Smartphone AddictionES-MPANCT07338058
High-Intensity Exercise Snacks for Reducing Mobile Phone Addiction in Adolescents
A study testing Exercise Snacks Protocol in people with Smartphone Addiction and Sedentary Behaviors, run by Jinan University Guangzhou at 1 site in Hong Kong.
Trial summary
This study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of "Exercise Snacks" (fragmented, high-intensity bouts of exercise) in reducing mobile phone addiction among adolescents. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 12 to 18 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Smartphone Addiction, Sedentary Behaviors, Adolescent Behavior
- What is being tested?
- Exercise Snacks Protocol
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 386 participants
- Where
- 1 siteHong Kong
- Study dates
- 1 Sep 2025to 1 Mar 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 12 to 18 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child, Adult
Who may be able to join
- Adolescents aged 12-18 years enrolled in the participating middle/high school.
- Owner of a smartphone with daily usage time > 2 hours.
- Score on the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV) indicating a risk of addiction (e.g., score > 31 for males, > 33 for females).
- Physically capable of participating in high-intensity exercise (PAR-Q screening negative).
- Provided written informed consent (from both student and guardian).
Who cannot join
- Diagnosed with severe physical disabilities or cardiovascular diseases that contraindicate high-intensity exercise (e.g., congenital heart disease).
- Currently participating in other professional sports training or weight loss programs.
- Diagnosed with severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., severe depression, schizophrenia) requiring medication.
- Taking medications that affect heart rate or cognitive function.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Hong Kong1 site
School of Physical Education, Jinan University
Shatin, New Territories
About this study
Official title: Effect of Fragmented Exercise Snacks on Mobile Phone Addiction and Psychophysical Health in Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of "Exercise Snacks" (fragmented, high-intensity bouts of exercise) in reducing mobile phone addiction among adolescents.
Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention spans 5 months and is followed by a 1-month follow-up period (Month 6). The intervention group will perform short bursts of exercise (e.g., 1-minute sprints, squats) multiple times daily during school breaks. The program is divided into three progressive phases: adaptation, enhancement, and consolidation. The study aims to determine whether this sustained "snack-style" exercise regimen can significantly lower mobile phone addiction scores, improve physical fitness, and enhance psychological traits such as self-control and resilience over a semester-long period.
Read the detailed description
Background and Rationale: Adolescents face increasing risks of mobile phone addiction, which is associated with sedentary behavior. "Exercise Snacks"-isolated bouts of vigorous exercise performed periodically throughout the day-offer a time-efficient solution. This study applies the COMB model and Self-Determination Theory to a long-term, semester-based intervention.
Study Design: This is a single-blind, randomized controlled trial conducted over a 6-month period (5 months of intervention + 1 month of follow-up).
Intervention Protocol: The intervention group follows a progressive "Exercise Snacks" program:
Adaptation Phase (Month 1 / Weeks 1-4): Focus on habit formation. Participants perform "Sprint Snacks" (e.g., stair climbing) 3 times daily and "Strength Snacks" (e.g., squats) 2 times weekly. Intensity is monitored to ensure safety and correct posture.
Enhancement Phase (Months 2-3 / Weeks 5-12): Focus on physiological adaptation. Frequency increases to 4 daily Sprint Snacks and 3 weekly Strength Snacks. A weekly collective High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) session is introduced to maximize cardiorespiratory benefits.
Consolidation Phase (Months 4-5 / Weeks 13-20): Focus on psychological integration. Daily snacks continue. Collective HIIT sessions increase to twice weekly. A cognitive-behavioral guidance component is added (bi-weekly) to help students identify phone use triggers and internalize healthy behaviors.
Follow-up Phase (Month 6 / Weeks 21-24): The structured intervention ceases. Participants are encouraged to maintain self-guided exercise. Final assessments are conducted at the end of Month 6 to evaluate the retention of intervention effects and any "rebound" in mobile phone addiction.
Outcome Measures: The primary outcome is Mobile Phone Addiction (SAS-SV), assessed at baseline, Month 3, Month 5 (post-intervention), and Month 6 (follow-up). Secondary outcomes include physical activity levels (PARS-3 and wearables), self-control (BSCS), resilience (RSCA), and mental health status.
