Impact of a Physical Activity Intervention on Sleep Quality, Mental and Physical Well-Being in Health Sciences Students

Evaluation of a Physical Activity Intervention on Sleep Quality, Mental and Physical Well-Being in Health Sciences Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Regular Weekly Activity With a "Weekend Warrior" Pattern

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of a regular weekly physical activity program versus a "Weekend Warrior" activity pattern on sleep quality, physical well-being, and mental well-being in sedentary university students. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the intervention groups or to a control group and assessed at baseline and after the intervention.

Sedentary behavior is a growing concern among university students and is associated with poor sleep quality, fatigue, and lower mental well-being. Physical activity interventions can improve these outcomes, but the optimal frequency and pattern of activity remain unclear. This randomized controlled trial will evaluate and compare the effects of a regular weekly physical activity schedule with those of a "Weekend Warrior" pattern, in which the recommended amount of exercise is concentrated in two sessions per week. Sedentary university students will be randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups or to a control group for an 8-10 week period. Sleep quality (measured by actigraphy), physical well-being, and mental well-being will be assessed before and after the intervention. The findings of this study may help to inform public health recommendations for physical activity patterns among young adults.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 18 to 25 years.
• Low level of physical activity, determined using the validated International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) according to its scoring thresholds.
• Provided written informed consent.
• Available to participate in the entire intervention program and all planned assessments.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current use of medications that may affect sleep quality or alertness (e.g., sedative hypnotics, sedative antidepressants, psychostimulants).
• History of serious medical conditions or any contraindication to moderate physical activity.
• Morbid obesity.
• Current pregnancy during the study period.
• Participation in another intervention program simultaneously.