Prediabetes / Type 2 DiabetesNCT07609290
Effects of Exercise Snacks on Clinical and Health Outcomes
A study testing Exercise Snacks in people with Prediabetes / Type 2 Diabetes and Sedentary Behaviors, run by Chimei Medical Center at 1 site in Taiwan.
Trial summary
Physical inactivity and prolonged sedentary behavior are major health concerns, especially for individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes and prediabetes. Many patients have difficulty following traditional exercise recommendations due to time constraints, limited physical capacity, comorbidities, or lack of… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Prediabetes / Type 2 Diabetes, Sedentary Behaviors, Physical Inactivity
- What is being tested?
- Exercise Snacks
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 58 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTaiwan
- Study dates
- 10 Jul 2026to 31 Dec 2026
- 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 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Age 18 to 65 years.
- Diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (HbA1c ≥ 6.5%) or prediabetes (HbA1c ≥ 5.7%).
- Engaging in less than 1 hour of physical activity per week in the past 3 months, assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).
- Sedentary behavior defined as sitting for ≥ 6 hours per day or walking fewer than 5,000 steps per day on average.
- Able to use a smartphone and operate related mobile applications.
- Able to provide informed consent and willing to participate in the study.
Who cannot join
- History of heart disease, kidney disease, pregnancy, cancer, lower limb joint disease, or psychiatric disorders.
- Musculoskeletal or neurological disorders that limit independent physical activity or exercise.
- Acute or terminal illness that may affect participation in the study, such as ongoing cancer treatment, acute myocardial infarction, acute stroke, or receiving palliative care.
- Unstable or uncontrolled cardiovascular, metabolic, or respiratory diseases, such as unstable angina, uncontrolled hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥ 180 mmHg), heart failure, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or acute exacerbation of respiratory disease.
- Presence of metal implants in the body.
- Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m².
- Unable to use a smartphone or mobile applications.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effects of Exercise Snacks on Clinical and Health Outcomes in Sedentary Populations With Chronic Diseases
Physical inactivity and prolonged sedentary behavior are major health concerns, especially for individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes and prediabetes. Many patients have difficulty following traditional exercise recommendations due to time constraints, limited physical capacity, comorbidities, or lack of access to exercise facilities. Therefore, new and more practical exercise strategies are needed.
"Exercise Snacks" is a novel physical activity approach that involves short bouts of exercise performed multiple times throughout the day. Each session is brief and easy to integrate into daily life, such as performing short periods of resistance exercises, brisk walking, stair climbing, or other simple activities. This approach may improve exercise adherence and provide health benefits without requiring long exercise sessions.
Read more
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an Exercise Snacks intervention in sedentary adults with diabetes or prediabetes and to explore its potential effects on cardiovascular and metabolic health, physical function, and body composition.
In this study, sedentary adults aged 18-65 years with diabetes or prediabetes will participate in a 12-week study and will be randomly assigned to either an Exercise Snacks group or a control group. Participants in the Exercise Snacks group will perform short exercise sessions lasting approximately 3-5 minutes, including simple resistance exercises and short aerobic activities. These exercise sessions will be performed several times per day and integrated into daily routines. The control group will maintain their usual lifestyle without additional exercise intervention.
Participants may use wearable devices or mobile applications to receive reminders and record exercise activity. Assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention to evaluate physical activity adherence, physical function, body composition, blood pressure, blood glucose, and other cardiovascular and metabolic health indicators.
This study aims to determine whether short, frequent exercise sessions are a practical and effective alternative to traditional exercise recommendations for sedentary individuals with diabetes or prediabetes. The results of this study may help develop more feasible lifestyle intervention strategies to improve long-term exercise adherence and overall health in individuals with chronic diseases.
Read the detailed description
Physical inactivity and prolonged sedentary behavior are recognized as major risk factors for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Although current physical activity guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, many individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes or prediabetes are unable to meet these recommendations due to time constraints, low exercise tolerance, comorbidities, or lack of access to exercise facilities. Therefore, alternative exercise strategies that are feasible, flexible, and sustainable are needed for sedentary populations with chronic diseases.
