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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07834307

《Increasing Outdoor Activity Time During School Recess to Improve Adolescent Health》

Adolescents spend a substantial amount of time at school, and school recess provides an important opportunity for physical activity and recovery from prolonged sedentary behavior. However, insufficient outdoor activity time during school recess has become a concern for adolescent health. This study is designed to examine whether increasing outdoor activity time during school recess can improve physical and mental health outcomes among adolescents. A school-based intervention study will be conducted, in which participants will receive an increased outdoor activity program during recess periods. The intervention will include structured and free outdoor physical activities designed to increase daily physical activity opportunities. Changes in physical activity levels, psychological well-being, and related health indicators will be assessed before and after the intervention.The results of this study may provide evidence for developing effective school-based strategies to promote adolescent physical activity and health.

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Key information

Conditions

Adolescent Health Behavior Motor Activity Physical Activities

Age range

12 year–15 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Shanghai University of Sport

Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200438, China

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Adolescents aged 12-15 years.
  • Students enrolled in the participating schools.
  • Physically healthy and able to participate in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity without restrictions.
  • Written informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians.

Exclusion criteria

  • Adolescents with cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, or other medical conditions that limit participation in physical activity.
  • Adolescents who are unable to participate in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity as confirmed by themselves, their parents, or school health records.
  • Adolescents who plan to transfer schools or are unable to complete the intervention and assessments.

Treatment and study plan

School Recess Outdoor Physical Activity Program

Behavioral

The intervention consists of a 10-week outdoor physical activity program implemented during school recess. During each recess period, classroom activities will be suspended and students in the intervention group will participate in outdoor physical activities. Various activity equipment and activity options will be provided, allowing students to select activities according to their interests and abilities. Teachers will supervise and guide students during the activities. Students will return to classrooms after the preparation bell rings. The program aims to increase outdoor activity time during school recess and promote physical and mental health among adolescents.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in physical activity level assessed by physical activity questionnaire

    Time frame: Baseline and 10 weeks after intervention

    Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). The questionnaire evaluates vigorous-intensity activity, moderate-intensity activity, walking, and sitting time during the previous 7 days. Physical activity levels were expressed as metabolic equivalent of task minutes per week (MET-min/week), with higher values indicating greater physical activity levels. Sitting time was reported separately as minutes per weekday, with higher values indicating greater sedentary behavior.

  2. Change in mental health status assessed by Chinese Middle School Students Mental Health Scale

    Time frame: Baseline and 10 weeks after intervention

    Mental health status was assessed using the Mental Health Inventory for Middle School Students in China (MMHI-60) developed by Wang Jisheng. The scale consists of 60 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale. The total score is calculated by summing all item responses, with possible scores ranging from 60 to 300. Higher scores indicate greater mental distress and poorer mental health status.

Other outcomes

  1. Change in loneliness assessed by UCLA Loneliness Scale

    Time frame: Baseline and 10 weeks after intervention

    Loneliness was assessed using the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3). The scale consists of 20 items rated on a 4-point Likert scale ranging from 1 ("Never") to 4 ("Always"). After reverse scoring of positively worded items, total scores are calculated by summing all items, with possible scores ranging from 20 to 80. Higher scores indicate higher levels of loneliness and poorer psychological well-being.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Kang Zhu

Other

Registry information

Official study title

《A Study on the Effects of Increasing Outdoor Activity Time During School Recess on the Physical and Mental Health of Adolescents》

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Sep 22, 2026
Registry last updated
Sep 22, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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