Acute Effects of Active Breaks and Physically Active Learning in University Students

Acute Effects of Active Breaks and Physically Active Learning on Executive Functions, Interest-Enjoyment, and Academic Performance in University Students

This multicenter randomized crossover study will examine the acute effects of four classroom break conditions on executive functions, immediate academic performance, perceived exertion, and interest-enjoyment in university students. Each participant will complete four experimental sessions in which a different 15-minute condition will be implemented: a sedentary free break, a sedentary academic review break, an active break without academic content, and physically active learning combining movement with academic review. Cognitive performance will be assessed before and after each session using Stroop and N-Back tasks. Academic performance, perceived exertion, and interest-enjoyment will be assessed after each experimental session.

This is a multicenter, randomized, counterbalanced crossover study conducted in university students from eight Spanish universities.

Participants will first complete a familiarization session in which study procedures, cognitive assessments, and the participant identification system will be explained and practiced.

Each participant will subsequently complete four experimental sessions, separated by at least one week whenever feasible. Each experimental session will include:

1. A 10-minute PRE assessment including Stroop and N-Back tests.
2. Approximately 45 minutes of regular academic instruction.
3. A 15-minute experimental classroom break.
4. Up to 10 additional minutes of regular instruction.
5. An immediate POST assessment including Stroop, N-Back, a 10-item academic performance test, perceived exertion, and interest-enjoyment.

The four experimental conditions will be:

A. Sedentary free break without academic content. B. Sedentary academic review using true/false questions. C. Active break without academic content. D. Physically active learning combining the same physical activities used in Condition C with academic true/false questions.

The order of the four conditions will be randomized and counterbalanced across participating groups. Participants will therefore act as their own controls.

A subsample of participants may wear accelerometers to objectively characterize physical activity and sedentary behavior during the experimental sessions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• University students aged 18 years or older.
• Currently enrolled in one of the participating university courses/classes.
• Provision of informed consent.
• Ability to participate safely in light-to-moderate classroom physical activity.
• Ability to complete computerized cognitive assessments.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Injury, illness, or medical condition contraindicating participation in physical activity.
• Acute illness or other condition on the day of testing likely to substantially affect attention or cognitive performance.
• Inability to complete the required computerized cognitive assessments.