- Being tested
- Exercise Snacks Protocol
- Keywords
- Exercise Snacks, High-Intensity Interval Training, Fragmented Exercise, Self-Control, Digital Health
- Medical subject headings
- Internet Addiction Disorder, Sedentary Behavior, Adolescent Behavior, Self-Control
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Exercise Snacks ProtocolBehavioural
Also called Fragmented High-Intensity Exercise
The intervention consists of a structured 5-month "Exercise Snacks" program. Participants perform "snacks"-defined as isolated bouts of vigorous-intensity physical activity (<2 min)-distributed 3-4 times throughout the school day during breaks.
Content: The regimen includes "Sprint Snacks" (e.g., stair climbing, high knees) and "Strength Snacks" (e.g., squats, push-ups). Intensity: Participants are instructed to reach a subjective effort level of Borg RPE > 14 (Somewhat Hard to Hard). Progression: The program follows a phased approach:
Adaptation (Month 1): Focus on habit formation and movement quality.
Enhancement (Months 2-3): Increased frequency and inclusion of weekly collective HIIT sessions.
Consolidation (Months 4-5): Integration of cognitive-behavioral guidance to replace mobile phone usage habits.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Snacks Group | Experimental | Participants in this group follow a 5-month structured "Exercise Snacks" protocol. The intervention consists of daily short bursts of high-intensity exercise (e.g., 1-minute sprints, squats) performed during school breaks, supplemented by weekly collective HIIT sessions. The program progresses through adaptation, enhancement, and consolidation phases. Receives: Behavioral: Exercise Snacks Protocol |
| Control Group | No intervention | Participants in this group are instructed to maintain their usual daily campus life and academic routines without altering their existing physical activity habits. They do not participate in the structured exercise snacks program during the study period. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Mobile Phone Addiction Severity (assessed by SAS-SV)
The severity of mobile phone addiction is measured using the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV). This self-report scale consists of 10 items. Each item is rated on a 6-point Likert scale ranging from 1 ("Strongly Disagree") to 6 ("Strongly Agree"). The total score is calculated by summing the scores of all 10 items, resulting in a range from 10 to 60. Higher scores indicate a higher level of mobile phone addiction risk.
Measured: Baseline, Month 3, Month 4, and Month 6
Secondary outcomes (9)
Psychological Resilience(CD-RISC-10 Score)
Psychological resilience is assessed using the Child and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM). Higher scores indicate greater resilience.
Measured: Baseline, Month 2, Month 4, and Month 6
Self-Control Capacity (BSCS Score)
13 items, 1-5 scale. Range 13-65. Higher scores indicate better self-control.
Measured: Baseline, Month 2, Month 4, and Month 6.
Objectively Measured Sleep Parameters via Wrist-Worn Accelerometer
Sleep parameters are continuously monitored using a consumer-grade wrist-worn accelerometer (Xiaomi Mi Band) for 7 consecutive days at each assessment time point. Primary sleep outcomes include total sleep time (TST), sleep onset latency (SOL), wake after sleep onset (WASO), and sleep efficiency (SE). Data are extracted from the device via the companion application and processed to derive nightly averages across the 7-day monitoring period. Participants are instructed to wear the device 24 hours per day, removing it only during water-based activities if the device is not waterproof.
Measured: Baseline, Month 3, Month 5, and Month 6
Objectively Measured Daily Physical Activity via Wrist-Worn Accelerometer
Daily physical activity is continuously monitored using a consumer-grade wrist-worn accelerometer (Xiaomi Mi Band) for 7 consecutive days at each assessment time point. Outcomes include daily step count, duration of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity, and sedentary time. Data are extracted from the device via the companion application and averaged across valid wear days (defined as ≥10 hours of wear time per day, with a minimum of 4 valid days required).
Measured: Baseline, Month 2,Month 4, and Month 6
Psychological Distress (DASS-21 Score)
Psychological distress is assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21). The scale measures symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress over the past week. Higher scores indicate greater psychological distress.
Measured: Baseline, Month 2, Month 4, and Month 6
Well-Being (WHO-5 Score)
Well-being is assessed using the WHO-5 Well-Being Index. Higher scores indicate better well-being.
Measured: Baseline, Month 2, Month 4, and Month 6
Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction (SDT Score)
Basic psychological need satisfaction is assessed using a self-determination theory-based scale. Higher scores indicate greater basic psychological need satisfaction.
Measured: Baseline, Month 2, Month 4, and Month 6
Emotion Regulation: Cognitive Reappraisal (ERQ Score)
Cognitive reappraisal is assessed using the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ). Higher scores indicate greater use of cognitive reappraisal.