Exercise Snacks is an emerging exercise concept that involves performing short bouts of physical activity multiple times throughout the day rather than completing a single continuous exercise session. These short sessions typically last from 1 to 5 minutes and may include resistance exercises, stair climbing, brisk walking, or other moderate-to-high intensity activities. Previous studies suggest that accumulating short bouts of exercise throughout the day may improve glycemic control, cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and exercise adherence. However, the feasibility and acceptability of Exercise Snacks in sedentary individuals with diabetes or prediabetes remain insufficiently studied in clinical settings.
The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an Exercise Snacks intervention among sedentary adults with diabetes or prediabetes. Secondary aims include evaluating the preliminary effects of the Exercise Snacks intervention on cardiovascular and metabolic health indicators, physical function, and body composition.
This study will recruit sedentary adults aged 18 to 65 years who have been diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the Exercise Snacks intervention group or the control group. The intervention period will last 12 weeks.
Participants in the Exercise Snacks group will perform short exercise sessions multiple times per day. Each exercise session will last approximately 3 to 5 minutes and will include simple resistance exercises (such as squats, split squats, resistance band exercises, and curl-ups) and short aerobic activities (such as brisk walking, stair climbing, running in place, or jumping jacks). Participants will be encouraged to perform at least 3 to 4 exercise sessions per day and integrate these activities into their daily routines. Exercise intensity and exercise type will be adjusted based on individual physical capacity and safety considerations.
Participants in the control group will maintain their usual lifestyle and will not receive the Exercise Snacks intervention during the study period.
Wearable devices or mobile applications may be used to provide exercise reminders, monitor exercise adherence, and record physical activity data. Assessments will be conducted before and after the 12-week intervention. Outcome measurements will include feasibility and acceptability questionnaires, physical function tests (such as the 6-Minute Walk Test and 3-Minute Step Test), body composition measurements (including body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, muscle mass, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio), and cardiovascular and metabolic indicators (including blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and HbA1c).
The results of this study will help determine whether Exercise Snacks is a feasible and practical lifestyle intervention strategy for sedentary individuals with diabetes or prediabetes. This study may provide preliminary evidence for integrating short-duration, high-frequency physical activity into clinical lifestyle management programs for chronic disease populations.
- Being tested
- Exercise Snacks
- Keywords
- Exercise Snacks, Physical activity, Sedentary behavior, Diabetes, Prediabetes, Cardiovascular metabolism
- Medical subject headings
- Prediabetic State, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2, Sedentary Behavior, Motor Activity, Diabetes Mellitus
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Exercise SnacksBehavioural
Also called Intermittent Physical Activity, Short-bout Exercise, Physical Activity Snacks
The Exercise Snacks intervention consists of short bouts of physical activity performed multiple times throughout the day. Each exercise session lasts approximately 3 to 5 minutes and includes simple resistance exercises and short aerobic activities. Resistance exercises may include squats, split squats, resistance band exercises, and curl-ups, while aerobic activities may include brisk walking, stair climbing, running in place, or jumping jacks. Participants will be encouraged to perform at least 3 to 4 exercise sessions per day and integrate these short exercise sessions into their daily routines. Exercise intensity and exercise type will be adjusted according to individual physical capacity and safety considerations. The intervention will be conducted over a 12-week period. Wearable devices or mobile applications may be used to provide exercise reminders, monitor adherence, and record physical activity.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Snacks Group | Experimental | Participants assigned to the Exercise Snacks group will perform short bouts of exercise multiple times throughout the day for 12 weeks. Each exercise session will last approximately 3-5 minutes and will include simple resistance exercises (such as squats, split squats, resistance band exercises, and curl-ups) and short aerobic activities (such as brisk walking, stair climbing, running in place, or jumping jacks). Participants will be encouraged to perform at least 3-4 exercise sessions per day and integrate these activities into their daily routine. Exercise intensity and duration will be adjusted according to individual physical capacity. Wearable devices or mobile applications may be used to provide reminders and record exercise adherence. Receives: Behavioral: Exercise Snacks |
