Peer support program to encourage exercise among undergraduate women
The SHINE (Supporting Her In Navigating Exercise) Program: A Pilot Study Examining Peer Support as an Exercise Promotion Tool Among Undergraduate Women Initiates
This study tests if a six-week exercise program with peer support can help inactive college women get motivated to work out more often.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Lakehead University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Thunder Bay, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT06823336 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot trial investigates the effectiveness of a six-week physical activity program designed for inactive undergraduate women, comparing the impact of peer mentoring on exercise motivation and engagement. Participants will engage in exercise three times a week at the campus gym, with some receiving support from trained peer mentors. The study aims to quantify the effects of social support on psychological constructs related to exercise and to explore participants' experiences through qualitative feedback. The research will assess both psychological distress and exercise behavior throughout the program.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are full-time undergraduate women at Lakehead University who currently engage in little to no exercise and wish to become more active.
Not a fit: Patients who are not enrolled as full-time undergraduate students, identify as men, or meet national physical activity guidelines will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly enhance exercise motivation and engagement among inactive undergraduate women, leading to improved physical and mental health.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown that peer support can effectively promote physical activity, suggesting this approach may yield positive results.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Identify as a woman * Full-time undergraduate student at Lakehead University * Classified as an exercise initiate (e.g., report one or fewer bouts of exercise per week) * Reported an absence of health risks that would interfere with exercise engagement as determined by the Get Active Questionnaire * Able to commute to Lakehead's campus * Want to become more active * Have access to online technology (e.g., email, zoom) * Can speak, read, and write in English fluently Exclusion Criteria: * Identify as a man * Not enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at Lakehead University * Report the presence of health risks that would interfere with exercise engagement * Meet the national physical activity guidelines (e.g., 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week) * Unable to commute to campus * Lack of access to technology * Not fluent in English
Where this trial is running
Thunder Bay, Ontario
- Lakehead University — Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Erin S Pearson, PhD — Lakehead University
- Study coordinator: Madeline MSc Student
- Email: mmfabian@lakeheadu.ca
- Phone: 807-632-7022
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.