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AI-guided mobile health integrated with physical education improves physical activity and psychophysiological outcomes in university students: a randomized controlled trial protocol

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Physical inactivity among university students represents a growing global health concern, contributing to the onset of non-communicable diseases and poor physical fitness. Despite advances in mobile health (mHealth) technologies, few interventions have been effectively integrated into formal physical education curricula. The Dreamer® application was developed to address this gap by combining artificial intelligence (AI)-guided personalization with teacher-supported engagement. Methods: This randomized controlled trial aims to assess the effectiveness of Dreamer® in improving physical activity levels, health-related fitness, and psychological well-being among university students. A total of 128 participants will be randomly allocated to either an intervention group using Dreamer® integrated into PE instruction or a control group receiving standard PE. Assessments occur at baseline, 16 weeks, 32 weeks, and 3-month follow-up. Outcomes include physical activity, physical fitness, psychological health, and app usability.Discussion: This study will be among the first to evaluate an AI-supported, teacher-supervised mHealth intervention embedded in a university PE curriculum. The findings will inform the design of scalable digital health strategies that bridge technology and pedagogy in higher education. Clinical Trial Registration: https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=284314, identifier ChiCTR2600133726.

Source: Frontiers in Digital Health

DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2026.1862894