E-Bike Commuting and Health in Overweight College Students

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

Get a concise snapshot of the trial, including recruitment status, study phase, enrollment targets, and key timeline milestones.

Recruitment Status

ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

60 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2025-05-01

Study Completion Date

2026-06-30

Brief Summary

Review the sponsor-provided synopsis that highlights what the study is about and why it is being conducted.

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.

Related Clinical Trials

Explore similar clinical trials based on study characteristics and research focus.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness Using Electrically Assisted Bicycles

NCT03143764

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2

COMPLETED NA

The Effects of Faculty/Staff Exercise Program

NCT03385447

Cardiovascular Risk Factor Sedentary Lifestyle Physical Activity

COMPLETED NA

Pedal@Work: A Worksite Wellness Program

NCT01371084

Physical Activity

COMPLETED NA

Intervention Program Among University Student to Promote Physical Activity and Reduce the Sedentary Time

NCT05019482

Physical Activity Sedentary Behavior Young Adults +1 more

COMPLETED NA

Health Effects of Commuter Cycling

NCT01236222

Prevention

COMPLETED NA

Detailed Description

Dive into the extended narrative that explains the scientific background, objectives, and procedures in greater depth.

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.

Conditions

See the medical conditions and disease areas that this research is targeting or investigating.

Obesity &Amp; Overweight Sedentary Behaviors Cardiometabolic Risk Physical Inactivity

Study Design

Understand how the trial is structured, including allocation methods, masking strategies, primary purpose, and other design elements.

Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Primary Study Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Blinding Strategy

NONE

Study Groups

Review each arm or cohort in the study, along with the interventions and objectives associated with them.

Experimental Group

Participants in this group will receive a pedal-assist electric bicycle (e-bike), helmet, safety training, and cycling computer. They will be instructed to use the e-bike for commuting or transportation at least four days per week for 12 weeks. They will also complete assessments at baseline, Week 12, and Week 24, including fitness testing, body composition, blood testing, surveys, and activity monitoring.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

E-Bike Commuting

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

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.

Control Group

Participants in the control group will maintain their usual commuting and physical activity habits for the 12-week intervention period. They will complete the same assessments as the intervention group at baseline, Week 12, and Week 24.

Group Type NO_INTERVENTION

No interventions assigned to this group

Interventions

Learn about the drugs, procedures, or behavioral strategies being tested and how they are applied within this trial.

E-Bike Commuting

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.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

Check the participation requirements, including inclusion and exclusion rules, age limits, and whether healthy volunteers are accepted.

Inclusion Criteria

* Aged 18-29 years
* Currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student
* Body mass index (BMI) ≥25.0 kg/m² (classified as overweight or obese)
* Self-report of engaging in \<150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity
* Able and willing to safely ride a bicycle for commuting or transportation purposes
* Willing to be randomized and complete all study procedures across 24 weeks Able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

* Current use of a bicycle or e-bike for commuting ≥2 times per week
* Known cardiovascular, metabolic, or orthopedic conditions that limit physical activity or make exercise testing unsafe
* Currently pregnant, planning pregnancy during the study period, or less than 6 months postpartum
* Use of medications known to affect glucose metabolism, heart rate, or physical activity (e.g., beta-blockers, insulin)
* Diagnosed severe mental health disorders that would impair study participation
* Participation in another clinical trial or lifestyle intervention within the past 3 months
* Inability or unwillingness to attend lab visits or comply with the intervention protocol

Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

30 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes