NCT06795061

Fitness Buddy Program to Boost Physical Activity in University Students

A Fitness Buddy Program to Boost University Students' Physical Activity Levels

• Status: Active Not Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 200 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Jinan University Guangzhou · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 25 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This study explores whether a peer-supported "fitness buddy" program can help first-year university students increase physical activity levels and improve mental well-being. Over 12 weeks, participants will form small exercise groups, choose enjoyable activities (such as jogging, cycling, or yoga), and support each other through shared goals and regular check-ins. A professional coach will offer weekly guidance on exercise safety, injury prevention, and motivation strategies, but the actual workouts will be conducted by the students. The investigators aim to determine if this peer-based approach helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, while boosting self-esteem and social connectedness. Students in a control group will receive usual campus resources without structured group support. By comparing outcomes at the start, after the 12-week program, and again at follow-up, the study will assess whether peer-led, knowledge-supported exercise can sustainably enhance both physical and mental health during the critical transition into university life.

Detailed description

This longitudinal, parallel-group study focuses on first-year undergraduates (ages 18-25) who are not currently engaged in structured exercise programs. Participants meeting inclusion criteria will be assigned to either a peer-supported exercise group (with weekly professional guidance) or a control group (usual campus resources, no structured group sessions). The peer-support model encourages accountability, shared goal-setting, and regular communication via group messaging tools. Data collection will include physical activity levels (e.g., International Physical Activity Questionnaire), mental health outcomes (GAD-7, PHQ-9), perceived stress (PSS), self-esteem (RSES), loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale), and social connectedness (SCS). Assessments occur at baseline, 12 weeks (post-intervention), and at a short-term follow-up (Week 16) to evaluate both immediate and sustained effects. All participants will receive instructions on safe exercise practices. Potential risks, such as minor injuries or discomfort discussing mental health, will be minimized through clear guidance, optional campus support resources, and respect for privacy. The findings may help universities develop targeted programs that combine knowledge-based coaching with peer support to enhance students' physical and psychosocial well-being.

Conditions

• Physical Inactivity
• Psychological Stress
• Mental Well-being

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Peer-Supported Exercise with Professional Guidance	Participants will engage in small, peer-supported exercise groups (4-6 individuals) to coordinate weekly sessions (e.g., running, cycling, yoga). A professional coach provides knowledge-based guidance remotely, focusing on safe exercise techniques, injury prevention, basic nutrition, and motivation strategies, but does not conduct in-person training sessions. The aim is to improve adherence to physical activity and enhance mental well-being through peer accountability and evidence-informed coaching.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-01-20
• Primary completion: 2025-04-20
• Completion: 2025-05-20
• First posted: 2025-01-27
• Last updated: 2025-01-29

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Hong Kong