AzTrials
AzTrials

Physical InactivityNCT06880211

Activity Snippets for Sustainable Promotion of Physical Activity in Everyday Working Life (ActivitySnippets)

A study testing physical activity recommendations and activitysnippets in people with Physical Inactivity, run by Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences at 1 site in Germany.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

The ActivitySnippets study will investigate the effects of short activity snippets on the sedentary behavior of bus and tram drivers. The main research question is: Do activity snippets increase the amount of time bus and tram drivers spend in a physically active state and reduce the amount of sedentary time during… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 70 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Physical Inactivity
What is being tested?
physical activity recommendations and activitysnippets
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
70 participants
Where
1 siteGermany
Study dates
19 Mar 2025to 7 Feb 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

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 70 years
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • men and women
  • Employees who are actively working as bus or tram drivers for the company "Stadtwerke Krefeld".

Who cannot join

  • Persons who work in other areas of the company "Stadtwerke Krefeld".
  • Persons who are not actively employed as bus and/or tram drivers.
  • Bus and/or tram drivers employed by other companies or subcontractors
  • Persons who have not agreed in writing to take part in the study.
  • Persons who have not signed the loan agreement for the activity tracker.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Germany1 site
  • Hochschule Niederrhein, University of Applied Sciences

    Krefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, 47805

Other trials in Germany

About this study

Official title: Activity Snippets for Sustainable Promotion of Physical Activity in Everyday Working Life - a Randomized Controlled Trial

The ActivitySnippets study will investigate the effects of short activity snippets on the sedentary behavior of bus and tram drivers. The main research question is: Do activity snippets increase the amount of time bus and tram drivers spend in a physically active state and reduce the amount of sedentary time during working hours? This research question will be investigated with a randomized controlled trial.

Read the detailed description

Physical inactivity is a global health burden and a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases, which imposes a significant economic burden on health systems (Polo-López et al., 2024). On average, adults spend between 50 and 60% of their waking hours in sedentary behavior, with prolonged sitting significantly associated with increased all-cause mortality (Varela-Mato et al., 2015). Bus and tram drivers are particularly affected, spending up to 12 hours per day sitting, while also being exposed to work-related risk factors such as poor posture and strict schedules (Brodie et al., 2021; Varela-Mato et al., 2015).

Despite the availability of numerous health-promoting interventions for office workers, there is a lack of specialized, evidence-based health-promoting interventions tailored to the specific needs of bus and tram drivers. Research suggests that even short and low intensity physical activity can have health benefits (Koemel et al., 2024).

This research project aims to address the existing research gap by evaluating the effectiveness of short, simple and practical 'activity snippets' in reducing occupational physical inactivity among bus and tram drivers through a randomized controlled trial. Specifically, the study will investigate whether the implementation of activity snippets leads to a significant redistribution of sedentary time towards more active behavior compared to current World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for physical activity.

A total of 75 bus and tram drivers from "Stadtwerke Krefeld", a public transport company in North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany), will be recruited to participate. At baseline, participants will wear an activity tracker for 10 days to measure acceleration, heart rate and other relevant parameters. Standardized and validated methods will be used to assess body composition, physical activity levels, strength and mobility. Participants will then be randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group.

The intervention group will receive a set of activity snippets for 16 weeks, consisting of a series of short exercises designed to improve muscle strength, increase activity levels at work and reduce stress. The control group will receive the latest WHO recommendations for physical activity. Throughout the intervention period, the research team will provide regular telephone support to ensure adherence, and both groups will wear an activity tracker for 10 days. Following the 16-week intervention, all baseline measures will be repeated, and user experience and acceptability of the activity snippets will be assessed. At the end of the study, participants in the control group will also be given access to the activity snippets. To assess potential long-term effects, a voluntary follow-up assessment, including 10 days of activity tracking, will be conducted three months after the end of the study.

This study aims to provide robust scientific evidence on the effectiveness of activity snippets in reducing prolonged sedentary time and increasing physical activity, and to assess their feasibility in the everyday working lives of bus and tram drivers. In addition, the findings could provide a basis for wider implementation in other inactive occupational groups. Ultimately, this research contributes to the advancement of both occupational and public health promotion strategies and supports the development of sustainable, evidence-based workplace interventions.

Being tested
physical activity recommendations, activitysnippets
Keywords
Physical Inactivity, Bus driver, Tram driver, activity snippets, Promotion of physical activity, Company health management
Medical subject headings
Sedentary Behavior

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • physical activity recommendationsOther

    The participants (bus and tram drivers) in the control group will receive the latest World Health Organization recommendations for physical activity in written form.

  • activitysnippetsOther

    Participants (bus and tram drivers) in the intervention group will receive the ActivitySnippets toolbox. The toolbox was developed through collaborative workshops with the target group, sports scientists and physiotherapists to create a sustainable, occupation-specific and evidence-based physical activity promotion. The toolbox, which provides simple incentives to integrate physical activity into everyday working life, consists of 30 to 40 activity snippets (exercise cards). The design of the toolbox allows for individualization and variation of the exercise cards. The aim of the exercises is to improve muscle strength, increase physical activity levels at work and reduce stress. All exercises can be performed for between 10 and 60 seconds, allowing for realistic implementation in everyday working life. Participants are encouraged to incorporate the exercises into their daily work routine as often as possible.

Study groups in NCT06880211
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
physical activity recommendationsActive comparatorThe control group will receive the latest World Health Organization recommendations for physical activity for 16 weeks.
Receives: Other: physical activity recommendations
activitysnippetsExperimentalThe intervention group will receive a set of activity snippets for 16 weeks, consisting of a series of short exercises designed to improve muscle strength, increase physical activity levels at work and reduce stress.
Receives: Other: activitysnippets

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. The additional effect of short activity snippets, integrated into the daily work routine of bus and tram drivers, on the physical activity behavior compared to general physical activity recommendations.

