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OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT06928311

This Study Explores Whether Adding Natural Elements Like Plants and Sunlight to Indoor Gyms Makes Exercise Feel Easier, More Enjoyable, and Improves Performance. By Comparing Workouts in Nature-inspired and Plain Gym Settings, it Aims to Find Better Ways to Design Fitness Spaces in Cities.

The goal of this observational study is to examine whether exercising in a biophilic environment - a space designed to include natural elements like real plants, simulated sunlight, nature sounds, and outdoor views - can improve exercise performance and enjoyment compared to a standard indoor gym environment in male college students age 18-25 who have regularly exercised prior.

The main question it aims to answer is: "Can biophilic design enhance the physical and mental benefits of indoor exercise?"

Researchers will compare the two environments to see if there is any changes in exercise performance and enjoyment for each participant.

Participants will complete a treadmill fitness test in both settings to compare physical outcomes like maximal aerobic capacity, so the maximal amount of oxygen one can use during exercise, as well as perceived effort. After each treadmill test participants will be given surveys where they will be asked to evaluate their mood and enjoyment in that environment.

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Key information

Age range

18 year–25 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Colorado State University Cardio Room (Moby Arena 134)

Fort Collins, Colorado, 80521, United States

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Men between 18 and 25 years

Exclusion criteria

  • Resting BP greater than 140/90
  • Resting HR greater than 100 bpm
  • BMI greater than 30 kg/m^2
  • inability to exercise at moderate to vigorous intensities
  • major illness/health complication in the past

Treatment and study plan

Exercise Environment

Other

This intervention focused around the environmental design of the exercise room.

Primary outcomes

  1. Maximal Aerobic Capacity (VO2Max)

    Time frame: Testing Day 1

    This will be taken using a K5 metabolic cart measuring breath by breath

  2. Maximal Aerobic Capacity (VO2Max)

    Time frame: Testing Day 2

    This will be taken using a K5 metabolic cart measuring breath by breath

  3. Rate of Perceived Exertion

    Time frame: Every minute during testing day 1

    Participants will rate their perceived exertion every minute during the test and recovery period on a 6-20 scale.

  4. Rate of Perceived Exertion

    Time frame: Every minute during testing day 2

    Participants will rate their perceived exertion every minute during the test and recovery period on a 6-20 scale.

  5. Mood and Enjoyment Survey

    Time frame: Post Test Day 1

    Participants will receive a paper survey on mood and enjoyment to complete.

  6. Mood and Enjoyment Survey

    Time frame: Post Test Day 2

    Participants will receive a paper survey on mood and enjoyment to complete.

  7. VO2 Plateau Duration

    Time frame: Post Test Day 1

    The time at which the participant is exercising at near maximal capacity.

  8. VO2 Plateau Duration

    Time frame: Post Test Day 2

    The time at which the participant is exercising at near maximal capacity.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Heart Rate

    Time frame: During Testing Day 1 and 2

    Taken using a Garmin HR chest strap.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Colorado State University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Examining the Influence of Biophilic Design on College Students' Exercise Performance: A Crossover Study

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Apr 15, 2025
Registry last updated
Dec 17, 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.

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