Total physical activity moderates the effect of exercise type on high-altitude acclimatization among college students
In a cluster-randomized controlled trial, 295 college students at high altitude participated in either basketball or badminton for 18 weeks. The effect of exercise type on high-altitude acclimatization was significantly moderated by total physical activity (interaction B = -2.9965, p = 0.0056), with badminton showing better adaptation than basketball only at high activity levels. Sleep quality did not mediate this relationship.
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
Total physical activity moderates the effect of exercise type on high-altitude acclimatization among college students The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 44/100 (low).
The Claim
Total physical activity moderates the effect of exercise type on high-altitude acclimatization among college students
This conclusion is most relevant to: College students (sophomores) living at high altitude (N=295).
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Effects of exercise type and total physical activity on high-altitude acclimatization among college students. (Frontiers in psychology, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Exercise type influences high-altitude acclimatization
- ▸Total physical activity moderates this effect
- ▸At high activity levels, badminton leads to better acclimatization than basketball
- ▸Sleep quality does not mediate the pathway
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸College students (sophomores) living at high altitude (N=295)
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Post-test only design without baseline measures
- ▸No significant mediation effect of sleep quality, so underlying mechanism remains unclear
- ▸Specific exercise types (basketball and badminton) may limit generalizability to other sports
Frequently Asked Questions
Which exercise type is better for high-altitude acclimatization?▼
Badminton was associated with better acclimatization than basketball, but only when total physical activity was high.
Does sleep quality mediate the effect of exercise on acclimatization?▼
No, sleep quality did not show a significant mediating effect in this study.
What was the duration of the exercise intervention?▼
The intervention lasted 18 weeks.
Who were the participants in this study?▼
The study included 295 college sophomores living at high altitude.
References
- 1.Xi M, Tian C, Ou Y, Lu R, Wang C, Li H. “Effects of exercise type and total physical activity on high-altitude acclimatization among college students..” Frontiers in psychology, 2026. PMID: 42602023 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1848841