Increasing physical activity or reducing smartphone use to improve mental health in young people
The Effect of Increasing Physical Activity or Reducing Mobile Phone Use on Mental Health in Young People in Austria: a Randomised Controlled Trial
This study tests whether getting young people to be more active or use their smartphones less can help improve their mental health.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 144 (estimated) |
| Ages | 14 Years to 19 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Danube University Krems Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Krems, Lower Austria) |
| Trial ID | NCT06153524 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This intervention focuses on adolescents aged 14-19 in Austria and Germany, aiming to improve mental health by promoting physical activity or reducing smartphone use. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: a physical activity group, a smartphone use reduction group, or a control group. Over 12 weeks, the intervention groups will receive guidance to meet their respective goals, while all groups will track their activity and smartphone use. Mental health outcomes will be assessed at multiple time points to evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 14-19 who use their smartphones for more than 4 hours a day and engage in insufficient physical activity.
Not a fit: Patients with current medical care, physical constraints affecting movement, or specific mental health diagnoses may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to significant improvements in mental health and well-being among adolescents.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results in improving mental health through physical activity and reducing screen time, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * aged 14-19 * own a smartphone * use their phones more than 4 hours per days * do less than 60 minutes of vigorous sport on 3 days per week and/or less than 60 minutes of moderate activity on 5 days per week. * conduct work/school in German * hair at least 1cm long Exclusion Criteria: * should not be in current medical care or have physical constraints which affect movement. * should not have a diagnosis of schizophrenia/psychotic disorder, substance use disorder, symptoms of an eating disorder (≥2 positive answers on SCOFF questionnaire). * should not have dyed hair. Participants will complete an online screening questionnaire to assess eligibility for inclusion.
Where this trial is running
Krems, Lower Austria
- University for Continuing Education Krems — Krems, Lower Austria, Austria (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Rachel Dale, PhD — University for Continuing Education Krems
- Study coordinator: Rachel Dale, PhD
- Email: rachel.dale@donau-uni.ac.at
- Phone: +4327328932531
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.