| Control Group | No intervention | Participants assigned to the control group will maintain their usual lifestyle and physical activity habits during the 12-week study period and will not receive the Exercise Snacks intervention. Outcome assessments will be conducted at baseline and at the end of the study period. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Feasibility and acceptability of the Exercise Snacks intervention
Feasibility and acceptability will be evaluated based on participant adherence, completion of the intervention, and participant-reported questionnaires assessing convenience, satisfaction, and willingness to continue the intervention. Additionally, adherence and satisfaction will be quantified using standardized indicators, with higher scores indicating better adherence and greater satisfaction and acceptability. The questionnaire will be assessed using a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree), e.g., assessed using the Exercise Adherence Rating Scale, EARS with items 2, 3, 4, and 6 being reverse-scored.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Secondary outcomes (13)
Change in physical function assessed by the 3-Minute Step Test
Physical function and cardiopulmonary endurance will be assessed using the 3-Minute Step Test, which evaluates participants' exercise capacity and functional fitness. Participants will perform a stepping exercise on a standardized step for 3 minutes at a fixed stepping rate. Heart rate will be measured immediately after exercise to assess cardiopulmonary endurance and recovery capacity. Lower post-exercise heart rates indicate better cardiovascular fitness.
The Step Test Index will be calculated using the following formula: Step Test Index = Exercise duration (seconds) × 100 ÷ [2 × (sum of the three pulse counts)].
The calculated index will be classified into five fitness levels, with higher scores indicating better cardiopulmonary endurance and cardiovascular fitness.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in body weight (kg)
Body weight (kg) will be assessed at baseline and after the 12-week intervention to evaluate changes in body weight associated with the exercise snacks intervention. Comparisons of pre- and post-intervention measurements will be used to determine the potential effects of short-duration intermittent physical activity on body weight and overall body composition status.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in body mass index (BMI)
Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated by dividing body weight in kilograms by height in meters squared.
Body mass index (BMI, kg/m²) will be assessed at baseline and after the 12-week intervention to evaluate changes in body composition associated with the exercise snacks intervention. Comparisons between pre- and post-intervention measurements will be used to determine the effects of short-duration intermittent physical activity on overall weight status.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in body fat percentage (%)
Body fat percentage (%) will be measured before and after the intervention to evaluate changes in adiposity following the exercise snacks intervention. Pre- and post-intervention comparisons will be conducted to assess the potential effects of intermittent physical activity on body fat reduction and body composition improvement.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in muscle mass (kg)
Muscle mass (kg) will be assessed at baseline and after the intervention to evaluate changes in skeletal muscle status associated with the exercise snacks intervention. Comparisons of pre- and post-intervention measurements will be used to assess the potential effects of short-duration physical activity on muscle preservation and muscle mass improvement.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in waist circumference (cm)
Waist circumference (cm) will be measured before and after the intervention to evaluate changes in central adiposity and abdominal obesity. Pre- and post-intervention comparisons will be conducted to assess the effects of the exercise snacks intervention on abdominal fat distribution and anthropometric status.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in blood pressure (mmHg)
Blood pressure (mmHg) will be measured at baseline and after the 12-week intervention to evaluate changes in cardiovascular status associated with the exercise snacks intervention. Comparisons between pre- and post-intervention measurements will be used to assess the potential effects of short-duration intermittent physical activity on blood pressure control and cardiovascular health.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (mg/dL) will be assessed before and after the intervention to evaluate changes in lipid metabolism and cardiovascular risk factors. Pre- and post-intervention comparisons will be conducted to assess the effects of the exercise snacks intervention on LDL-C levels and metabolic health.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in total cholesterol (CHOL)