    Physical activity behavior will be quantified with the MATRIX ACTIVITY MONITOR, an activity tracker from Parmay Tech. This tracker will investigate the physical activity behavior for 7 days at each time point.

    Measured: From enrollment to the end of the 16 weeks intervention phase.

Secondary outcomes (8)
  1. The additional effect of short activity snippets, integrated into the daily work routine of bus and tram drivers, on daily steps compared to general physical activity recommendations.

    Daily steps will be measured with the MATRIX ACTIVITY MONITOR, an activity tracker from Parmay Tech. This tracker will investigate the physical activity behavior for 7 days at each time point.

    Measured: From enrollment to the end of the 16 weeks intervention phase.

  2. The additional effect of short activity snippets, integrated into the daily work routine of bus and tram drivers, on muscular strength compared to general physical activity recommendations.

    Muscular strength will be measured with an isometric force measurement device from SAUTER. The maximal Power of the upper (musculus biceps brachii) and lower (musculus quadriceps femoris) extremities will be measured.

    Measured: From enrollment to the end of the 16 weeks intervention phase.

  3. The additional effect of short activity snippets, integrated into the daily work routine of bus and tram drivers, on flexibility compared to general physical activity recommendations.

    A goniometer will be used to measure the flexibility of the spine and lower extremity during rotation and flexion.

    Measured: From enrollment to the end of the 16 weeks intervention phase.

  4. The additional effect of short activity snippets, integrated into the daily work routine of bus and tram drivers, on perceived stress compared to general physical activity recommendations.

    The perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) will be used to quantify psychological stress.

    Measured: From enrollment to the end of the 16 weeks intervention phase.

  5. The additional effect of short activity snippets, integrated into the daily work routine of bus and tram drivers, on helth-related quality of life compared to general physical activity recommendations.

    The Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), a self-reported questionnaire, will be used to quantify health-related quality of life.

    Measured: From enrollment to the end of the 16 weeks intervention phase.

  6. The additional effect of short activity snippets, integrated into the daily work routine of bus and tram drivers, on job satisfaction and work engagement compared to general physical activity recommendations.

    The Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) will be used to quantify self-reported job satisfaction and work engagement.

    Measured: From enrollment to the end of the 16 weeks intervention phase.

  7. The additional effect of short activity snippets, integrated into the daily work routine of bus and tram drivers, on self-reported physical activity compared to general physical activity recommendations.

    The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire will be used to quantify self-reported scale of physical activity. This questionnaire has 16 questions about intensity, frequency and duration in the domains of physical activity at work and leisure.

    Measured: From enrollment to the end of the 16 weeks intervention phase.

  8. The additional effect of short activity snippets, integrated into the daily work routine of bus and tram drivers, on muscular and skeletal disorders compared to general physical activity recommendations.

    An adapted questionnaire (MSB) will be used to analyze muscular and skeletal disorders; covering 9 body regions, 4-week prevalence, intensity and limitations in work or leisure.

    Measured: From enrollment to the end of the 16 weeks intervention phase.

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted17 Mar 2025
  2. Study start19 Mar 2025
  3. Primary completion7 Feb 2026
  4. Study completion7 Feb 2026

Resources

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
Model description
Subjects will be randomized to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will receive activity snippets for 16 weeks. The control group will receive WHO recommendations for physical activity.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
70 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06880211
Sponsor's protocol ID
054/2025
Status last verified
Feb 2026
First submitted
11 Mar 2025
Last updated
10 Feb 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: Upon reasonable request, selected study data will be shared.

Publications

  • Polo-Lopez A, Calatayud J, Lopez-Bueno L, Nunez-Cortes R, Andersen LL, Lopez-Bueno R. Dose-response association of an accelerometer-measured physical activity with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease incidence: Prospective cohort with 76,074 participants. Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2024 Nov-Dec;87:2-7. doi: 10.1016/j.pcad.2024.10.004. Epub 2024 Oct 9.

    PubMed 39389333
  • Brodie A, Pavey T, Newton C, Sendall MC. Australian bus drivers' modifiable and contextual risk factors for chronic disease: A workplace study. PLoS One. 2021 Jul 29;16(7):e0255225. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255225. eCollection 2021.

    PubMed 34324584
  • Koemel NA, Ahmadi MN, Biswas RK, Koster A, Atkin AJ, Sabag A, Stamatakis E. Can incidental physical activity offset the deleterious associations of sedentary behaviour with major adverse cardiovascular events? Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2025 Jan 6;32(1):77-85. doi: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwae316.

    PubMed 39325719
  • Varela-Mato V, Yates T, Stensel DJ, Biddle SJ, Clemes SA. Time spent sitting during and outside working hours in bus drivers: A pilot study. Prev Med Rep. 2015 Dec 3;3:36-9. doi: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2015.11.011. eCollection 2016 Jun.

    PubMed 26844184

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing physical activity recommendations and activitysnippets in people with Physical Inactivity, run by Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences at 1 site in Germany.

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 2 inclusion and 5 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 Feb 2026. 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 Germany. 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?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

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?

The additional effect of short activity snippets, integrated into the daily work routine of bus and tram drivers, on the physical activity behavior compared to general physical activity recommendations. (time frame: From enrollment to the end of the 16 weeks intervention phase.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06880211, which also lists 4 linked publications.

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 10 Feb 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 7 Nov 2026.

Free account

Log in to keep searching

You’ve used your 3 free searches. AzTrials is free: log in or create a free account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in