Intervention Program Among University Student to Promote Physical Activity and Reduce the Sedentary Time

Effects of an Intervention Among University Student to Promote Physical Activity and Reduce the Sedentary Time During COVID-19 Pandemic

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, university students have faced many challenges and without any preparation. Studies conducted during the first lockdown show an increase in unhealthy lifestyles.

This study will be proposed to students from University of Nimes an 8-week physical activity program. Two groups will be constituted: the first will benefit from of innovative physical activity program on the base of the co-construction with users (Experimental Group), another that will not benefit from any intervention (Control Group). Investigators plan to include approximately 90 university students, 45 in each group.

The main goal of the study is to propose innovative program to promote PA (Physical Activity) and reduce ST (Sedentary Time) of young adults aged over 18 from university of Nîmes. The levels of PA and ST of the experimental group will be compared to a control group with the realization of pre and post intervention measures.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Physical Activity; Sedentary Behavior; Young Adults; Student
• Intervention / Treatment: Behavioral: University-based intervention to promote PA and reduce ST

Detailed Description

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a global pandemic. In France, all universities have been closed on 16th March 2020. In September 2020, face-to-face teaching restarted in French universities, but with new constraints (e.g., reducing number of students in classrooms, wearing masks) and significant changes in teachings (e.g., distance and/or hybrid education). In October 2020, several French universities closed down again due to significant contamination among students. Finally, on 30th October 2020, the French government imposed a second lockdown and all universities have been closed. It is only in February 2021 that face-to-face teaching started again in French universities (within the limit of 50% of the universities' capacity and 20% of the teachings). Since the beginning of the pandemic, university students have faced many challenges and without any preparation.

Even before the pandemic, university students were identified as a population with unhealthy lifestyles and habits, notably reflected in high levels of sedentary behavior, low levels of physical activity and unhealthy diet. Studies conducted during the first lockdown have shown an increase in unhealthy lifestyles;

The deleterious effects of the pandemic on students' health are now evident. However, some areas of research are still under-explored.

1. The majority of research is largely descriptive and do not identify the factors involved in the deterioration of health
2. To date, no interventional studies have been conducted to prevent the deterioration of students' health.

Investigators expect a 9-week intervention. During the first week, a workshop of the co-construction with the users will be realized in order to remove the barriers to the practice of a physical activity. The aim of co-construction with users is to obtain better adherence to program, based on needs and not decided from above. Then, a group information session focusing on the promotion of active behaviors will be organize, and physical activities (moderate to vigorous) will be proposed for 8 weeks, twice a week.

The main goal of the study is to propose innovative program to promote PA (Physical Activity) and reduce ST (Sedentary Time) of young adults aged over 18 from university of Nîmes. The levels of PA and ST of the experimental group will be compared to a control group with the realization of pre and post intervention measures.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 110
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• France
  • Nîmes Cedex 1, France, 30021
    • Université de Nîmes

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 18 years and older (Adult, Older Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No
• Genders Eligible for Study: All

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Students at the University of Nimes

Exclusion Criteria:

• Physical diseases that prevent PA practice
• Depending on the evolution of sanitary conditions and governmental instructions in relation to COVID-19, the absence of a negative PCR test or vaccination may be a criterion for exclusion
• not to be a student of the University of Nîmes
• not signing the consent form to participate in the study

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Prevention
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: University-based 8-weeks intervention to promote Physical Activity (PA); Experimental group: 8-weeks program of Physical Activity constructed by users during a design-based innovative workshops before the beginning of the interventions .	Behavioral: University-based intervention to promote PA and reduce ST; This intervention was realized with all college student and involved: Design-based innovative workshops during the first week;; 8-weeks program of Physical Activity constructed by users; Information session focusing on the promotion of active behaviors; Feedback provided to the users with an individualized report
No Intervention: Control Group; Control group: No intervention, only two measurement times

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Change in level of physical activity (PA)	Physical activity, is measured with tri-axis accelerometers of the brand Actigraph model GT3X (Actilife, Pensacola, FL, USA). Data is collected every 10 seconds during 5 consecutive whole days. It is the most feasible and precise method for the purpose.	Baseline and post-intervention (8-week)
Sedentary Time (ST)	Sedentary Time (ST), is measured with tri-axis accelerometers of the brand Actigraph model GT3X (Actilife, Pensacola, FL, USA). Data is collected every 10 seconds during 5 consecutive whole days. It is the most feasible and precise method for the purpose.	Baseline and post-intervention (8-week)