Measured: Baseline, Month 2, Month 4, and Month 6
Emotion Regulation: Expressive Suppression (ERQ Score)
Expressive suppression is assessed using the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ). Higher scores indicate greater use of expressive suppression.
Measured: Baseline, Month 2, Month 4, and Month 6
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 Jan 2026
- Study start1 Sep 2025
- Primary completion1 Mar 2026
- Study completion1 Mar 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Smartphone AddictionStudies 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
- Model description
- This is a randomized controlled trial with a parallel group design. Eligible participants are randomly assigned to either the Exercise Snacks intervention group or the control group in a 1:1 allocation ratio. Randomization is performed using computer-generated random number sequences to ensure equal probability of assignment.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 386 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Jinan University Guangzhou
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Ma Ruisi, Jinan University Guangzhou
- Investigators
- Rui Si Ma, Principal investigator, Jinan University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07338058
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- SBRE-25-0472
- Other IDs
- SBRE-25-0472
- Acronym
- ES-MPA
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 3 Jan 2026
- Last updated
- 30 Apr 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: De-identified individual participant data (IPD) that underlie the results reported in the article will be shared. This includes the text, tables, figures, and appendices. Data will be anonymized to protect participant privacy.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 30 Apr 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Fragmented Exercise Snacks on Mobile Phone Addiction and Psychophysical Health in Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07338058
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ES-MPA / SBRE-25-0472
- Keywords
- Exercise Snacks, High-Intensity Interval Training, Fragmented Exercise, Self-Control, Digital Health
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 386 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Jinan University GuangzhouUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Mar 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 13 Jan 2026 (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 is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of "Exercise Snacks" (fragmented, high-intensity bouts of exercise) in reducing mobile phone addiction among adolescents.
Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention spans 5 months and is followed by a 1-month follow-up period (Month 6). The intervention group will perform short bursts of exercise (e.g., 1-minute sprints, squats) multiple times daily during school breaks. The program is divided into three progressive phases: adaptation, enhancement, and consolidation. The study aims to determine whether this sustained "snack-style" exercise regimen can significantly lower mobile phone addiction scores, improve physical fitness, and enhance psychological traits such as self-control and resilience over a semester-long period.
Detailed description
Background and Rationale: Adolescents face increasing risks of mobile phone addiction, which is associated with sedentary behavior. "Exercise Snacks"-isolated bouts of vigorous exercise performed periodically throughout the day-offer a time-efficient solution. This study applies the COMB model and Self-Determination Theory to a long-term, semester-based intervention.
Study Design: This is a single-blind, randomized controlled trial conducted over a 6-month period (5 months of intervention + 1 month of follow-up).
Intervention Protocol: The intervention group follows a progressive "Exercise Snacks" program:
Adaptation Phase (Month 1 / Weeks 1-4): Focus on habit formation. Participants perform "Sprint Snacks" (e.g., stair climbing) 3 times daily and "Strength Snacks" (e.g., squats) 2 times weekly. Intensity is monitored to ensure safety and correct posture.
Enhancement Phase (Months 2-3 / Weeks 5-12): Focus on physiological adaptation. Frequency increases to 4 daily Sprint Snacks and 3 weekly Strength Snacks. A weekly collective High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) session is introduced to maximize cardiorespiratory benefits.
Consolidation Phase (Months 4-5 / Weeks 13-20): Focus on psychological integration. Daily snacks continue. Collective HIIT sessions increase to twice weekly. A cognitive-behavioral guidance component is added (bi-weekly) to help students identify phone use triggers and internalize healthy behaviors.
Follow-up Phase (Month 6 / Weeks 21-24): The structured intervention ceases. Participants are encouraged to maintain self-guided exercise. Final assessments are conducted at the end of Month 6 to evaluate the retention of intervention effects and any "rebound" in mobile phone addiction.
