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

J Am Coll Health. 2023 Dec;71(9):2920-2928. doi: 10.1080/07448481.2021.2007113. Epub 2021 Dec 6.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Exercise; health promotion; interventions; sedentary behavior.

MeSH terms

  • Exercise
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Health Promotion*
  • Humans
  • Students*
  • Universities