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Change in body fat	Body fat composition will be assessed trought a Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis method using a Tanita 780 MA-S Body Composition Analyser/Scale. Body fat is expressed as body fat mass (kg) and body fat percentage (%).	Baseline and post-intervention (8-week)
Change in body muscle	Body muscle composition will be assessed trought a Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis method using a Tanita 780 MA-S Body Composition Analyser/Scale. Body muscle is expressed as body muscle mass (kg) and body muscle percentage (%).	Baseline and post-intervention (8-week)
Change in body water	Body water composition will be assessed trought a Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis method using a Tanita 780 MA-S Body Composition Analyser/Scale. Body water is expressed as body water mass (kg) and body water percentage (%).	Baseline and post-intervention (8-week)
Change in visceral fat rating	Visceral fat rating will be assessed trought a Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis method using a Tanita 780 MA-S Body Composition Analyser/Scale. Visceral fat rating is expressed on a scale from 1 to 60. A score between 1 and 12 is considering as healthy and a score between 12 to 60 is considering as excessive.	Baseline and post-intervention (8-week)
Body Mass Index (BMI)	Height and weight will be measured by study staff at the baseline visit using a stadiometer (collecting height measures twice and reporting the average) and a calibrated scale TANITA 780 MA-S (light clothing, street shoes removed). BMI will be calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in squared centimeters. Weight will be re-measured at 8 week.	Baseline and post-intervention (8-week)
Changes in Physical Fitness : cardiovascular fitness	Participants complete a YMCA 3-minute step test for cardiovascular fitness (assessment of resting heart rate and recovery heart rate)	Baseline and post-intervention (8-week)
Changes in Physical Fitness: flexibility	Participants complete a sit-and-reach test for flexibility	Baseline and post-intervention (8-week)
Changes in Physical Fitness: strength upper limb.	Participants complete a grip strength test for strength of upper limb. Hand-grip strength measurement is made with a hydraulic hand-grip dynamometer. Hand-grip strength measurement is performed for the dominant hand when the elbow is close to the body, 90 degrees of flexion, and the wrist is in a neutral position. The measurement is repeated 3 times and the maximum value is recorded in kg. The dominant hand is determined by asking the participants with which hand they write.	Baseline and post-intervention (8-week)
Changes in Physical Fitness: strength lower limb.	Participants complete a muscular lower limb strength test measured with the dynamometric chair LegControl V2.	Baseline and post-intervention (8-week)
Quality of sleep, defined by number and duration of awakenings, and longest sustained sleep period for the study interval.	These data were measured by the Actigraph model GT3X (Actilife, Pensacola, FL, USA)and summarized as percentage of time spent sleeping, or sleep efficiency. Data is collected every 10 seconds during 5 consecutive whole days.	Baseline and post-intervention (8-week)

