See if short bursts of activity every day improve fitness and health in inactive young adults

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized study compares a 12-week exercise snacking program to usual activity in adults aged 18–60 who are insufficiently active. Participants will perform brief bouts of moderate-to-vigorous activity spread across the day, with assessments at baseline, after 12 weeks, and again after a 12-week follow-up to see if benefits persist. Outcomes include objectively measured physical activity, aerobic fitness, cardiometabolic health, and psychological well-being, along with motivation and affective responses to activity. The intervention is designed to overcome common barriers to traditional exercise by integrating short bouts into daily routines.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18-60 years.
* Body mass index (BMI) ≥18.5 kg/m².
* Insufficiently physically active, defined as generally not meeting current physical activity guidelines for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
* Able to safely participate in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity as determined by study screening procedures, including completion of the Physical - Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q+) and health history review.
* Willing and able to provide written informed consent.
* Willing to complete all study visits, wear activity monitors, and comply with study procedures.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, neurological, orthopedic, or other medical conditions that would make participation in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity unsafe.
* Resting heart rate \>100 beats/minute at screening.
* Resting blood pressure \>160/100 mmHg at screening.
* Clinically significant electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities identified during screening that require medical evaluation.
* Current participation in regular structured physical activity that meets or exceeds recommended physical activity guidelines.
* Physical limitations or injuries that preclude safe participation in the intervention or fitness testing.
* Moderate-to-severe psychological distress or other mental health concerns identified during screening that require referral or would make study participation inappropriate.
* Pregnancy or any other condition judged by the investigators to make participation unsafe or interfere with completion of study procedures.

Where it's running

• University of Wisconsin-River Falls
  River Falls, Wisconsin, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Gregory Ruegsegger, PhD — University of Wisconsin, River Falls
• Study coordinator: Gregory Ruegsegger, PhD
• Email: gregory.ruegsegger@uwrf.edu
• Phone: 715-425-4945

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.