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NCT Number: NCT07666893

Psychological Impacts of Exercise Snacks Versus Traditional Exercise: A Comparative Study

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Psychological Stress Behavior Behavioral Symptoms Cognition Disorders Cognitive Dysfunction Emotional Well-being Fatigue Mental Disorders Mental Fatigue Neurocognitive Disorders Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms Stress, Psychological

Age range

18 year–30 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Wuhan Technical University

Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

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.

Treatment and study plan

Exercise Snacks Group (ESG)

Behavioral

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.

Traditional Exercise Group (TEG)

Behavioral

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.

Primary outcomes

  1. Decision Fatigue and Cognitive Load (DFCL)

    Time frame: Within 24 hours post-intervention.

    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.

  2. Perceived Stress (PS)

    Time frame: Within 24 hours post-intervention.

    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).

  3. Physical Activity Enjoyment (PAE)

    Time frame: Within 24 hours post-intervention.

    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).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Lincoln University College

Other

Collaborators

  • Wuhan University of Technology

Registry information

Acronym: ES

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jun 24, 2026
Registry last updated
Jun 24, 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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