This Study Explores Whether Adding Natural Elements Like Plants and Sunlight to Indoor Gyms Makes Exercise Feel Easier, More Enjoyable, and Improves Performance. By Comparing Workouts in Nature-inspired and Plain Gym Settings, it Aims to Find Better Ways to Design Fitness Spaces in Cities.

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Traditional Exercise Design; Biophilic Environmental Design

• Registration Number: NCT06928311
• Lead Sponsor: Colorado State University

Brief Summary

The goal of this observational study is to examine whether exercising in a biophilic environment - a space designed to include natural elements like real plants, simulated sunlight, nature sounds, and outdoor views - can improve exercise performance and enjoyment compared to a standard indoor gym environment in male college students age 18-25 who have regularly exercised prior.

The main question it aims to answer is: "Can biophilic design enhance the physical and mental benefits of indoor exercise?"

Researchers will compare the two environments to see if there is any changes in exercise performance and enjoyment for each participant.

Participants will complete a treadmill fitness test in both settings to compare physical outcomes like maximal aerobic capacity, so the maximal amount of oxygen one can use during exercise, as well as perceived effort. After each treadmill test participants will be given surveys where they will be asked to evaluate their mood and enjoyment in that environment.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-04
• Study First Submitted: 2025-04-01
• Study Start: 2025-04-04
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-04-07
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-04-07
• Study First Posted: 2025-04-15
• Last Update Posted: 2025-04-15
• Primary Completion: 2025-08
• Study Completion: 2025-08

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: Male
• Target Recruitment: 24

Inclusion Criteria

• Men between 18 and 25 years

Exclusion Criteria

• Resting BP greater than 140/90
• Resting HR greater than 100 bpm
• BMI greater than 30 kg/m^2
• inability to exercise at moderate to vigorous intensities
• major illness/health complication in the past

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: CROSSOVER

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Maximal Aerobic Capacity (VO2Max)	Testing Day 2	This will be taken using a K5 metabolic cart measuring breath by breath
Rate of Perceived Exertion	Every minute during testing day 2	Participants will rate their perceived exertion every minute during the test and recovery period on a 6-20 scale.
Mood and Enjoyment Survey	Post Test Day 2	Participants will receive a paper survey on mood and enjoyment to complete.
VO2 Plateau Duration	Post Test Day 2	The time at which the participant is exercising at near maximal capacity.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Heart Rate	During Testing Day 1 and 2	Taken using a Garmin HR chest strap.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Colorado State University Cardio Room (Moby Arena 134); 🇺🇸 Fort Collins, Colorado, United States