Exercise, Physical Activity, Gamification, University Student, College Student
Conditions
Keywords
exercise, physical activity, gamification, university student, college student
Brief summary
The increasing incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and related mortality is now recognized as a global emergency. CVD risk factors include unhealthy diet, inactivity, dyslipidemia, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, and family history/genetics. Increasing physical activity (PA) is recognized as an essential factor in reducing the risk of CVD. Many studies have emphasized that regular and adequate physical activity significantly reduces the risk of CVD through effects such as lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, supporting weight control, and improving diabetes management. Measuring steps/day is used to determine PA, and as technologies have developed, smartphones have become widely used tools. Inactivity and time constraints of modern life make it difficult for people to increase PA levels. Therefore, innovative intervention methods based on mobile health and gamification should be used to improve individuals' physical activity. Gamification is the application of game design elements such as points, badges, leaderboards, and levels in non-game environments. Gamification is increasingly being used to create change, particularly in physical activity and health behaviors. It is recommended to include resistance exercises at least 2 days a week in addition to aerobic activity to maximize health benefits. Recently, the high-intensity circuit training (HICT) program, which combines high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and circuit training (CT), requires less time, combines aerobic and resistance exercises, and uses body weight, has been developed and is used in sports. The main aim of the present study is to examine the effects of 12-week Mobile Health-Based Gamified applications on cardiovascular risk factors among university students and employees. In this direction, it is aimed to increase participants' daily steps and improve their physical activity habits. A total of 105 volunteers aged 18 to 64, including students and employees of Bursa Uludag University, will participate in the study. PACER pedometer and 7 Minute Workout HICT exercise mobile health applications will be used in the study. Subjects will be divided into five equal groups of 21 people each using the closed opaque envelope randomization method. Walking intervention (WG), gamified walking intervention (GWG), walking and exercise intervention (WEG), gamified walking and exercise intervention (GWEG), and control (CG) groups will be formed. The first four groups (WG, GWG, WEG, and GWEG) will walk every day for 12 weeks to reach the set target number of steps. In addition, volunteers in the GWEG and WEG group will exercise (HICT) for at least 15 minutes on 3 designated days per week in addition to walking. In addition, volunteers in the GWG and GWEG groups will use a gamified application. In CG, there will be no regular physical activity, and they will continue their daily lifestyle. In our study, unlike those conducted to date, the application of HICT with gradually increasing physical activity for 12 weeks to reduce CVD risk factors, and the use of gamified methods to stay in the program and ensure sustainability, emphasize its unique value. The gamified exercise program applied in this study is expected to provide an additional benefit for CVD risk factors compared with the protocols used to date.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALWalking program
Walk daily for 12 weeks to achieve a predetermined step goal.
BEHAVIORALHigh-intensity circuit training (HICT)
High-intensity circuit training performed for at least 15 minutes on three designated days per week for 12 weeks, in addition to daily walking.
BEHAVIORALGamified Mobile Application
Use of a gamified application designed to promote motivation, adherence, and engagement in walking and exercise activities during the 12-week intervention period.
Sponsors
Uludag University
The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE (Subject)
Masking description
This study used single masking. Participants are blinded to the gamification component of the intervention and are not informed whether the walking and exercise program includes gamified elements. Due to the nature of the intervention, the researchers delivering it are aware of the group allocation.
Intervention model description
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of five parallel groups: walking intervention, gamified walking intervention, walking and exercise intervention, gamified walking and exercise intervention, or a no-intervention control group. All intervention groups will be followed concurrently for 12 weeks.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Being among 18 or 65 * To give verbal and written consent to participate in the study voluntarily
Exclusion criteria
* If there are any health issues * IPAQ\>= 3000 MET / day (IPAQ: International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form)
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Body Composition and Anthropometric Measurements | From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks | Body composition parameters will be assessed in study participants. Body weight (kg) and body fat percentage will be measured using the TANITA BC 418 MA device via bioelectrical impedance analysis. Waist and hip circumference measurements will be obtained using a measuring tape with 1 mm precision while participants are standing upright on a flat surface. Waist circumference will be measured at the level of the umbilicus, and hip circumference will be measured at the widest part of the hips by wrapping the measuring tape completely around the body. Body mass index (BMI) will be calculated by dividing body weight (kg) by the square of height (m²). |
| Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors | From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks | Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors will be assessed according to the criteria defined by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Blood biochemical parameters, including total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting blood glucose, will be analyzed at the university hospital laboratory where the study is conducted. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure will be measured using an automated blood pressure monitor (Omron M2 Intellisense). Blood pressure will be measured in the right arm and repeated 3 times, with the mean used for analysis. |
| Physical Activity Level Assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) | From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks | Participants' physical activity levels will be assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), which is designed for individuals aged 15 to 65 years. The IPAQ-SF consists of seven items that assess the frequency and duration of walking, moderate-intensity physical activity, and vigorous-intensity physical activity over the previous 7 days. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Step Count Monitored via Google Fit | From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks | Participants' daily step counts will be monitored using the Google Fit mobile application over 3 months. The intervention aims to increase the average daily step count during the monitoring period. Step count data recorded by Google Fit will be used for analysis. |
| Exercise Adherence to High-Intensity Circuit Training (HICT) via the "7 Minute Workout" Mobile Application | From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks | Exercise participation will be monitored using the "7 Minute Workout" mobile application. Participants will be instructed to perform high-intensity circuit training (HICT) exercises at least three days per week. The HICT protocol consists of 12 high-intensity, bodyweight-based exercises and is evidence-based and supported by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Exercise adherence will be evaluated based on application-recorded activity data. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed