Psychological Impacts of Exercise Snacks Versus Traditional Exercise: A Comparative Study (ES)
This study investigates the comparative psychological impacts of a high-frequency "Exercise Snacks" (ESG) protocol versus a traditional continuous exercise (TEG) regimen on healthy young adults. Utilizing a randomized controlled trial design over a 4-week longitudinal period, 180 participants were allocated into two groups of 90, with a standby recruitment protocol employed to ensure sample size stability.
The intervention was standardized to equate total weekly exercise volume at 90 minutes. The TEG cohort performed 30-minute continuous cycling sessions three times per week, whereas the ESG cohort executed 15-minute distributed cycling sessions six times per week. To ensure physiological homogeneity and precision in workload prescription, individual baseline maximal aerobic capacity was assessed via incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Based on these individual thresholds, exercise intensity for both cohorts was rigorously maintained at 40% of their respective maximal aerobic capacity throughout the intervention.
Psychometric outcomes were evaluated within 24 hours of the intervention's conclusion, focusing on three dimensions: Perceived Stress, Decision Fatigue and Cognitive Load, and Physical Activity Enjoyment. By applying Lazarus and Folkman's Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, Sweller's Cognitive Load Theory, and Self-Determination Theory, this research examines how fragmented exercise protocols interact with daily workflow and self-regulatory resources. The findings provide critical insights into the real-world viability, behavioral resistance, and psychological divergence associated with high-frequency, fragmented exercise routines compared to conventional models.
Panoramica dello studio
Stato
Intervento / Trattamento
Tipo di studio
Iscrizione (Effettivo)
Fase
- Non applicabile
Contatti e Sedi
Luoghi di studio
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Hubei
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Wuhan, Hubei, Cina, 430074
- Wuhan Technical University
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Criteri di partecipazione
Criteri di ammissibilità
Età idonea allo studio
- Adulto
Accetta volontari sani
Descrizione
Inclusion Criteria:
- Healthy young adults (aged 18-30).
- Body composition within the healthy range (12%-25% for males; 18%-33% for females).
- Able and willing to provide informed consent and adhere to the 4-week exercise protocol.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Pre-existing cardiovascular, metabolic, or chronic respiratory conditions.
- History of musculoskeletal injuries that prevent safe participation in cycling.
- Current engagement in regular, structured exercise exceeding 60 minutes per week.
- Use of medications or substances known to significantly influence heart rate, cognitive performance, or stress responses.
Piano di studio
Come è strutturato lo studio?
Dettagli di progettazione
- Scopo principale: Scienza basilare
- Assegnazione: Randomizzato
- Modello interventistico: Assegnazione parallela
- Mascheramento: Nessuno (etichetta aperta)
Armi e interventi
Gruppo di partecipanti / Arm |
Intervento / Trattamento |
|---|---|
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Sperimentale: Exercise Snacks Group (ESG)
Participants in this group perform high-frequency, fragmented exercise sessions.
The protocol consists of six 15-minute cycling sessions per week, totaling 90 minutes of moderate-intensity activity.
The exercise intensity is strictly regulated at 40% of the individual's maximal aerobic capacity, monitored via electronically braked cycle ergometers.
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Participants perform high-frequency, fragmented exercise consisting of six 15-minute cycling sessions per week, totaling 90 minutes of weekly activity.
The exercise intensity is strictly prescribed and maintained at 40% of the individual's maximal aerobic capacity, as determined by preliminary cardiopulmonary testing.
All sessions are conducted on digitized, electronically braked stationary ergometers to ensure precise, real-time monitoring of power output and strict adherence to the prescribed workload.
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Comparatore attivo: Traditional Exercise Group (TEG)
Participants in this group follow a structured, continuous exercise protocol.
The intervention involves three 30-minute sessions of continuous cycling per week, totaling 90 minutes of moderate-intensity activity.
Consistent with the ESG cohort, exercise intensity is maintained at 40% of the individual's maximal aerobic capacity to ensure physiological equivalence between groups.
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Participants perform structured, continuous exercise consisting of three 30-minute cycling sessions per week, totaling 90 minutes of weekly activity.
To ensure physiological equivalence, the exercise intensity is also strictly maintained at 40% of the individual's maximal aerobic capacity.
Participants utilize the same digitized, electronically braked stationary ergometers as the ESG group to ensure consistent monitoring of exercise duration and intensity throughout the 4-week intervention period.
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Cosa sta misurando lo studio?
Misure di risultato primarie
Misura del risultato |
Misura Descrizione |
Lasso di tempo |
|---|---|---|
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Decision Fatigue and Cognitive Load (DFCL)
Lasso di tempo: Within 24 hours post-intervention.
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This outcome assesses the depletion of self-regulatory resources and the cognitive strain resulting from executive function demands.
It utilizes a validated psychometric instrument to evaluate task-switching costs and perceived mental exertion following daily activities.
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Within 24 hours post-intervention.
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Perceived Stress (PS)
Lasso di tempo: Within 24 hours post-intervention.
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This outcome measures the subjective psychological distress experienced by participants.
It evaluates the extent to which participants perceive situations in their lives as uncontrollable, unpredictable, and overloaded, as assessed by the standardized Perceived Stress Scale (PSS).
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Within 24 hours post-intervention.
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Physical Activity Enjoyment (PAE)
Lasso di tempo: Within 24 hours post-intervention.
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This outcome evaluates the participant's affective response to the assigned exercise modality.
It captures factors such as acute enjoyment, perceived satisfaction, and the psychological impact of logistical friction associated with the specific exercise protocol (ESG vs. TEG).
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Within 24 hours post-intervention.
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Collaboratori e investigatori
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Maggiori informazioni
Termini relativi a questo studio
Termini MeSH pertinenti aggiuntivi
Altri numeri di identificazione dello studio
- WTU-TMB-260316
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