Physical ActivityCALI-TEENSNCT07584551
Calisthenics-Based Intervention in Adolescents: Effects on Strength, Body Composition, Eating Habits, and Self-Concept
A study testing Calisthenics and Physical Activity School Education Program in people with Physical Activity and Strength, run by Universitat de Lleida at 1 site in Colombia.
Trial summary
This study evaluates the effectiveness of a school-based calisthenics intervention in promoting physical activity and improving health-related outcomes in adolescents. Physical inactivity during adolescence is a growing public health concern associated with increased risks of obesity, poor physical fitness, and… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 13 to 16 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Physical Activity, Strength, Body Composition
- What is being tested?
- Calisthenics and Physical Activity School Education Program
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 100 participants
- Where
- 1 siteColombia
- Study dates
- 15 Jan 2024to 15 Dec 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 13 to 16 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child
Who may be able to join
- Enrollment in the ninth grade at the Institución Educativa Técnica Industrial de Turmequé, Boyacá.
- Age between 13 and 16 years.
- Agreement to random group assignment.
Who cannot join
- Presence of medical conditions or disorders that could contraindicate physical exercise, including but not limited to cardiac arrhythmias, heart murmurs, coronary artery disease, or hypertension, as diagnosed by a physician at the start of the calisthenics program.
- Presence of psychiatric disorders, such as severe anxiety attacks or depression, diagnosed by a qualified healthcare professional at the beginning of the calisthenics program.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Colombia1 site
Institución Educativa Técnica Industrial de Turmequé-Boyacá
Turmequé, Departamento de Boyacá, 153060
About this study
Official title: School-Based Calisthenics Intervention for Promoting Physical Activity in Adolescents
This study evaluates the effectiveness of a school-based calisthenics intervention in promoting physical activity and improving health-related outcomes in adolescents. Physical inactivity during adolescence is a growing public health concern associated with increased risks of obesity, poor physical fitness, and reduced psychological well-being. Schools provide an optimal environment to implement structured interventions that encourage lifelong healthy habits.
Calisthenics is a form of exercise that uses bodyweight movements to improve strength, flexibility, and coordination. It is cost-effective, accessible, and does not require specialized equipment, making it particularly suitable for school settings. The present study integrates a structured calisthenics program into regular physical education classes.
Read more
A total of 100 students aged 13 to 16 years will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group, which will participate in the calisthenics program, or a control group, which will follow the standard physical education curriculum. The intervention will last 12 weeks, with three sessions per week.
Primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after the intervention. These include physical fitness (muscle strength), body composition, dietary habits, and self-concept. Strength will be measured using a handgrip dynamometer, body composition through anthropometric assessment, dietary habits through a validated questionnaire, and self-concept using the Self-Concept Form-5 (AF5).
Findings from this study will provide evidence regarding the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing calisthenics in school settings as a strategy to improve both physical and psychological health in adolescents.
Read the detailed description
Study Design This is a randomized, parallel-group, controlled trial designed to assess the effects of a school-based calisthenics intervention on physical fitness, body composition, dietary habits, and self-concept in adolescents. Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to an experimental group or a control group.
Study Setting The study will be conducted at a public secondary school in Turmequé, Boyacá, Colombia, involving ninth-grade students.
Participants A total of 120 adolescents aged between 13 and 16 years will be recruited. Eligibility will be determined based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Written informed consent from parents or legal guardians and assent from participants will be obtained prior to enrollment.
Randomization and Allocation Participants will be assigned to study groups using a computer-generated randomization sequence. Allocation will be conducted by an independent individual not directly involved in the study procedures to minimize selection bias. Due to the nature of the intervention, participant blinding is not feasible.
Intervention The experimental group will participate in a structured calisthenics program integrated into physical education classes over a 12-week period. The program consists of three weekly sessions of approximately 60 minutes each.
Each session will include the following components:
- Warm-up phase (mobility and dynamic stretching)
- Main exercise phase, including six bodyweight exercises targeting upper body, lower body, or full-body strength
- Cool-down phase with static stretching and relaxation exercises
The intervention follows a progressive overload model:
Exercise duration will increase over time (from 60 to 90 seconds per exercise) Rest intervals between sets will decrease progressively (from 40 to 15 seconds) Effort intensity will be monitored using the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion scale
Sessions will be conducted in school facilities, including outdoor spaces and sports courts, under the supervision of a qualified instructor to ensure safety and proper execution.
Control Group Participants in the control group will continue with their standard physical education curriculum, which includes activities such as volleyball and handball, according to the institutional academic plan.
Outcome Measures Assessments will be conducted at baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 13).
Primary Outcomes
- Muscle strength: measured using a digital handgrip dynamometer
Secondary Outcomes
- Body composition: assessed through anthropometric measurements and skinfold thickness to estimate body fat percentage and body mass index
- Dietary habits: evaluated using a validated food frequency questionnaire
- Self-concept: assessed using the Self-Concept Form-5 (AF5), which measures multiple dimensions including physical self-perception
Sample Size Calculation The sample size was calculated to detect a meaningful difference in strength outcomes between groups, assuming a standard deviation of 15 units, with 90% power and a 5% significance level. A minimum of 60 participants per group is required.
