From Blueprint to Practice: An Innovative Dynamic 9-Box Grid Improves Exercise Participation and Aerobic Capacity in Graduate Students

Hainan Normal University30 enrolled

Overview

This study aims to develop and validate an innovative dynamic 9-square grid management model to improve aerobic capacity (AC) and physical activity participation among graduate students. The model integrates real-time exercise volume (quantified via smart wearable devices) and aerobic capacity (assessed by 12-minute run tests) into a two-dimensional grid, stratifying participants into five tiers for differentiated interventions. Using a 2 × 3 mixed-design (feedback frequency: weekly vs. monthly; time points: baseline/mid/post-intervention), 32 healthy graduate students are randomized into two groups: Weekly feedback (dynamic position updates + tailored optimization strategies). Monthly feedback (position updates at monthly intervals). Key components include: Multimodal assessment: Objective exercise metrics (Huawei Band 6), AC (12-min run), psychological scales (Exercise Identity Scale, Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale). Tiered intervention: Customized strategies based on grid positioning (e.g., "Star Talent" optimization vs. "Urgent Attention" support). Primary outcomes: Changes in AC, total exercise volume (TEV), exercise identity, and self-efficacy. The study seeks to determine whether weekly dynamic feedback outperforms monthly feedback in sustaining behavioral change and enhancing physiological adaptation. Ethical approval was obtained from Anqing Normal University (AQNU2024110).

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

DOUBLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Improving Low Exercise Engagement

Interventions

Dynamic 9-Square Grid Health Management with Weekly FeedbackBEHAVIORAL

A dual-axis management system categorizing participants into a 3x3 grid based on aerobic capacity (12-min run test) and total exercise volume (smart-device tracked). Includes weekly personalized feedback, tiered exercise prescriptions, and goal recalibration. Arm 1 receives updates every 7 days.

Dynamic 9-Square Grid Health Management with Monthly FeedbackBEHAVIORAL

Identical grid framework as Arm 1 (aerobic capacity + exercise volume assessment), but with monthly (30-day) feedback cycles. Participants receive delayed optimization strategies and tier adjustments once per calendar month, simulating conventional health programs."

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 30 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Graduate students aged between 18 and 30 years. * Completion of the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) to confirm readiness for exercise. * Completion of a sociodemographic questionnaire (including age, gender, and education level). * Confirmation of absence of exercise contraindications (e.g., conditions that may prevent safe participation in physical activity). * Confirmation of absence of cardiovascular disease. * Confirmation of absence of recent lower-limb injuries (occurring within the past 3 months or less). * Confirmation of absence of chest pain symptoms. * Ability to provide written informed consent for voluntary participation. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of exercise contraindications identified through the PAR-Q or clinical evaluation. * History or diagnosis of cardiovascular disease (e.g., heart conditions, stroke, or related disorders). * Recent lower-limb injuries (e.g., fractures, sprains, or surgeries) within the past 3 months. * Experience of chest pain symptoms (e.g., angina or discomfort during physical exertion). * Inability to complete the required questionnaires or assessments due to cognitive or language barriers. * Presence of any uncontrolled chronic condition that could interfere with exercise participation, as determined by the researchers during screening.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in Aerobic Capacity (12-min run distance)

Description: Distance run in meters during standardized 12-minute field test. Measurement Tool: GPS-tracked outdoor run (Keep App + Huawei Band 6).

Time frame: Baseline, Week 5 (mid-intervention), Week 9 (post-intervention).

Secondary Outcomes

Exercise Self-Efficacy (SEE-C Scale)

Description: Confidence in maintaining exercise habits (0-90 scale). Measurement Tool: Chinese Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale (Cronbach's α=0.75).

Time frame: Timeframe: Baseline and Week 9.