None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This study aims to assess the effects of different types of in-class "active breaks" on university students’ musculoskeletal well-being, mood, and cognitive performance. It is a multicenter randomized controlled trial conducted across four Spanish universities. Students will be randomly assigned to one of five groups, including physical activity, stretching, educational video, passive break, and no break. Outcomes will be assessed using validated questionnaires, physiological monitors, and academic performance records. The intervention will span 8 weeks and will be integrated into standard theoretical classes.
Interventions
Delivered face-to-face by the instructor during class.
Frequency: 2–3 sessions/week for 8 weeks.
20-30 students per class.
Theorical lessons will have between 90 and 120 minutes.
Break time at the middle after class starts,
All students will be invite to participate during lessons.
Fidelity to intervention will be considered thorough attendance log.
Arm 1 – High-intensity physical activity break:
Participants perform a 4–5-minute structured cardiovascular routine during a scheduled break in
Delivered face-to-face by the instructor during class. Frequency: 2–3 sessions/week for 8 weeks. 20-30 students per class. Theorical lessons will have between 90 and 120 minutes. Break time at the middle after class starts, All students will be invite to participate during lessons. Fidelity to intervention will be considered thorough attendance log. Arm 1 – High-intensity physical activity break: Participants perform a 4–5-minute structured cardiovascular routine during a scheduled break in class. Exercises include jumping jacks, high knees, squats, etc. Arm 2 – Stretching break: Participants follow a 4–5-minute guided stretching session targeting major muscle groups (neck, back, legs). Conducted by the instructor in class. Frequency: 2–3 sessions/week for 8 weeks. Arm 3 – Educational video: Participants watch a 4–5-minute video on healthy lifestyle habits, covering topics such as sedentarism and benefits of physical activity. Delivered via screen in class, same schedule as other arms. Arm 4 – Passive break (active control): Participants are given a 4–5-minute break but are free to use the time as they wish (e.g., rest, check phone), with no structured content. Delivered in class, 2–3 sessions/week for 8 weeks. Additionally, a qualitative component will be conducted using semi-structured interviews to explore participants' perceptions and experiences regarding the active breaks interventions.
Sponsors
Universidad de Sevilla
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Prevention
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 35 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
University students enrolled in participating courses. Aged 18 years or older. Able and willing to participate in physical activity during class. Able to provide informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
Medical contraindications to physical activity (e.g., cardiovascular conditions, musculoskeletal injuries). Current injury or condition that may be aggravated by participation. Inability to attend a minimum of 70% of sessions. Cognitive impairment that would prevent understanding or completing study questionnaires.
Outcome results
None listed