Intervention Program Among University Student to Promote Physical Activity and Reduce the Sedentary Time

Effects of an Intervention Among University Student to Promote Physical Activity and Reduce the Sedentary Time During COVID-19 Pandemic

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, university students have faced many challenges and without any preparation. Studies conducted during the first lockdown show an increase in unhealthy lifestyles.

This study will be proposed to students from University of Nimes an 8-week physical activity program. Two groups will be constituted: the first will benefit from of innovative physical activity program on the base of the co-construction with users (Experimental Group), another that will not benefit from any intervention (Control Group). Investigators plan to include approximately 90 university students, 45 in each group.

The main goal of the study is to propose innovative program to promote PA (Physical Activity) and reduce ST (Sedentary Time) of young adults aged over 18 from university of Nîmes. The levels of PA and ST of the experimental group will be compared to a control group with the realization of pre and post intervention measures.

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a global pandemic. In France, all universities have been closed on 16th March 2020. In September 2020, face-to-face teaching restarted in French universities, but with new constraints (e.g., reducing number of students in classrooms, wearing masks) and significant changes in teachings (e.g., distance and/or hybrid education). In October 2020, several French universities closed down again due to significant contamination among students. Finally, on 30th October 2020, the French government imposed a second lockdown and all universities have been closed. It is only in February 2021 that face-to-face teaching started again in French universities (within the limit of 50% of the universities' capacity and 20% of the teachings). Since the beginning of the pandemic, university students have faced many challenges and without any preparation.

Even before the pandemic, university students were identified as a population with unhealthy lifestyles and habits, notably reflected in high levels of sedentary behavior, low levels of physical activity and unhealthy diet. Studies conducted during the first lockdown have shown an increase in unhealthy lifestyles;

The deleterious effects of the pandemic on students' health are now evident. However, some areas of research are still under-explored.

1. The majority of research is largely descriptive and do not identify the factors involved in the deterioration of health
2. To date, no interventional studies have been conducted to prevent the deterioration of students' health.

Investigators expect a 9-week intervention. During the first week, a workshop of the co-construction with the users will be realized in order to remove the barriers to the practice of a physical activity. The aim of co-construction with users is to obtain better adherence to program, based on needs and not decided from above. Then, a group information session focusing on the promotion of active behaviors will be organize, and physical activities (moderate to vigorous) will be proposed for 8 weeks, twice a week.

The main goal of the study is to propose innovative program to promote PA (Physical Activity) and reduce ST (Sedentary Time) of young adults aged over 18 from university of Nîmes. The levels of PA and ST of the experimental group will be compared to a control group with the realization of pre and post intervention measures.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Students at the University of Nimes

Exclusion Criteria:

• Physical diseases that prevent PA practice
• Depending on the evolution of sanitary conditions and governmental instructions in relation to COVID-19, the absence of a negative PCR test or vaccination may be a criterion for exclusion
• not to be a student of the University of Nîmes
• not signing the consent form to participate in the study