Total cholesterol (CHOL) levels (mg/dL) will be assessed before and after the intervention to evaluate changes in lipid metabolism and cardiovascular risk factors. Pre- and post-intervention comparisons will be conducted to assess the effects of the exercise snacks intervention on total cholesterol levels and metabolic health.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (mg/dL) will be assessed before and after the intervention to evaluate changes in lipid metabolism and cardiovascular risk factors. Pre- and post-intervention comparisons will be conducted to assess the effects of the exercise snacks intervention on HDL-C levels and metabolic health.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in triglycerides (TG)
Triglyceride (TG) levels (mg/dL) will be assessed before and after the intervention to evaluate changes in lipid metabolism and cardiovascular risk factors. Pre- and post-intervention comparisons will be conducted to assess the effects of the exercise snacks intervention on triglyceride levels and metabolic health.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in fasting blood glucose (mg/dL)
Fasting blood glucose (mg/dL) will be measured at baseline and after the intervention to evaluate changes in glycemic control associated with the exercise snacks intervention. Comparisons of pre- and post-intervention measurements will be used to assess the potential effects of intermittent physical activity on glucose regulation and metabolic status.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c, %) will be assessed before and after the 12-week intervention to evaluate long-term glycemic control. Pre- and post-intervention comparisons will be conducted to assess the effects of the exercise snacks intervention on average blood glucose levels and diabetes-related metabolic outcomes.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted27 May 2026
- Study start10 Jul 2026
- Primary completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (17)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Prediabetes / Type 2 DiabetesStudies 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
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 58 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Chimei Medical Center
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07609290
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- CMMC11502-004
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 20 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 20 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be publicly available due to participant privacy and confidentiality considerations. However, de-identified data may be available from the study investigators upon reasonable request and subject to institutional approval.
Publications
Francois ME, Baldi JC, Manning PJ, Lucas SJ, Hawley JA, Williams MJ, Cotter JD. 'Exercise snacks' before meals: a novel strategy to improve glycaemic control in individuals with insulin resistance. Diabetologia. 2014 Jul;57(7):1437-45. doi: 10.1007/s00125-014-3244-6. Epub 2014 May 10.
PubMed 24817675Jenkins EM, Nairn LN, Skelly LE, Little JP, Gibala MJ. Do stair climbing exercise "snacks" improve cardiorespiratory fitness? Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2019 Jun;44(6):681-684. doi: 10.1139/apnm-2018-0675. Epub 2019 Jan 16.
PubMed 30649897Islam H, Gibala MJ, Little JP. Exercise Snacks: A Novel Strategy to Improve Cardiometabolic Health. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2022 Jan 1;50(1):31-37. doi: 10.1249/JES.0000000000000275.
PubMed 34669625Tyldesley-Marshall N, Greenfield SM, Parretti HM, Gokal K, Greaves C, Jolly K, Maddison R, Daley AJ; Snacktivity Study Team. Snacktivity to Promote Physical Activity: a Qualitative Study. Int J Behav Med. 2022 Oct;29(5):553-564. doi: 10.1007/s12529-021-10040-y. Epub 2021 Nov 15.
PubMed 34782996Jansons P, Fyfe JJ, Dalla Via J, Daly RM, Scott D. Barriers and enablers associated with participation in a home-based pragmatic exercise snacking program in older adults delivered and monitored by Amazon Alexa: a qualitative study. Aging Clin Exp Res. 2023 Mar;35(3):561-569. doi: 10.1007/s40520-022-02327-1. Epub 2023 Jan 17.
PubMed 36648746Jenkins DG, Devin JL, Weston KL, Jenkins JG, Skinner TL. Benefits beyond cardiometabolic health: the potential of frequent high intensity 'exercise snacks' to improve outcomes for those living with and beyond cancer. J Physiol. 2023 Nov;601(21):4691-4697. doi: 10.1113/JP284985. Epub 2023 Sep 21.
PubMed 37732418Perkin OJ, McGuigan PM, Stokes KA. Exercise Snacking to Improve Muscle Function in Healthy Older Adults: A Pilot Study. J Aging Res. 2019 Oct 3;2019:7516939. doi: 10.1155/2019/7516939. eCollection 2019.
PubMed 31687210Fyfe JJ, Dalla Via J, Jansons P, Scott D, Daly RM. Feasibility and acceptability of a remotely delivered, home-based, pragmatic resistance 'exercise snacking' intervention in community-dwelling older adults: a pilot randomised controlled trial. BMC Geriatr. 2022 Jun 25;22(1):521. doi: 10.1186/s12877-022-03207-z.