Statistical Analysis Descriptive statistics will be calculated for all variables. Normality will be assessed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) will be performed to examine the effects of time, group, and their interaction. Bonferroni post hoc tests will be applied where appropriate. Statistical significance will be set at p < 0.05.
Data Management Participant data will be coded to ensure confidentiality. Only authorized research personnel will have access to the dataset. Data will be stored securely and managed in accordance with data protection regulations.
Ethical Considerations The study will be conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and applicable national and international regulations. The study involves minimal risk, as it consists of supervised physical activity within a school setting. Participants will be informed that their participation is voluntary and that they may withdraw at any time without consequences.
Expected Impact This study aims to provide evidence on the effectiveness of calisthenics as a low-cost, accessible intervention to promote physical activity and improve health outcomes in adolescents. The results may contribute to the development of innovative physical education strategies and inform public health policies targeting youth populations.
- Conditions
- Physical Activity, Strength, Body Composition, Self Concept
- Being tested
- Calisthenics, Physical Activity School Education Program
- Keywords
- Calisthenics, Adolescents, School-based intervention
- Medical subject headings
- Motor Activity
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
CalisthenicsOther
12 week exercise program, with a frequency of 3 times per week and a duration of 1 hour per session
Physical Activity School Education ProgramOther
Physical activity following School Education Program
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Calisthenics | Experimental | Calisthenics 12 week, 3 times per week, exercise program Receives: Other: Calisthenics |
| Control | Active comparator | School exercise programm Receives: Other: Physical Activity School Education Program |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Hand grip strenght
Handgrip strength is assessed using a handheld dynamometer to evaluate muscular strength. Participants are instructed to squeeze the device with maximal effort, usually with the dominant hand, for a few seconds. The highest value from repeated trials is recorded in kilograms or newtons
Measured: From enrollment to the end of the intervention at 12 weeks
Secondary outcomes (3)
Percentage of body fat
Skinfold anthropometric measurements will be determined to estimate body fat. The thickness of subcutaneous fat at the biceps, triceps, subscapular and suprailiac sites using standarized calipers will be performed. These values will be applied to equations to calculate body density and, from it, body fat percentage.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks
Dietary habits
Self-report of habitual food frequency consumption using a standardized and validated questionnaire. Briefly, it consists of a 33-item questionnaire including foods commonly consumed by the selected study group.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks
Self-concept
Reported by each volunteer using the AF5 Self-Concept Questionnaire, a validated instrument that assesses self-concept across five dimensions (academic/work, social, emotional, family, and physical) using a Likert-type scale, where higher scores indicate a more positive self-perception in each domain.
Measured: From enrollment to the end to the treatment at 12 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 May 2026
- Study start15 Jan 2024
- Primary completion15 Sep 2025
- Study completion15 Dec 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Physical ActivityStudies 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
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 100 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Universitat de Lleida
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, José Serrano, Universitat de Lleida
- Investigators
- Jose CE Serrano, PhD, Study director, Universitat de Lleida
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07584551
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- CALI-TEENS
- Other IDs
- Universitat de Lleida
- Acronym
- CALI-TEENS
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 29 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 13 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: Individual participant data are not publicly available due to ethical and privacy restrictions. However, de-identified data may be made available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request and with approval from the institutional ethics committee.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 13 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- School-Based Calisthenics Intervention for Promoting Physical Activity in Adolescents
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07584551
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- CALI-TEENS / CALI-TEENS
- Conditions
- Physical Activity, Strength, Body Composition, Self Concept
- Keywords
- Calisthenics, Adolescents, School-based intervention
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 100 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Universitat de LleidaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Jan 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 15 Dec 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 13 May 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 evaluates the effectiveness of a school-based calisthenics intervention in promoting physical activity and improving health-related outcomes in adolescents. Physical inactivity during adolescence is a growing public health concern associated with increased risks of obesity, poor physical fitness, and reduced psychological well-being. Schools provide an optimal environment to implement structured interventions that encourage lifelong healthy habits.
Calisthenics is a form of exercise that uses bodyweight movements to improve strength, flexibility, and coordination. It is cost-effective, accessible, and does not require specialized equipment, making it particularly suitable for school settings. The present study integrates a structured calisthenics program into regular physical education classes.
A total of 100 students aged 13 to 16 years will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group, which will participate in the calisthenics program, or a control group, which will follow the standard physical education curriculum. The intervention will last 12 weeks, with three sessions per week.
Primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after the intervention. These include physical fitness (muscle strength), body composition, dietary habits, and self-concept. Strength will be measured using a handgrip dynamometer, body composition through anthropometric assessment, dietary habits through a validated questionnaire, and self-concept using the Self-Concept Form-5 (AF5).
Findings from this study will provide evidence regarding the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing calisthenics in school settings as a strategy to improve both physical and psychological health in adolescents.
