Sedentary StudentsNCT07256847
Effect of 6-Week High Intensity Interval Training on VO2max, Physical Competence and Sleep Quality in Sedentary Male University Students
A study testing High intensity interval training in people with Sedentary Students and University Students, run by Ma Ruisi at 1 site in Hong Kong.
Trial summary
This study aims to investigate the effects of a 6-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) intervention on physical fitness, cardiorespiratory capacity (VO2max), and sleep quality among sedentary male college students. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Sedentary Students, University Students
- What is being tested?
- High intensity interval training
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 56 participants
- Where
- 1 siteHong Kong
- Study dates
- 1 Jul 2024to 31 Jan 2025
- 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 years and older
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- university students;
- daily sedentary time > 8 hours;
- healthy individuals who are capable of physical tests or HIIT;
- no regular exercise habits;
- can understand English or Chinese.
Who cannot join
- self-reported history of neurological, psychiatric, or medical diseases;
- current intake of medications and/or recreational drugs that could affect the central nervous system and/or the ability to learn.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Hong Kong1 site
SSPE, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong, None Selected
About this study
This study aims to investigate the effects of a 6-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) intervention on physical fitness, cardiorespiratory capacity (VO2max), and sleep quality among sedentary male college students. Through a randomized controlled trial, we seek to examine whether HIIT, as a time-efficient exercise modality, can effectively improve these health-related outcomes in young adults who maintain predominantly sedentary lifestyles. This research will provide evidence-based insights into the effectiveness of HIIT as a potential intervention strategy to address the physical and physiological consequences of prolonged sitting behavior among university students.
- Conditions
- Sedentary Students, University Students
- Being tested
- High intensity interval training
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
High intensity interval trainingOther
A 6-week HIIT exercise plan (running). Duration: Each session consists of 10 x 1-minute high-intensity bouts interspersed with 10 x 1-minute recovery periods. Adding the 3-minute warmup and 3-minute cool-down, each session totals approximately 26 minutes. This protocol is followed for 6 weeks.
Intensity: High-intensity bouts are performed at 80-90% of HRmax (RPE 15-18). Recovery periods are at 40-50% of HRmax (RPE 11-13). Warm-up and cool-down are at 50% HRmax (RPE 11-13).
Modality: Running, jogging, or brisk walking, either on a treadmill or outdoors. Supervision: The first three sessions are supervised in a laboratory setting. Subsequent sessions are unsupervised and performed at home with heart rate monitoring and remote data tracking via Polar Flow for Coach.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| High-intensity interval training (HIIT) group | Experimental | A 6-week HIIT exercise plan (running). Duration: Each session consists of 10 x 1-minute high-intensity bouts interspersed with 10 x 1-minute recovery periods. Adding the 3-minute warmup and 3-minute cool-down, each session totals approximately 26 minutes. This protocol is followed for 6 weeks.
Intensity: High-intensity bouts are performed at 80-90% of HRmax (RPE 15-18). Recovery periods are at 40-50% of HRmax (RPE 11-13). Warm-up and cool-down are at 50% HRmax (RPE 11-13).
Modality: Running, jogging, or brisk walking, either on a treadmill or outdoors.
Supervision: The first three sessions are supervised in a laboratory setting. Subsequent sessions are unsupervised and performed at home with heart rate monitoring and remote data tracking via Polar Flow for Coach. Receives: Other: High intensity interval training |
| Control | No intervention | Keep the usual life style without intervention. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
VO2max
Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run 20-m (measured in laps)
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after 6-week intervention completion
Sleep Quality
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) (scored from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating worse sleep quality)
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after 6-week intervention completion
Handgrip
Handgrip dynamometer (measured in kilograms)
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after 6-week intervention completion
Core strength
Plank test (measured in second)
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after 6-week intervention completion
Balance
Unipedal stance test (measured in second)
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after 6-week intervention completion
Agility
Agility T-test (measured in second)
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after 6-week intervention completion
Flexibility
Sit and Reach Test
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after 6-week intervention completion
Body composition (measured in centimeter)
Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) device (MC-780MA)
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after 6-week intervention completion
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted1 Dec 2025
- Study start1 Jul 2024
- Primary completion31 Dec 2024
- Study completion31 Jan 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (3)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Sedentary StudentsStudies 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
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 56 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Ma Ruisi
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Ma Ruisi, Jinan University Guangzhou
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07256847
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- SBRE-23-0914
- Status last verified
- Jul 2024
- First submitted
- 20 Nov 2025
- Last updated
- 1 Dec 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Song X, Cui X, Su W, Shang X, Tao M, Wang J, Liu C, Sun Y, Yun H. Comparative effects of high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training on weight and metabolic health in college students with obesity. Sci Rep. 2024 Jul 17;14(1):16558. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-67331-z.
PubMed 39019997Eather N, Riley N, Miller A, Smith V, Poole A, Vincze L, Morgan PJ, Lubans DR. Efficacy and feasibility of HIIT training for university students: The Uni-HIIT RCT. J Sci Med Sport. 2019 May;22(5):596-601. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2018.11.016. Epub 2018 Nov 24.
