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Feasibility of student-designed, peer-led classroom physical activity breaks in graduate school.

Alysse LittleberryRahul AmruthapuriSharon E Taverno RossIndia HunterPatricia I Documét
Published in: Journal of American college health : J of ACH (2021)
Objective: We evaluated the feasibility of Pitt Moves, a classroom-based, peer-led physical activity break (PAB) intervention developed by graduate students to improve mood, focus, and boredom among students. Participants: One hundred and thirty-two graduate-level students in 10 courses during an academic semester. Methods: Process evaluation with a formative focus involving document review, surveys, and interviews with students and facilitators. Results: Eighty-four percent of eligible students participated in ≥1 of 65 PABs. Participants said Pitt Moves provided a mental break, promoted community building, and increased their physical activity. They recommended increasing accessibility. Organizers' time was a constraint in running this program. Conclusion: Pitt Moves was feasible based on successful recruitment of participants, delivery of PABs as planned, and participant acceptability. A formal study should evaluate whether Pitt Moves can improve mood, focus, and boredom among graduate students. Organizational encouragement and audiovisuals could enhance marketing and program implementation.
Keyphrases
  • high school
  • physical activity
  • medical education
  • mental health
  • body mass index
  • randomized controlled trial
  • quality improvement
  • sleep quality
  • primary care
  • depressive symptoms
  • high intensity
  • medical students