River Falls

Researchers are exploring how habitual dietary fat quality and metabolic health relate to exercise responses, cognitive function, and academic-related outcomes in healthy young adults aged 18 to 60. The study focuses on understanding why individuals differ in their feelings, motivation, and cognitive performance during and after exercise. This observational research aims to clarify how lifestyle factors influence exercise enjoyment and cognitive abilities. Participants will complete assessments including dietary intake, body composition, metabolic health markers, aerobic fitness, cognitive tests, and academic engagement. They will also undergo a standardized 30-minute moderate-intensity cycling session on a stationary bike, during which their heart rate, perceived exertion, emotions, exercise enjoyment, energy levels, and motivation will be measured before, during, and after exercise. During the study, participants attend two laboratory visits and complete dietary records and cognitive assessments. Researchers will collect data through questionnaires, physiological measurements, and exercise testing to evaluate affective responses to exercise and related cognitive and academic outcomes. The study aims to improve understanding of lifestyle influences on physical activity and cognitive health, guiding future recommendations to support exercise participation and mental performance.

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.