Physical InactivityNCT06795061
Fitness Buddy Program to Boost Physical Activity in University Students
A study testing Peer-Supported Exercise with Professional Guidance in people with Physical Inactivity and Psychological Stress, run by Jinan University Guangzhou at 1 site in Hong Kong.
Trial 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… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 25 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Physical Inactivity, Psychological Stress, Mental Well-being
- What is being tested?
- Peer-Supported Exercise with Professional Guidance
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 200 participants
- Where
- 1 siteHong Kong
- Study dates
- 20 Jan 2025to 20 May 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 25 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 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.
Who cannot join
- 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.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: A Fitness Buddy Program to Boost University Students' Physical Activity Levels
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.
Read the detailed description
This longitudinal, parallel-group study focuses on first-year undergraduates (ages 18-25) who are not currently engaged in structured exercise programs. Participants meeting inclusion criteria will be assigned to either a peer-supported exercise group (with weekly professional guidance) or a control group (usual campus resources, no structured group sessions). The peer-support model encourages accountability, shared goal-setting, and regular communication via group messaging tools.
Data collection will include physical activity levels (e.g., International Physical Activity Questionnaire), mental health outcomes (GAD-7, PHQ-9), perceived stress (PSS), self-esteem (RSES), loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale), and social connectedness (SCS). Assessments occur at baseline, 12 weeks (post-intervention), and at a short-term follow-up (Week 16) to evaluate both immediate and sustained effects. All participants will receive instructions on safe exercise practices. Potential risks, such as minor injuries or discomfort discussing mental health, will be minimized through clear guidance, optional campus support resources, and respect for privacy. The findings may help universities develop targeted programs that combine knowledge-based coaching with peer support to enhance students' physical and psychosocial well-being.
- Conditions
- Physical Inactivity, Psychological Stress, Mental Well-being
- Being tested
- Peer-Supported Exercise with Professional Guidance
- Medical subject headings
- Sedentary Behavior, Stress, Psychological, Psychological Well-Being
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Peer-Supported Exercise with Professional GuidanceBehavioural
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.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| 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. Receives: 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. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
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.
Measured: Baseline, Week 12 (post-intervention), and Week 16 (follow-up)
Secondary outcomes (1)
Change in Overall Mental Health and Psychosocial Well-Being
Mental health and psychosocial well-being will be evaluated using multiple standardized questionnaires, including the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depressive symptoms, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the Social Connectedness Scale (SCS). Composite changes across these measures will be used to assess overall psychosocial functioning over the course of the intervention.
Measured: Baseline, Week 12 (post-intervention), and Week 16 (follow-up)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted27 Jan 2025
- Study start20 Jan 2025
- Primary completion20 Apr 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion20 May 2025 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Physical InactivityStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 200 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Jinan University Guangzhou
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Ma Ruisi, Jinan University Guangzhou
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06795061
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- SBRE-24-0228
- Other IDs
- TDLEG
- Status last verified
- Jan 2025
- First submitted
- 24 Jan 2025
- Last updated
- 29 Jan 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: De-identified individual participant data (including demographic information and outcome measures) will be made available to qualified researchers upon reasonable request. A data use agreement (DUA) must be signed, and approval from our institutional ethics committee may be required. Data will be made available after publication of the primary findings and for up to 5 years thereafter.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 29 Jan 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- A Fitness Buddy Program to Boost University Students' Physical Activity Levels
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06795061
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- SBRE-24-0228
- Conditions
- Physical Inactivity, Psychological Stress, Mental Well-being
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 200 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Jinan University GuangzhouUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 20 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 20 Apr 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 20 May 2025 (estimated)
- First posted
- 27 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed description
This longitudinal, parallel-group study focuses on first-year undergraduates (ages 18-25) who are not currently engaged in structured exercise programs. Participants meeting inclusion criteria will be assigned to either a peer-supported exercise group (with weekly professional guidance) or a control group (usual campus resources, no structured group sessions). The peer-support model encourages accountability, shared goal-setting, and regular communication via group messaging tools.
Data collection will include physical activity levels (e.g., International Physical Activity Questionnaire), mental health outcomes (GAD-7, PHQ-9), perceived stress (PSS), self-esteem (RSES), loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale), and social connectedness (SCS). Assessments occur at baseline, 12 weeks (post-intervention), and at a short-term follow-up (Week 16) to evaluate both immediate and sustained effects. All participants will receive instructions on safe exercise practices. Potential risks, such as minor injuries or discomfort discussing mental health, will be minimized through clear guidance, optional campus support resources, and respect for privacy. The findings may help universities develop targeted programs that combine knowledge-based coaching with peer support to enhance students' physical and psychosocial well-being.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Peer-Supported Exercise Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Peer-Supported Exercise with Professional GuidanceParticipants 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. |
| 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. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 25 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- 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.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- 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.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Peer-Supported Exercise with Professional GuidanceParticipants 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. | Behavioural | Peer-Supported Exercise Group |
Primary outcome
Change in Physical Activity Levels (IPAQ)
Time frame: Baseline, Week 12 (post-intervention), and Week 16 (follow-up)
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.
1 secondary outcome
Change in Overall Mental Health and Psychosocial Well-Being
Time frame: Baseline, Week 12 (post-intervention), and Week 16 (follow-up)
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 29 Jan 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. De-identified individual participant data (including demographic information and outcome measures) will be made available to qualified researchers upon reasonable request. A data use agreement (DUA) must be signed, and approval from our institutional ethics committee may be required. Data will be made available after publication of the primary findings and for up to 5 years thereafter.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Peer-Supported Exercise with Professional Guidance in people with Physical Inactivity and Psychological Stress, run by Jinan University Guangzhou at 1 site in Hong Kong.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 29 Jan 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Hong Kong. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Physical Activity Levels (IPAQ) (time frame: Baseline, Week 12 (post-intervention), and Week 16 (follow-up)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 29 Jan 2025.