Evaluation of the Exercise for Wellbeing Pathway at York St John University

On-campus Supervised Physical Activity Programme for University Students Facing Mental Health Challenges: a Feasibility Study Exploring Feasibility, Acceptability, Fidelity and Preliminary Effects

In autumn 2024, York St John University launched a physical activity programme for university students facing mental health challenges. The purpose of this project is to conduct a mixed-methods evaluative study of this new service over a 6-month period. It is anticipated that 20-40 students will be recruited to the study, which will assess the following: assess the following: feasibility, the extent to which the service can be delivered successfully; acceptability, the extent to which the service is considered appropriate, satisfactory, or attractive by programme recipients and intervention delivery staff; fidelity, the extent to which the key service components (e.g., assessment procedures, physical activity programme) were implemented as planned and adaptations were made; preliminary effects, with relation to physical, mental and social health outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Student enrolled at York St John University
• Age 18 years and over
• Undertaking a course which requires attendance at York St John University's Lord Mayor's Walk Campus
• Presenting to the student wellbeing team with mild-to-moderate mental health concerns (defined as experiencing symptoms of poor mental health such as feeling depressed or socially isolated, prolonged stress and anxiety, or experiencing academic decline that makes their daily life more difficult but maintain daily functioning) and expressing an interest in enhancing their mental health and daily functioning

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unwilling or unable to provide written informed consent
• Unable to attend (or to participate in) the scheduled physical activity sessions
• Unsuccessful physical activity clearance using the physical activity readiness questionnaire (PAR-Q+)