This study will evaluate the effects of using a pedal-assist electric bicycle (e-bike) for commuting on physical activity, fitness, and health in overweight or obese college students. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a 12-week e-bike commuting intervention or a control group. The study will measure changes in cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, blood biomarkers, physical activity, and psychological well-being over a 24-week period.
This randomized controlled trial investigates the effectiveness of e-bike commuting as a strategy to improve cardiometabolic health, physical activity levels, and psychological well-being in college students with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m² or higher. Eligible participants will be randomized to either a 12-week e-bike intervention group or a control group that continues usual commuting habits. Assessments will occur at baseline (Week 0), post-intervention (Week 12), and follow-up (Week 24). Each assessment will include VO₂peak testing using a graded cycle ergometer protocol, body composition assessment via BodPod, fasting fingerstick blood tests for glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides, blood pressure and resting heart rate measurement, and self-report questionnaires evaluating motivation, stress, affect, mental health, and academic engagement. Participants will also complete a 30-minute submaximal cycling test during which affective responses will be recorded, and physical activity will be tracked over 7 days. Those assigned to the intervention group will receive a pedal-assist e-bike, helmet, and safety training and will be asked to ride at least four days per week for 12 weeks. The study aims to determine whether e-bike commuting can promote sustained physical activity and improve cardiometabolic and mental health outcomes in a population at risk for early health decline.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
60
Participants in the intervention group will receive a pedal-assist electric bicycle (e-bike), a helmet, safety training, and a cycling computer. They will be asked to use the e-bike for commuting or personal travel at least four times per week for 12 weeks. E-bike usage will be monitored using a Garmin Edge device. Participants will also complete baseline, 12-week, and 24-week assessments including fitness testing, blood tests, body composition, surveys, and wearable activity monitoring.
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
River Falls, Wisconsin, United States
Change in daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (minutes/day)
Physical activity will be measured using a hip-worn ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer over 7 consecutive days at baseline, Week 12, and Week 24. The device will be analyzed using validated cut points to determine average daily time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The primary outcome is the change in MVPA from baseline to Week 24
Time frame: From enrollment to end of study at 24 weeks.
Change in cardiorespiratory fitness (VO₂peak, mL/kg/min)
Cardiorespiratory fitness will be measured via a graded cycling test using a metabolic cart to determine peak oxygen uptake (VO₂peak). Participants will complete the test at baseline (Week 0), post-intervention (Week 12), and follow-up (Week 24). The primary comparison will be the change in VO₂peak from baseline to Week 12 between the intervention and control groups.
Time frame: From enrollment to end of study at 24 weeks.
Change in body fat percentage
Body composition will be assessed using air displacement plethysmography (BodPod®). Percent body fat will be calculated at baseline, Week 12, and Week 24.
Time frame: From enrollment to end of study at 24 weeks.
Change in total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, and triglycerides (mg/dL)
Fasting lipid profiles will be assessed at baseline, Week 12, and Week 24 via fingerstick blood sample. Changes in total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides will be evaluated to assess cardiometabolic risk.
Time frame: From enrollment to end of study at 24 weeks.
Change in fasting blood glucose (mg/dL)
Fasting blood glucose will be collected via fingerstick and analyzed using a portable blood analyzer. Values will be compared between baseline, Week 12, and Week 24 to determine the impact of the e-bike intervention on glucose regulation.
Time frame: From enrollment to end of study at 24 weeks.
Change in exercise motivation (BREQ-3 score)
Exercise motivation will be assessed using the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-3 (BREQ-3) at all three time points. Subscale scores (e.g., intrinsic motivation, external regulation) will be analyzed for changes between baseline, Week 12, and Week 24.
Time frame: From enrollment to end of study at 24 weeks.
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