Recess to Improve Adolescent Health》

NCT07834307 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: SUS-PA-2026-001
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 200
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Adolescents spend a substantial amount of time at school, and school recess provides an important opportunity for physical activity and recovery from prolonged sedentary behavior. However, insufficient outdoor activity time during school recess has become a concern for adolescent health. This study is designed to examine whether increasing outdoor activity time during school recess can improve physical and mental health outcomes among adolescents. A school-based intervention study will be conducted, in which participants will receive an increased outdoor activity program during recess periods. The intervention will include structured and free outdoor physical activities designed to increase daily physical activity opportunities. Changes in physical activity levels, psychological well-being, and related health indicators will be assessed before and after the intervention.The results of this study may provide evidence for developing effective school-based strategies to promote adolescent physical activity and health.

Conditions

Adolescent Health; Physical Activities

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Change in physical activity level assessed by physical activity questionnaire

  Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). The questionnaire evaluates vigorous-intensity activity, moderate-intensity activity, walking, and sitting time during the previous 7 days. Physical activity levels were expressed as metabolic equivalent of task minutes per week (MET-min/week), with higher values indicating greater physical activity levels. Sitting time was reported separately as minutes per weekday, with higher values indicating greater sedentary behavior.

  Baseline and 10 weeks after intervention

• Change in mental health status assessed by Chinese Middle School Students Mental Health Scale

  Mental health status was assessed using the Mental Health Inventory for Middle School Students in China (MMHI-60) developed by Wang Jisheng. The scale consists of 60 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale. The total score is calculated by summing all item responses, with possible scores ranging from 60 to 300. Higher scores indicate greater mental distress and poorer mental health status.

  Baseline and 10 weeks after intervention

Other Outcomes (1)

• Change in loneliness assessed by UCLA Loneliness Scale

  Baseline and 10 weeks after intervention

Study Arms (2)

Outdoor Physical Activity Intervention Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will receive a 10-week outdoor physical activity intervention during school recess. During each recess period, students will participate in outdoor physical activities with provided equipment and activity options. Teachers will supervise and guide students during the intervention. Students can choose different activities according to their interests and abilities.

Behavioral: School Recess Outdoor Physical Activity Program

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

Participants in this group will maintain their usual school recess activities without additional outdoor physical activity intervention.

Interventions

School Recess Outdoor Physical Activity Program BEHAVIORAL

The intervention consists of a 10-week outdoor physical activity program implemented during school recess. During each recess period, classroom activities will be suspended and students in the intervention group will participate in outdoor physical activities. Various activity equipment and activity options will be provided, allowing students to select activities according to their interests and abilities. Teachers will supervise and guide students during the activities. Students will return to classrooms after the preparation bell rings. The program aims to increase outdoor activity time during school recess and promote physical and mental health among adolescents.

Outdoor Physical Activity Intervention Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 12 Years - 15 Years
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)

You may qualify if:

• Adolescents aged 12-15 years.
• Students enrolled in the participating schools.
• Physically healthy and able to participate in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity without restrictions.
• Written informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians.

You may not qualify if:

• Adolescents with cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, or other medical conditions that limit participation in physical activity.
• Adolescents who are unable to participate in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity as confirmed by themselves, their parents, or school health records.
• Adolescents who plan to transfer schools or are unable to complete the intervention and assessments.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Kang Zhu: lead

Study Sites (1)

Shanghai University of Sport

Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200438, China

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Motor Activity

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Behavior

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Graduate Student

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 9, 2026
• First Posted: September 22, 2026
• Study Start: October 10, 2025
• Primary Completion: January 16, 2026
• Study Completion: January 16, 2026
• Last Updated: September 22, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-09

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share

Locations

CN (1)