PubMed 35751032Stawarz K, Liang IJ, Alexander L, Carlin A, Wijekoon A, Western MJ. Exploring the Potential of Technology to Promote Exercise Snacking for Older Adults Who Are Prefrail in the Home Setting: User-Centered Design Study. JMIR Aging. 2023 May 24;6:e41810. doi: 10.2196/41810.
PubMed 37223992Western MJ, Welsh T, Keen K, Bishop V, Perkin OJ. Exercise snacking to improve physical function in pre-frail older adult memory clinic patients: a 28-day pilot study. BMC Geriatr. 2023 Aug 4;23(1):471. doi: 10.1186/s12877-023-04169-6.
PubMed 37542234Brandt T, Schwandner CTL, Schmidt A. Resistance exercise snacks improve muscle mass in female university employees: a prospective, controlled, intervention pilot-study. Front Public Health. 2024 Feb 6;12:1347825. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1347825. eCollection 2024.
PubMed 38379679Stork MJ, Marcotte-Chenard A, Jung ME, Little JP. Exercise in the workplace: examining the receptivity of practical and time-efficient stair-climbing "exercise snacks". Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2024 Jan 1;49(1):30-40. doi: 10.1139/apnm-2023-0128. Epub 2023 Sep 25.
PubMed 37748202Yin M, Deng S, Chen Z, Zhang B, Zheng H, Bai M, Li H, Zhang X, Deng J, Liu Q, Little JP, Li Y. Exercise snacks are a time-efficient alternative to moderate-intensity continuous training for improving cardiorespiratory fitness but not maximal fat oxidation in inactive adults: a randomized controlled trial. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2024 Jul 1;49(7):920-932. doi: 10.1139/apnm-2023-0593. Epub 2024 Apr 3.
PubMed 38569204Yin M, Zheng H, Bai M, Huang G, Chen Z, Deng S, Lyu M, Deng J, Zhang B, Li H, Zhang X, Liu Q, Little JP, Li Y. Effects of Integrating Stair Climbing-Based Exercise Snacks Into the Campus on Feasibility, Perceived Efficacy, and Participation Perspectives in Inactive Young Adults: A Randomized Mixed-Methods Pilot Study. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2024 Dec;34(12):e14771. doi: 10.1111/sms.14771.
PubMed 39587826Bull FC, Al-Ansari SS, Biddle S, Borodulin K, Buman MP, Cardon G, Carty C, Chaput JP, Chastin S, Chou R, Dempsey PC, DiPietro L, Ekelund U, Firth J, Friedenreich CM, Garcia L, Gichu M, Jago R, Katzmarzyk PT, Lambert E, Leitzmann M, Milton K, Ortega FB, Ranasinghe C, Stamatakis E, Tiedemann A, Troiano RP, van der Ploeg HP, Wari V, Willumsen JF. World Health Organization 2020 guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Br J Sports Med. 2020 Dec;54(24):1451-1462. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2020-102955.
PubMed 33239350
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 20 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Exercise Snacks on Clinical and Health Outcomes in Sedentary Populations With Chronic Diseases
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07609290
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- CMMC11502-004
- Keywords
- Exercise Snacks, Physical activity, Sedentary behavior, Diabetes, Prediabetes, Cardiovascular metabolism
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 58 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Chimei Medical CenterUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 10 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 27 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.
Physical inactivity and prolonged sedentary behavior are major health concerns, especially for individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes and prediabetes. Many patients have difficulty following traditional exercise recommendations due to time constraints, limited physical capacity, comorbidities, or lack of access to exercise facilities. Therefore, new and more practical exercise strategies are needed.
"Exercise Snacks" is a novel physical activity approach that involves short bouts of exercise performed multiple times throughout the day. Each session is brief and easy to integrate into daily life, such as performing short periods of resistance exercises, brisk walking, stair climbing, or other simple activities. This approach may improve exercise adherence and provide health benefits without requiring long exercise sessions.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an Exercise Snacks intervention in sedentary adults with diabetes or prediabetes and to explore its potential effects on cardiovascular and metabolic health, physical function, and body composition.