PubMed 30509862Tang D, Gou P, Liu S, Zhang X, Li D, Liu J. Effects of unsupervised campus HIIT on fitness and sleep in sedentary male students: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Public Health. 2026 Apr 9;26(1):1635. doi: 10.1186/s12889-026-27310-7.
PubMed 41957758
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 1 Dec 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of 6-Week High Intensity Interval Training on VO2max, Physical Competence and Sleep Quality in Sedentary Male University Students
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07256847
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- SBRE-23-0914
- Conditions
- Sedentary Students, University Students
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 56 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Ma RuisiUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jul 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Dec 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 Jan 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 1 Dec 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 aims to investigate the effects of a 6-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) intervention on physical fitness, cardiorespiratory capacity (VO2max), and sleep quality among sedentary male college students. Through a randomized controlled trial, we seek to examine whether HIIT, as a time-efficient exercise modality, can effectively improve these health-related outcomes in young adults who maintain predominantly sedentary lifestyles. This research will provide evidence-based insights into the effectiveness of HIIT as a potential intervention strategy to address the physical and physiological consequences of prolonged sitting behavior among university students.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| High-intensity interval training (HIIT) group | Experimental | Other: High intensity interval trainingA 6-week HIIT exercise plan (running). Duration: Each session consists of 10 x 1-minute high-intensity bouts interspersed with 10 x 1-minute recovery periods. Adding the 3-minute warmup and 3-minute cool-down, each session totals approximately 26 minutes. This protocol is followed for 6 weeks. Intensity: High-intensity bouts are performed at 80-90% of HRmax (RPE 15-18). Recovery periods are at 40-50% of HRmax (RPE 11-13). Warm-up and cool-down are at 50% HRmax (RPE 11-13). Modality: Running, jogging, or brisk walking, either on a treadmill or outdoors. Supervision: The first three sessions are supervised in a laboratory setting. Subsequent sessions are unsupervised and performed at home with heart rate monitoring and remote data tracking via Polar Flow for Coach. |
| Control | No intervention | –Keep the usual life style without intervention. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- university students;
- daily sedentary time > 8 hours;
- healthy individuals who are capable of physical tests or HIIT;
- no regular exercise habits;
- can understand English or Chinese.
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- self-reported history of neurological, psychiatric, or medical diseases;
- current intake of medications and/or recreational drugs that could affect the central nervous system and/or the ability to learn.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| High intensity interval trainingA 6-week HIIT exercise plan (running). Duration: Each session consists of 10 x 1-minute high-intensity bouts interspersed with 10 x 1-minute recovery periods. Adding the 3-minute warmup and 3-minute cool-down, each session totals approximately 26 minutes. This protocol is followed for 6 weeks. Intensity: High-intensity bouts are performed at 80-90% of HRmax (RPE 15-18). Recovery periods are at 40-50% of HRmax (RPE 11-13). Warm-up and cool-down are at 50% HRmax (RPE 11-13). Modality: Running, jogging, or brisk walking, either on a treadmill or outdoors. Supervision: The first three sessions are supervised in a laboratory setting. Subsequent sessions are unsupervised and performed at home with heart rate monitoring and remote data tracking via Polar Flow for Coach. | Other | High-intensity interval training (HIIT) group |
Primary outcome
VO2max
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after 6-week intervention completion
Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run 20-m (measured in laps)
Sleep Quality
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after 6-week intervention completion
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) (scored from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating worse sleep quality)
Handgrip
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after 6-week intervention completion
Handgrip dynamometer (measured in kilograms)
Core strength
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after 6-week intervention completion
Plank test (measured in second)
Balance
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after 6-week intervention completion
Unipedal stance test (measured in second)
Agility
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after 6-week intervention completion
Agility T-test (measured in second)
Flexibility
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after 6-week intervention completion
Sit and Reach Test
Body composition (measured in centimeter)
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after 6-week intervention completion
Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) device (MC-780MA)
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 1 Dec 2025.
- Background: PubMed 39019997Song X, Cui X, Su W, Shang X, Tao M, Wang J, Liu C, Sun Y, Yun H. Comparative effects of high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training on weight and metabolic health in college students with obesity. Sci Rep. 2024 Jul 17;14(1):16558. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-67331-z.
- Background: PubMed 30509862Eather N, Riley N, Miller A, Smith V, Poole A, Vincze L, Morgan PJ, Lubans DR. Efficacy and feasibility of HIIT training for university students: The Uni-HIIT RCT. J Sci Med Sport. 2019 May;22(5):596-601. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2018.11.016. Epub 2018 Nov 24.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 41957758Tang D, Gou P, Liu S, Zhang X, Li D, Liu J. Effects of unsupervised campus HIIT on fitness and sleep in sedentary male students: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Public Health. 2026 Apr 9;26(1):1635. doi: 10.1186/s12889-026-27310-7.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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 High intensity interval training in people with Sedentary Students and University Students, run by Ma Ruisi 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 5 inclusion and 2 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 1 Dec 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?
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?
VO2max (time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after 6-week intervention completion). The study lists 8 primary outcomes in all. 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 NCT07256847, which also lists 3 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 1 Dec 2025.