Evaluating Exercise Snacking to Improve Physical Activity, Heart and Metabolic Health, and Mental Well-Being in Adults Aged 18 to 60

What this Trial Is About

Many young adults do not get enough physical activity, which is important for reducing risks of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and other health problems. This study evaluates whether doing short bursts of exercise throughout the day, called exercise snacking, over 12 weeks can improve physical activity levels, aerobic fitness, heart and metabolic health, and mental well-being compared to usual activity. The study also looks at whether any benefits last after an additional 12-week follow-up. Participants are randomly assigned to either the exercise snacking group or a control group. Those in the exercise snacking group perform multiple brief bouts of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity lasting about 1 to 3 minutes each day, with instructions and support to help include these exercises in daily routines. The control group continues their usual activities without structured exercise guidance. Assessments are done at the start, after 12 weeks, and again after 24 weeks to measure changes and maintenance. Participants wear activity monitors to track physical activity and undergo tests to assess aerobic fitness, body composition, blood pressure, blood sugar, blood lipids, exercise motivation, mood, and mental health. Researchers measure moderate-to-vigorous physical activity as the main outcome and also evaluate body fat, glucose levels, psychological well-being, depression, anxiety, and stress at three time points. The study aims to understand if this easy-to-adopt exercise approach can support long-term health improvements in young adults.

Exercise Snacking and Cardiometabolic Health