Outcome Measures: The primary outcome is Mobile Phone Addiction (SAS-SV), assessed at baseline, Month 3, Month 5 (post-intervention), and Month 6 (follow-up). Secondary outcomes include physical activity levels (PARS-3 and wearables), self-control (BSCS), resilience (RSCA), and mental health status.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This is a randomized controlled trial with a parallel group design. Eligible participants are randomly assigned to either the Exercise Snacks intervention group or the control group in a 1:1 allocation ratio. Randomization is performed using computer-generated random number sequences to ensure equal probability of assignment.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Snacks Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Exercise Snacks ProtocolParticipants in this group follow a 5-month structured "Exercise Snacks" protocol. The intervention consists of daily short bursts of high-intensity exercise (e.g., 1-minute sprints, squats) performed during school breaks, supplemented by weekly collective HIIT sessions. The program progresses through adaptation, enhancement, and consolidation phases. |
| Control Group | No intervention | –Participants in this group are instructed to maintain their usual daily campus life and academic routines without altering their existing physical activity habits. They do not participate in the structured exercise snacks program during the study period. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 12 to 18 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Adolescents aged 12-18 years enrolled in the participating middle/high school.
- Owner of a smartphone with daily usage time > 2 hours.
- Score on the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV) indicating a risk of addiction (e.g., score > 31 for males, > 33 for females).
- Physically capable of participating in high-intensity exercise (PAR-Q screening negative).
- Provided written informed consent (from both student and guardian).
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Diagnosed with severe physical disabilities or cardiovascular diseases that contraindicate high-intensity exercise (e.g., congenital heart disease).
- Currently participating in other professional sports training or weight loss programs.
- Diagnosed with severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., severe depression, schizophrenia) requiring medication.
- Taking medications that affect heart rate or cognitive function.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Snacks ProtocolAlso: Fragmented High-Intensity ExerciseThe intervention consists of a structured 5-month "Exercise Snacks" program. Participants perform "snacks"-defined as isolated bouts of vigorous-intensity physical activity (<2 min)-distributed 3-4 times throughout the school day during breaks. Content: The regimen includes "Sprint Snacks" (e.g., stair climbing, high knees) and "Strength Snacks" (e.g., squats, push-ups). Intensity: Participants are instructed to reach a subjective effort level of Borg RPE > 14 (Somewhat Hard to Hard). Progression: The program follows a phased approach: Adaptation (Month 1): Focus on habit formation and movement quality. Enhancement (Months 2-3): Increased frequency and inclusion of weekly collective HIIT sessions. Consolidation (Months 4-5): Integration of cognitive-behavioral guidance to replace mobile phone usage habits. | Behavioural | Exercise Snacks Group |
Primary outcome
Change in Mobile Phone Addiction Severity (assessed by SAS-SV)
Time frame: Baseline, Month 3, Month 4, and Month 6
The severity of mobile phone addiction is measured using the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV). This self-report scale consists of 10 items. Each item is rated on a 6-point Likert scale ranging from 1 ("Strongly Disagree") to 6 ("Strongly Agree"). The total score is calculated by summing the scores of all 10 items, resulting in a range from 10 to 60. Higher scores indicate a higher level of mobile phone addiction risk.
9 secondary outcomes
Psychological Resilience(CD-RISC-10 Score)
Time frame: Baseline, Month 2, Month 4, and Month 6
Self-Control Capacity (BSCS Score)
Time frame: Baseline, Month 2, Month 4, and Month 6.
Objectively Measured Sleep Parameters via Wrist-Worn Accelerometer
Time frame: Baseline, Month 3, Month 5, and Month 6
Objectively Measured Daily Physical Activity via Wrist-Worn Accelerometer
Time frame: Baseline, Month 2,Month 4, and Month 6
Psychological Distress (DASS-21 Score)
Time frame: Baseline, Month 2, Month 4, and Month 6
Well-Being (WHO-5 Score)
Time frame: Baseline, Month 2, Month 4, and Month 6
Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction (SDT Score)
Time frame: Baseline, Month 2, Month 4, and Month 6
Emotion Regulation: Cognitive Reappraisal (ERQ Score)
Time frame: Baseline, Month 2, Month 4, and Month 6
Emotion Regulation: Expressive Suppression (ERQ Score)
Time frame: Baseline, Month 2, Month 4, and Month 6
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 30 Apr 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. De-identified individual participant data (IPD) that underlie the results reported in the article will be shared. This includes the text, tables, figures, and appendices. Data will be anonymized to protect participant privacy.
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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.
Rui Si Ma principal investigator
Jinan University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Exercise Snacks Protocol in people with Smartphone Addiction and Sedentary Behaviors, 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 5 inclusion and 4 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 30 Apr 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 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?
Change in Mobile Phone Addiction Severity (assessed by SAS-SV) (time frame: Baseline, Month 3, Month 4, and Month 6). 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 30 Apr 2026.