Hainan Normal University
Haikou, Hainan, 571158, China
Completed
NCT Number: NCT07136818
From Blueprint to Practice: An Innovative Dynamic 9-Box Grid Improves Exercise Participation and Aerobic Capacity in Graduate Students
This study aims to develop and validate an innovative dynamic 9-square grid management model to improve aerobic capacity (AC) and physical activity participation among graduate students. The model integrates real-time exercise volume (quantified via smart wearable devices) and aerobic capacity (assessed by 12-minute run tests) into a two-dimensional grid, stratifying participants into five tiers for differentiated interventions.
Using a 2 × 3 mixed-design (feedback frequency: weekly vs. monthly; time points: baseline/mid/post-intervention), 32 healthy graduate students are randomized into two groups:
Weekly feedback (dynamic position updates + tailored optimization strategies).
Monthly feedback (position updates at monthly intervals).
Key components include:
Multimodal assessment: Objective exercise metrics (Huawei Band 6), AC (12-min run), psychological scales (Exercise Identity Scale, Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale).
Tiered intervention: Customized strategies based on grid positioning (e.g., "Star Talent" optimization vs. "Urgent Attention" support).
Primary outcomes: Changes in AC, total exercise volume (TEV), exercise identity, and self-efficacy.
The study seeks to determine whether weekly dynamic feedback outperforms monthly feedback in sustaining behavioral change and enhancing physiological adaptation. Ethical approval was obtained from Anqing Normal University (AQNU2024110).
Completed
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Notify MeKey information
Conditions
Age range
18 year–30 year
Sex eligibility
All sexes
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Not applicable
Primary location
Who can participate
Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes
Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.
Inclusion criteria
- Graduate students aged between 18 and 30 years.
- Completion of the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) to confirm readiness for exercise.
- Completion of a sociodemographic questionnaire (including age, gender, and education level).
- Confirmation of absence of exercise contraindications (e.g., conditions that may prevent safe participation in physical activity).
- Confirmation of absence of cardiovascular disease.
- Confirmation of absence of recent lower-limb injuries (occurring within the past 3 months or less).
- Confirmation of absence of chest pain symptoms.
- Ability to provide written informed consent for voluntary participation.
Exclusion criteria
- Presence of exercise contraindications identified through the PAR-Q or clinical evaluation.
- History or diagnosis of cardiovascular disease (e.g., heart conditions, stroke, or related disorders).
- Recent lower-limb injuries (e.g., fractures, sprains, or surgeries) within the past 3 months.
- Experience of chest pain symptoms (e.g., angina or discomfort during physical exertion).
- Inability to complete the required questionnaires or assessments due to cognitive or language barriers.
- Presence of any uncontrolled chronic condition that could interfere with exercise participation, as determined by the researchers during screening.
Treatment and study plan
Dynamic 9-Square Grid Health Management with Weekly Feedback
BehavioralA dual-axis management system categorizing participants into a 3x3 grid based on aerobic capacity (12-min run test) and total exercise volume (smart-device tracked). Includes weekly personalized feedback, tiered exercise prescriptions, and goal recalibration. Arm 1 receives updates every 7 days.
Dynamic 9-Square Grid Health Management with Monthly Feedback
BehavioralIdentical grid framework as Arm 1 (aerobic capacity + exercise volume assessment), but with monthly (30-day) feedback cycles. Participants receive delayed optimization strategies and tier adjustments once per calendar month, simulating conventional health programs."
Primary outcomes
-
Change in Aerobic Capacity (12-min run distance)
Time frame: Baseline, Week 5 (mid-intervention), Week 9 (post-intervention).
Description: Distance run in meters during standardized 12-minute field test.
Measurement Tool: GPS-tracked outdoor run (Keep App + Huawei Band 6).
Secondary outcomes
-
Exercise Self-Efficacy (SEE-C Scale)
Time frame: Timeframe: Baseline and Week 9.
Description: Confidence in maintaining exercise habits (0-90 scale).
Measurement Tool: Chinese Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale (Cronbach's α=0.75).
Sponsors and collaborators
Lead sponsor
Hainan Normal University
Other
Registry information
Official study title
From Blueprint to Practice: an Innovative Dynamic 9-Box Grid for Enhancing Exercise Adherence and Aerobic Capacity in Graduate Students
Important dates
- Study start
- 2024
- Primary completion
- 2024
- Study completion
- 2025
- First posted
- Aug 22, 2025
- Registry last updated
- Aug 22, 2025
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.