A038: Integrating Stair Climbing-Based Exercise Snacks into the Campus onFeasibility, Perceived Efficacy, and Participation Perspectives

<bold>Objective:</bold> This study aimed to investigate the feasibility, perceived efficacy, and participation perspectives of a campus stair climbing-based exercise snacks (ES) intervention, and to compare it to moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). <bold>Methods:</bold> Healthy, young, inactive adults were randomly assigned to three groups (ES, MICT, Control (CON)). ES (n = 14) and MICT (n = 13) groups performed 3 sessions per week over 6 weeks, while the control group (n = 15) maintained their habitual lifestyle. ES involved 3 × 30 s ‘all-out’ stair-climbing bouts separated by &gt;1-h rest, and MICT involved 40 min stationary cycling at 60-70% HR_max. ES participants also completed post-intervention semi-structured interviews. <bold>Results:</bold> Retention rates of 93% (ES, 14/15), 93% (MICT, 13/14), and 100% (CON, 15/15) were achieved from baseline to post-assessments, with compliance of 97% (733/756) and 93% (217/234) in ES and MICT. No significant differences were found between ES and MICT for future intentions, enjoyment, and satisfaction. A significant group × time interaction was found in quality of life and perceived stress. ES and MICT significantly increased quality of life by 8% (MD = 5.5 [95% CI = 0.3, 10.7], Cohen’s <italic>d</italic> = 0.64) and 6% (MD = 4.6 [95% CI = 0.9, 8.2], Cohen’s <italic>d</italic> = 0.88) compared to baseline, whereas CON experienced a significant decrease (MD = -7.9 [95% CI = -14.4, -1.6], Cohen’s <italic>d</italic> = 0.56). ES significantly decreased perceived stress by 7% (MD = -4.6 [95% CI = -8.9, -0.3], Cohen’s <italic>d</italic> = 0.58), while MICT (MD = 2.0 [95% CI = -0.1, 4.1], Cohen’s <italic>d</italic> = 0.28) and CON (MD = -2.4 [95% CI = -6.1, 1.3], Cohen’s <italic>d</italic> = 0.22) had no significant effects. The majority (12/14) of participants generally demonstrated positive attitudes toward participation in ES and found it easier than expected, while highlighting enablers, barriers, and future recommendations. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Stair climbing-based ES could be integrated into the campus setting, appeared feasible, and was like MICT regarding future intentions, enjoyment, and satisfaction. Both ES and MICT improved quality of life compared to CON, and ES was superior to both MICT and CON for improving perceived stress. Interviews provided positive insights into fostering adherence to ES among university students.