Examining Executive Functions in Medical Students Across Different Types of Study Breaks

Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18+
SponsorNew York Institute of Technology

About this trial

This study aims to expand on previous findings and compare the effects of an active break (ten minutes of walking or upper body movement), a digital break (ten minutes of phone use), and no break on memory and attention in medical students after a prolonged period of studying. The List Learning Task, Stroop Test, and Sustained Attention to Response Task will be administered to measure memory, executive function, and attention, respectively. Information on how different types of breaks affect memory and attention may prompt medical students to be more mindful and intentional of the way they spend their time in between studying.

Eligibility criteria

Qualifiers

have and regularly use some form of social media

able to perform light physical activity such as walking or upper body movement

Disqualifiers

no social media usage

color blindness (cognitive tests require color perception)

ADHD or other known conditions that affect attention and/or concentration,

current concussion

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Physical Activity Study Break
  • Social Media Study Break

Treatment groups

120 Participants
are divided into 3 treatment groups