Detailed description
Study Design This is a randomized, parallel-group, controlled trial designed to assess the effects of a school-based calisthenics intervention on physical fitness, body composition, dietary habits, and self-concept in adolescents. Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to an experimental group or a control group.
Study Setting The study will be conducted at a public secondary school in Turmequé, Boyacá, Colombia, involving ninth-grade students.
Participants A total of 120 adolescents aged between 13 and 16 years will be recruited. Eligibility will be determined based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Written informed consent from parents or legal guardians and assent from participants will be obtained prior to enrollment.
Randomization and Allocation Participants will be assigned to study groups using a computer-generated randomization sequence. Allocation will be conducted by an independent individual not directly involved in the study procedures to minimize selection bias. Due to the nature of the intervention, participant blinding is not feasible.
Intervention The experimental group will participate in a structured calisthenics program integrated into physical education classes over a 12-week period. The program consists of three weekly sessions of approximately 60 minutes each.
Each session will include the following components:
- Warm-up phase (mobility and dynamic stretching)
- Main exercise phase, including six bodyweight exercises targeting upper body, lower body, or full-body strength
- Cool-down phase with static stretching and relaxation exercises
The intervention follows a progressive overload model:
Exercise duration will increase over time (from 60 to 90 seconds per exercise) Rest intervals between sets will decrease progressively (from 40 to 15 seconds) Effort intensity will be monitored using the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion scale
Sessions will be conducted in school facilities, including outdoor spaces and sports courts, under the supervision of a qualified instructor to ensure safety and proper execution.
Control Group Participants in the control group will continue with their standard physical education curriculum, which includes activities such as volleyball and handball, according to the institutional academic plan.
Outcome Measures Assessments will be conducted at baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 13).
Primary Outcomes
- Muscle strength: measured using a digital handgrip dynamometer
Secondary Outcomes
- Body composition: assessed through anthropometric measurements and skinfold thickness to estimate body fat percentage and body mass index
- Dietary habits: evaluated using a validated food frequency questionnaire
- Self-concept: assessed using the Self-Concept Form-5 (AF5), which measures multiple dimensions including physical self-perception
Sample Size Calculation The sample size was calculated to detect a meaningful difference in strength outcomes between groups, assuming a standard deviation of 15 units, with 90% power and a 5% significance level. A minimum of 60 participants per group is required.
Statistical Analysis Descriptive statistics will be calculated for all variables. Normality will be assessed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) will be performed to examine the effects of time, group, and their interaction. Bonferroni post hoc tests will be applied where appropriate. Statistical significance will be set at p < 0.05.
Data Management Participant data will be coded to ensure confidentiality. Only authorized research personnel will have access to the dataset. Data will be stored securely and managed in accordance with data protection regulations.
Ethical Considerations The study will be conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and applicable national and international regulations. The study involves minimal risk, as it consists of supervised physical activity within a school setting. Participants will be informed that their participation is voluntary and that they may withdraw at any time without consequences.
Expected Impact This study aims to provide evidence on the effectiveness of calisthenics as a low-cost, accessible intervention to promote physical activity and improve health outcomes in adolescents. The results may contribute to the development of innovative physical education strategies and inform public health policies targeting youth populations.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Calisthenics | Experimental | Other: CalisthenicsCalisthenics 12 week, 3 times per week, exercise program |
| Control | Active comparator | Other: Physical Activity School Education ProgramSchool exercise programm |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 13 to 16 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Enrollment in the ninth grade at the Institución Educativa Técnica Industrial de Turmequé, Boyacá.
- Age between 13 and 16 years.
- Agreement to random group assignment.
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Presence of medical conditions or disorders that could contraindicate physical exercise, including but not limited to cardiac arrhythmias, heart murmurs, coronary artery disease, or hypertension, as diagnosed by a physician at the start of the calisthenics program.
- Presence of psychiatric disorders, such as severe anxiety attacks or depression, diagnosed by a qualified healthcare professional at the beginning of the calisthenics program.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Calisthenics12 week exercise program, with a frequency of 3 times per week and a duration of 1 hour per session | Other | Calisthenics |
| Physical Activity School Education ProgramPhysical activity following School Education Program | Other | Control |
Primary outcome
Hand grip strenght
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of the intervention at 12 weeks
Handgrip strength is assessed using a handheld dynamometer to evaluate muscular strength. Participants are instructed to squeeze the device with maximal effort, usually with the dominant hand, for a few seconds. The highest value from repeated trials is recorded in kilograms or newtons
3 secondary outcomes
Percentage of body fat
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks
Dietary habits
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks
Self-concept
Time frame: From enrollment to the end to the treatment at 12 weeks
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 13 May 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. Individual participant data are not publicly available due to ethical and privacy restrictions. However, de-identified data may be made available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request and with approval from the institutional ethics committee.
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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.
Jose CE Serrano, PhD study director
Universitat de Lleida
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Calisthenics and Physical Activity School Education Program in people with Physical Activity and Strength, run by Universitat de Lleida at 1 site in Colombia.
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 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 13 May 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 Colombia. 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?
Hand grip strenght (time frame: From enrollment to the end of the intervention at 12 weeks). 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 13 May 2026.