In this study, sedentary adults aged 18-65 years with diabetes or prediabetes will participate in a 12-week study and will be randomly assigned to either an Exercise Snacks group or a control group. Participants in the Exercise Snacks group will perform short exercise sessions lasting approximately 3-5 minutes, including simple resistance exercises and short aerobic activities. These exercise sessions will be performed several times per day and integrated into daily routines. The control group will maintain their usual lifestyle without additional exercise intervention.
Participants may use wearable devices or mobile applications to receive reminders and record exercise activity. Assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention to evaluate physical activity adherence, physical function, body composition, blood pressure, blood glucose, and other cardiovascular and metabolic health indicators.
This study aims to determine whether short, frequent exercise sessions are a practical and effective alternative to traditional exercise recommendations for sedentary individuals with diabetes or prediabetes. The results of this study may help develop more feasible lifestyle intervention strategies to improve long-term exercise adherence and overall health in individuals with chronic diseases.
Detailed description
Physical inactivity and prolonged sedentary behavior are recognized as major risk factors for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Although current physical activity guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, many individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes or prediabetes are unable to meet these recommendations due to time constraints, low exercise tolerance, comorbidities, or lack of access to exercise facilities. Therefore, alternative exercise strategies that are feasible, flexible, and sustainable are needed for sedentary populations with chronic diseases.
Exercise Snacks is an emerging exercise concept that involves performing short bouts of physical activity multiple times throughout the day rather than completing a single continuous exercise session. These short sessions typically last from 1 to 5 minutes and may include resistance exercises, stair climbing, brisk walking, or other moderate-to-high intensity activities. Previous studies suggest that accumulating short bouts of exercise throughout the day may improve glycemic control, cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and exercise adherence. However, the feasibility and acceptability of Exercise Snacks in sedentary individuals with diabetes or prediabetes remain insufficiently studied in clinical settings.
The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an Exercise Snacks intervention among sedentary adults with diabetes or prediabetes. Secondary aims include evaluating the preliminary effects of the Exercise Snacks intervention on cardiovascular and metabolic health indicators, physical function, and body composition.
This study will recruit sedentary adults aged 18 to 65 years who have been diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the Exercise Snacks intervention group or the control group. The intervention period will last 12 weeks.
Participants in the Exercise Snacks group will perform short exercise sessions multiple times per day. Each exercise session will last approximately 3 to 5 minutes and will include simple resistance exercises (such as squats, split squats, resistance band exercises, and curl-ups) and short aerobic activities (such as brisk walking, stair climbing, running in place, or jumping jacks). Participants will be encouraged to perform at least 3 to 4 exercise sessions per day and integrate these activities into their daily routines. Exercise intensity and exercise type will be adjusted based on individual physical capacity and safety considerations.
Participants in the control group will maintain their usual lifestyle and will not receive the Exercise Snacks intervention during the study period.
Wearable devices or mobile applications may be used to provide exercise reminders, monitor exercise adherence, and record physical activity data. Assessments will be conducted before and after the 12-week intervention. Outcome measurements will include feasibility and acceptability questionnaires, physical function tests (such as the 6-Minute Walk Test and 3-Minute Step Test), body composition measurements (including body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, muscle mass, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio), and cardiovascular and metabolic indicators (including blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and HbA1c).