Other Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Changes in Physical Activity as measured by the International Physical Activity - Short Form (IPAQ-SF)	Subjective physical activity and sitting time over the last 7 days are measured. Measurements are made before and after the intervention, using an online questionnaire (made on qualtrics secure software).	Baseline and post-intervention (8-week)
Changes in motivation	Motivation is assessed with he motivation scale towards health-oriented physical activity in french. Measurements are made before and after the intervention, using an online questionnaire (made on qualtrics secure software).	Baseline and post-intervention (8-week)
Changes in sleep quality (PSQI)	Assessment of sleep quality is measured with the French adaptation of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). It is a simple tool which assess the sleep quality over one month period. It included seven components with a global PSQI score > 5 is indicative of poor sleep quality Measurements are made before and after the intervention, using an online questionnaire (made on qualtrics secure software).	Baseline and post-intervention (8-week)
Changes in body image (BAS-2)	Assessment of body image measured with the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2). The scale comprises 10 items rated on a 5-point scale, ranging from 1 (Never) to 5 (Always), with higher total scoring indicating more positive body appreciation. Measurements are made before and after the intervention, using an online questionnaire (made on qualtrics secure software).	Baseline and post-intervention (8-week)
Changes in eating behaviors (EAT-26)	Assessment of eating behaviour measured with the eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26). The EAT-26 is a self-administered questionnaire that reveals abnormal eating behaviors. It consists of 26 items with six components scored from 0 to 3 (Zero: "Never," "Rarely," and "Sometimes"; 1: "Often"; 2: "Very often"; and 3: "Always"). The total score range from 0 to 78, and a score ≥ 20 is considered to represent abnormal eating attitudes or behaviors Measurements are made before and after the intervention, using an online questionnaire (made on qualtrics secure software).	Baseline and post-intervention (8-week)
Changes in Anxiety and depressive symptoms (HADS)	Assessment of anxiety and depressive symptoms measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). These symptoms are assessed using a French version of the HADS. This 14-item self-report questionnaire assesses anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms (7 items for each dimension) with labels varying from one item to the next. Scores range from 0 to 21 for each dimension, with higher scores reflecting higher levels of anxiety or depressive symptoms. Measurements are made before and after the intervention, using an online questionnaire (made on qualtrics secure software).	Baseline and post-intervention (8-week)
Changes in social support (SPS-10)	Assessment of social support measured with the french validation of the Social Provisions Scale-10 item The 10 items are rated on a 4-point Likert scale ranging from 1 ("strongly disagree") to 4 ("Strongly in agreement"). This self-report scale capturing five dimensions of social support (two items per dimension of support): emotional support or attachment (e.g., "I feel a strong emotional bond with at least one other person"), social integration (e.g., "there are people who enjoy the same social activities I do"), reassurance of worth (e.g., "there are people who admire my talents and skills"), tangible help (e.g., "there are people I can count on to help me when I really need it"), and orientation (e.g., "there is someone with whom I can discuss important decisions about my life"). Measurements are made before and after the intervention, using an online questionnaire (made on qualtrics secure software).	Baseline and post-intervention (8-week)
Changes in well-being	Assessment of well-being is evaluated with the French validation of the psychological Well-Being Scale. The 18 items are rated on a 6-point Likert scale ranging from 1 ("Disagreement") to 6 ("Agreement"). This self-report scale capturing six components of weel-being (three items per components): autonomy, control of the environment, personal development, positive relationships, giving meaning to life and self-acceptance. Measurements are made before and after the intervention, using an online questionnaire (made on qualtrics secure software).	Baseline and post-intervention (8-week)
Changes in perceived fatigue (MFI-20)	Assessment of perceived fatigue is evaluated with the French validation of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20) A self-report instrument of five dimensions of fatigue. General fatigue, physical fatigue, mental fatigue, reduced activity and reduced motivation. Measurements are made before and after the intervention, using an online questionnaire (made on qualtrics secure software).	Baseline and post-intervention (8-week)
Changes in perceived control (PSMS)	Assessment of well-being is evaluated with the French validation of the the Pearlin Self-Mastery Scale Perceived control with scores range up to 28, higher scores = higher mastery Measurements are made before and after the intervention, using an online questionnaire (made on qualtrics secure software).	Baseline and post-intervention (8-week)
Situational factors	Investigators considered six situational factors: the extent to which participants felt that lockdown was compromising their future job prospects (scale ranging from 0 to 100); the extent to which university studies were essential to participants (scale ranging from 0 to 100); the presence or absence of COVID symptoms (dichotomous answer: Yes or No); the presence or absence of COVID symptoms in their relatives (dichotomous answer: Yes or No); participants' level of concern about their health owing to the COVID-19 crisis (scale ranging from 0 to 100); participants' level of concern about their relatives' health owing to the COVID-19 crisis (scale ranging from 0 to 100). Measurements are made before and after the intervention, using an online questionnaire (made on qualtrics secure software).	Baseline and post-intervention (8-week)
Socio-demographic factors	Investigators considered four socio-demographic factors: Age; Gender; Level of education; Field of study Measurements are made before and after the intervention, using an online questionnaire (made on qualtrics secure software).	Baseline

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: University of Nimes
• Investigators: Study Director: ELODIE CHARBONNIER, PhD, UNIVERSITE DE NIMES - UPR APSY-v

