E-Bike Commuting for Obesity

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, River Falls

Must not be taking: Beta-blockers, Insulin

Disqualifiers: Cardiovascular, Metabolic, Orthopedic, Pregnancy, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 36

Duration: 12 weeks

60 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

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.

Who Is on the Research Team?

Gregory Ruegsegger, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Wisconsin, River Falls

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for overweight or obese college students who lead a sedentary lifestyle and may be at risk for conditions like obesity, cardiometabolic issues, or stroke. Participants should not currently be physically active or have any motor skill impairments.

Inclusion Criteria

Currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student

Body mass index (BMI) ≥25.0 kg/m² (classified as overweight or obese)

I am willing to follow the study plan for 24 weeks.

Exclusion Criteria

Participation in another clinical trial or lifestyle intervention within the past 3 months

I use a bike or e-bike for commuting at least twice a week.

Currently pregnant, planning pregnancy during the study period, or less than 6 months postpartum

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants in the intervention group will use a pedal-assist e-bike for commuting at least four days per week for 12 weeks. Control group participants will maintain usual commuting habits.

12 weeks

Assessments at baseline, Week 12, and Week 24

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in physical activity, fitness, and health outcomes post-intervention

12 weeks

Assessments at Week 24

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• E-Bike Commuting

Trial Overview The study tests if commuting with an e-bike for 12 weeks can improve physical activity levels, fitness, health markers in blood, body composition, and mental well-being compared to a control group that does not use the e-bike.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Experimental Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

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 II: Control Group Active Control 1 Intervention

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.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Wisconsin, River Falls

Lead Sponsor