Exploring how mood-based videos can boost exercise motivation

Motivation for Exercise: a Mood-Based Focus

NA · Boston University Charles River Campus · NCT06706180

This study tests if watching videos about exercising for mood or fitness can help people feel more motivated to stick with their exercise routine.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment82 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorBoston University Charles River Campus (other)
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT06706180 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the impact of two different types of exercise-related videos on motivation and adherence to exercise. Participants will be randomly assigned to watch either a video focused on exercise for mood or one focused on exercise for fitness. They will complete questionnaires and a physical activity recall before and after watching the video to assess changes in their motivation levels. The study aims to determine which video approach is more effective in encouraging regular exercise among participants.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Boston University students aged 18 and older who experience moderate to high levels of perceived stress.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 or those with conditions that prohibit exercise adoption will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance strategies for increasing exercise motivation, leading to improved physical and mental health outcomes for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown that mood-based interventions can positively influence exercise motivation, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* At least 18 years of age
* Current PS101 student at Boston University
* A score of 14 or higher on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)
* Able to read English to provide informed consent
* Familiarity with a computer keyboard and mouse or a touch screen device
* Access to Zoom video conferencing software

Exclusion Criteria:

* Under age 18
* Known conditions prohibiting exercise adoption as identified by risk scores on the PAR-Q (a score of "yes" on one or more items)
* Presence of anorexia nervosa or atypical anorexia nervosa, or recent (6 month) suicidal ideation
* Score of 13 or lower on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Exercise Motivation, Exercise motivation, Exercise for mood

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.