Publications and helpful links

General Publications

• Lee PH, Macfarlane DJ, Lam TH, Stewart SM. Validity of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF): a systematic review. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2011 Oct 21;8:115. doi: 10.1186/1479-5868-8-115.
• Lepine JP, Godchau M, Brun P. Anxiety and depression in inpatients. Lancet. 1985 Dec 21-28;2(8469-70):1425-6. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(85)92589-9. No abstract available.
• Smets EM, Garssen B, Bonke B, De Haes JC. The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) psychometric qualities of an instrument to assess fatigue. J Psychosom Res. 1995 Apr;39(3):315-25. doi: 10.1016/0022-3999(94)00125-o.
• Charbonnier E, Tremoliere B, Baussard L, Goncalves A, Lespiau F, Philippe AG, Le Vigouroux S. Effects of an online self-help intervention on university students' mental health during COVID-19: A non-randomized controlled pilot study. Comput Hum Behav Rep. 2022 Mar;5:100175. doi: 10.1016/j.chbr.2022.100175. Epub 2022 Feb 10.
• Charbonnier, E., Le Vigouroux, S., & Goncalves, A. (2021). Etudiants en temps de confinement et au-delà. La Presse Médicale Formation. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lpmfor.2021.06.011
• Ait-Aoudia M, Levy PP, Bui E, Insana S, de Fouchier C, Germain A, Jehel L. Validation of the French version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Addendum for posttraumatic stress disorder. Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2013 Sep 12;4. doi: 10.3402/ejpt.v4i0.19298. eCollection 2013.
• Boiche J, Gourlan M, Trouilloud D, Sarrazin P. Development and validation of the 'Echelle de Motivation envers l'Activite Physique en contexte de Sante': A motivation scale towards health-oriented physical activity in French. J Health Psychol. 2019 Mar;24(3):386-396. doi: 10.1177/1359105316676626. Epub 2016 Nov 21.
• Castro O, Bennie J, Vergeer I, Bosselut G, Biddle SJH. Correlates of sedentary behaviour in university students: A systematic review. Prev Med. 2018 Nov;116:194-202. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2018.09.016. Epub 2018 Sep 25.
• Castro O, Bennie J, Vergeer I, Bosselut G, Biddle SJH. How Sedentary Are University Students? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Prev Sci. 2020 Apr;21(3):332-343. doi: 10.1007/s11121-020-01093-8.
• Deliens T, Van Crombruggen R, Verbruggen S, De Bourdeaudhuij I, Deforche B, Clarys P. Dietary interventions among university students: A systematic review. Appetite. 2016 Oct 1;105:14-26. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2016.05.003. Epub 2016 May 13.
• Galle F, Sabella EA, Ferracuti S, De Giglio O, Caggiano G, Protano C, Valeriani F, Parisi EA, Valerio G, Liguori G, Montagna MT, Romano Spica V, Da Molin G, Orsi GB, Napoli C. Sedentary Behaviors and Physical Activity of Italian Undergraduate Students during Lockdown at the Time of CoViD-19 Pandemic. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Aug 25;17(17):6171. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17176171.
• Huckins JF, daSilva AW, Wang W, Hedlund E, Rogers C, Nepal SK, Wu J, Obuchi M, Murphy EI, Meyer ML, Wagner DD, Holtzheimer PE, Campbell AT. Mental Health and Behavior of College Students During the Early Phases of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Longitudinal Smartphone and Ecological Momentary Assessment Study. J Med Internet Res. 2020 Jun 17;22(6):e20185. doi: 10.2196/20185.
• Kertechian S, Swami V. An examination of the factor structure and sex invariance of a French translation of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 in university students. Body Image. 2017 Jun;21:26-29. doi: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2017.02.005. Epub 2017 Mar 6.
• Rodriguez-Larrad A, Manas A, Labayen I, Gonzalez-Gross M, Espin A, Aznar S, Serrano-Sanchez JA, Vera-Garcia FJ, Gonzalez-Lamuno D, Ara I, Carrasco-Paez L, Castro-Pinero J, Gomez-Cabrera MC, Marquez S, Tur JA, Gusi N, Benito PJ, Moliner-Urdiales D, Ruiz JR, Ortega FB, Jimenez-Pavon D, Casajus JA, Irazusta J. Impact of COVID-19 Confinement on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour in Spanish University Students: Role of Gender. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Jan 6;18(2):369. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18020369.
• Caron J. [A validation of the Social Provisions Scale: the SPS-10 items]. Sante Ment Que. 2013 Spring;38(1):297-318. doi: 10.7202/1019198ar. French.
• Le Vigouroux S, Goncalves A, Charbonnier E. The Psychological Vulnerability of French University Students to the COVID-19 Confinement. Health Educ Behav. 2021 Apr;48(2):123-131. doi: 10.1177/1090198120987128. Epub 2021 Jan 20.
• Goncalves A, Bernal C, Korchi K, Nogrette M, Deshayes M, Philippe AG, Gisclard B, Charbonnier E. Promoting Physical Activity Among University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc. 2022 Jun 13;11(6):e36429. doi: 10.2196/36429.

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): September 6, 2021
• Primary Completion (Actual): December 17, 2021
• Study Completion (Actual): December 17, 2021

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: July 22, 2021
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: August 18, 2021
• First Posted (Actual): August 24, 2021

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): June 29, 2022
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: June 24, 2022
• Last Verified: June 1, 2022

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Physical Activity; Sedentary Behavior; student
• Other Study ID Numbers: UNimes.2

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: No

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No