NCT07849439NARecruitingAccepts Healthy Volunteers

Two-Week Stair-Climbing Exercise Snacks and Metabolic Health in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: A Pilot Study

St. Louis University

Start Date

10/1/2026

Completion Date

7/1/2027

Summary

This pilot study will evaluate whether brief bouts of stair climbing performed throughout the day for two weeks can improve metabolic health, cardiovascular fitness, and other health-related outcomes in adults with overweight or obesity who do not regularly exercise. Participants will complete approximately 6-8 brief stair-climbing "exercise snacks" per day for 14 days, with each bout consisting of approximately 60 total stair steps performed at a challenging but safe self-selected pace. Participants will complete baseline and post-intervention assessments at Saint Louis University. These assessments will include continuous glucose monitoring and standardized meal testing to evaluate glucose responses, as well as measures of aerobic fitness, anaerobic power, body composition, waist circumference, and muscular strength. The study will also evaluate adherence, perceived exercise intensity, and the feasibility of incorporating brief stair-climbing bouts into daily life.

Detailed Description

This is a pilot intervention study designed to examine the short-term effects and feasibility of frequent stair-climbing "exercise snacks" in adults with overweight or obesity. Exercise snacks are brief bouts of physical activity performed intermittently throughout the day and may provide a time-efficient approach to increasing physical activity. The study will enroll approximately 12 adults aged 18-35 years with a body mass index of 25.0-34.9 kg/m² who are otherwise healthy and do not regularly participate in structured exercise. Participants must have regular access to a safe staircase. Participants will complete three in-person study visits at Saint Louis University over approximately 15-16 days. Baseline assessments will include anthropometric and body composition measurements, resting cardiovascular measures, handgrip strength, aerobic fitness testing, and anaerobic power testing. Participants will also complete a standardized meal challenge while wearing a continuous glucose monitor to assess postprandial glucose responses. Following baseline testing, participants will complete a two-week stair-climbing intervention. They will perform approximately 6-8 stair-climbing bouts per day for approximately 14 days. Each bout will consist of approximately 60 total stair steps completed at a self-selected challenging but safe pace. Participants may use one or more flights of stairs repeatedly if approximately 60 continuous upward steps are not available. The intervention will be completed in participants' usual daily environments, such as home, work, or campus. Participants will wear a continuous glucose monitor during the intervention period and will complete activity, dietary, and study-related logs. After the two-week intervention, participants will repeat the standardized meal challenge and laboratory assessments. The primary study outcomes include changes in postprandial glucose response, glycemic variability, and aerobic fitness from baseline to post-intervention. Secondary outcomes include changes in body composition, waist circumference, anaerobic power, and muscular strength. Exploratory outcomes include adherence and feasibility of the stair-climbing intervention.

Eligibility Criteria

Age Range: 18 years to 35 years

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-35 years and able to provide informed consent. * Body mass index (BMI) 25.0-34.99 kg/m² and otherwise healthy, without chronic disease. * Sedentary or low-active lifestyle, defined as no regular structured exercise ≥3 days/week for ≥30 minutes per session during the past 3 months. * Access to a safe staircase that permits completion of approximately 60 total stair steps per exercise bout. Approximately 60 upward steps are preferred when available; one or more flights may be used repeatedly if needed. * No contraindications or increased-risk findings identified on the PAR-Q+ or health history screening. Exclusion Criteria: * Known cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, renal, neurological, or musculoskeletal disease, or signs or symptoms suggesting increased risk during vigorous exercise, including diagnosed diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, chronic pulmonary disease, kidney disease, fainting or unexplained dizziness during exercise, chest pain with exertion, or severe shortness of breath with mild-to-moderate activity. * Current use of medications that may affect exercise tolerance, heart-rate response, balance, glucose metabolism, or safety during vigorous exercise, including insulin or other glucose-lowering medications, beta-blockers, anti-arrhythmic medications, systemic corticosteroids, or medications that may cause dizziness, impaired balance, or altered exercise response. * Orthopedic or joint conditions that could be aggravated by repeated stair climbing. * Allergy, intolerance, dietary restriction, or other condition preventing safe consumption of the standardized meal replacement shake. * Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant during the study period. * Any other medical or psychological condition that, in the investigator's judgment, could make adherence difficult or place the participant at risk. * Individuals currently enrolled in a course taught by the PI or other study personnel, or who are directly supervised, graded, or formally evaluated by a member of the study team.

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Stair-Climbing Exercise Snacks

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Conditions

Overweight , Obesity

Locations

Saint Louis University

St Louis, Missouri 63104

United States