The results of this study will help determine whether Exercise Snacks is a feasible and practical lifestyle intervention strategy for sedentary individuals with diabetes or prediabetes. This study may provide preliminary evidence for integrating short-duration, high-frequency physical activity into clinical lifestyle management programs for chronic disease populations.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Snacks Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Exercise SnacksParticipants assigned to the Exercise Snacks group will perform short bouts of exercise multiple times throughout the day for 12 weeks. Each exercise session will last approximately 3-5 minutes and will include simple resistance exercises (such as squats, split squats, resistance band exercises, and curl-ups) and short aerobic activities (such as brisk walking, stair climbing, running in place, or jumping jacks). Participants will be encouraged to perform at least 3-4 exercise sessions per day and integrate these activities into their daily routine. Exercise intensity and duration will be adjusted according to individual physical capacity. Wearable devices or mobile applications may be used to provide reminders and record exercise adherence. |
| Control Group | No intervention | –Participants assigned to the control group will maintain their usual lifestyle and physical activity habits during the 12-week study period and will not receive the Exercise Snacks intervention. Outcome assessments will be conducted at baseline and at the end of the study period. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Age 18 to 65 years.
- Diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (HbA1c ≥ 6.5%) or prediabetes (HbA1c ≥ 5.7%).
- Engaging in less than 1 hour of physical activity per week in the past 3 months, assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).
- Sedentary behavior defined as sitting for ≥ 6 hours per day or walking fewer than 5,000 steps per day on average.
- Able to use a smartphone and operate related mobile applications.
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- History of heart disease, kidney disease, pregnancy, cancer, lower limb joint disease, or psychiatric disorders.
- Musculoskeletal or neurological disorders that limit independent physical activity or exercise.
- Acute or terminal illness that may affect participation in the study, such as ongoing cancer treatment, acute myocardial infarction, acute stroke, or receiving palliative care.
- Unstable or uncontrolled cardiovascular, metabolic, or respiratory diseases, such as unstable angina, uncontrolled hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥ 180 mmHg), heart failure, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or acute exacerbation of respiratory disease.
- Presence of metal implants in the body.
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 SnacksAlso: Intermittent Physical Activity, Short-bout Exercise, Physical Activity SnacksThe Exercise Snacks intervention consists of short bouts of physical activity performed multiple times throughout the day. Each exercise session lasts approximately 3 to 5 minutes and includes simple resistance exercises and short aerobic activities. Resistance exercises may include squats, split squats, resistance band exercises, and curl-ups, while aerobic activities may include brisk walking, stair climbing, running in place, or jumping jacks. Participants will be encouraged to perform at least 3 to 4 exercise sessions per day and integrate these short exercise sessions into their daily routines. Exercise intensity and exercise type will be adjusted according to individual physical capacity and safety considerations. The intervention will be conducted over a 12-week period. Wearable devices or mobile applications may be used to provide exercise reminders, monitor adherence, and record physical activity. | Behavioural | Exercise Snacks Group |
Primary outcome
Feasibility and acceptability of the Exercise Snacks intervention
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks
Feasibility and acceptability will be evaluated based on participant adherence, completion of the intervention, and participant-reported questionnaires assessing convenience, satisfaction, and willingness to continue the intervention. Additionally, adherence and satisfaction will be quantified using standardized indicators, with higher scores indicating better adherence and greater satisfaction and acceptability. The questionnaire will be assessed using a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree), e.g., assessed using the Exercise Adherence Rating Scale, EARS with items 2, 3, 4, and 6 being reverse-scored.
13 secondary outcomes
Change in physical function assessed by the 3-Minute Step Test
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in body weight (kg)
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in body mass index (BMI)
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in body fat percentage (%)
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in muscle mass (kg)
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in waist circumference (cm)
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in blood pressure (mmHg)
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in total cholesterol (CHOL)
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in triglycerides (TG)
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in fasting blood glucose (mg/dL)
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks
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 20 Jul 2026.
- Background: PubMed 24817675Francois ME, Baldi JC, Manning PJ, Lucas SJ, Hawley JA, Williams MJ, Cotter JD. 'Exercise snacks' before meals: a novel strategy to improve glycaemic control in individuals with insulin resistance. Diabetologia. 2014 Jul;57(7):1437-45. doi: 10.1007/s00125-014-3244-6. Epub 2014 May 10.
- Background: PubMed 30649897Jenkins EM, Nairn LN, Skelly LE, Little JP, Gibala MJ. Do stair climbing exercise "snacks" improve cardiorespiratory fitness? Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2019 Jun;44(6):681-684. doi: 10.1139/apnm-2018-0675. Epub 2019 Jan 16.
- Background: PubMed 34669625Islam H, Gibala MJ, Little JP. Exercise Snacks: A Novel Strategy to Improve Cardiometabolic Health. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2022 Jan 1;50(1):31-37. doi: 10.1249/JES.0000000000000275.
- Background: PubMed 34782996Tyldesley-Marshall N, Greenfield SM, Parretti HM, Gokal K, Greaves C, Jolly K, Maddison R, Daley AJ; Snacktivity Study Team. Snacktivity to Promote Physical Activity: a Qualitative Study. Int J Behav Med. 2022 Oct;29(5):553-564. doi: 10.1007/s12529-021-10040-y. Epub 2021 Nov 15.
- Background: PubMed 36648746Jansons P, Fyfe JJ, Dalla Via J, Daly RM, Scott D. Barriers and enablers associated with participation in a home-based pragmatic exercise snacking program in older adults delivered and monitored by Amazon Alexa: a qualitative study. Aging Clin Exp Res. 2023 Mar;35(3):561-569. doi: 10.1007/s40520-022-02327-1. Epub 2023 Jan 17.
- Background: PubMed 37732418Jenkins DG, Devin JL, Weston KL, Jenkins JG, Skinner TL. Benefits beyond cardiometabolic health: the potential of frequent high intensity 'exercise snacks' to improve outcomes for those living with and beyond cancer. J Physiol. 2023 Nov;601(21):4691-4697. doi: 10.1113/JP284985. Epub 2023 Sep 21.
- Background: PubMed 31687210Perkin OJ, McGuigan PM, Stokes KA. Exercise Snacking to Improve Muscle Function in Healthy Older Adults: A Pilot Study. J Aging Res. 2019 Oct 3;2019:7516939. doi: 10.1155/2019/7516939. eCollection 2019.
- Background: PubMed 35751032Fyfe JJ, Dalla Via J, Jansons P, Scott D, Daly RM. Feasibility and acceptability of a remotely delivered, home-based, pragmatic resistance 'exercise snacking' intervention in community-dwelling older adults: a pilot randomised controlled trial. BMC Geriatr. 2022 Jun 25;22(1):521. doi: 10.1186/s12877-022-03207-z.
- Background: PubMed 37223992Stawarz K, Liang IJ, Alexander L, Carlin A, Wijekoon A, Western MJ. Exploring the Potential of Technology to Promote Exercise Snacking for Older Adults Who Are Prefrail in the Home Setting: User-Centered Design Study. JMIR Aging. 2023 May 24;6:e41810. doi: 10.2196/41810.
- Background: PubMed 37542234Western MJ, Welsh T, Keen K, Bishop V, Perkin OJ. Exercise snacking to improve physical function in pre-frail older adult memory clinic patients: a 28-day pilot study. BMC Geriatr. 2023 Aug 4;23(1):471. doi: 10.1186/s12877-023-04169-6.
- Background: PubMed 38379679Brandt T, Schwandner CTL, Schmidt A. Resistance exercise snacks improve muscle mass in female university employees: a prospective, controlled, intervention pilot-study. Front Public Health. 2024 Feb 6;12:1347825. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1347825. eCollection 2024.
- Background: PubMed 37748202Stork MJ, Marcotte-Chenard A, Jung ME, Little JP. Exercise in the workplace: examining the receptivity of practical and time-efficient stair-climbing "exercise snacks". Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2024 Jan 1;49(1):30-40. doi: 10.1139/apnm-2023-0128. Epub 2023 Sep 25.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be publicly available due to participant privacy and confidentiality considerations. However, de-identified data may be available from the study investigators upon reasonable request and subject to institutional approval.
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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 Exercise Snacks in people with Prediabetes / Type 2 Diabetes and Sedentary Behaviors, run by Chimei Medical Center at 1 site in Taiwan.
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 6 inclusion and 7 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 20 Jul 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 Taiwan. 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?
Feasibility and acceptability of the Exercise Snacks intervention (time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks). 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 NCT07609290, which also lists 17 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 20 Jul 2026.