Effects of different study breaks on medical students' memory and attention
Examining Executive Functions in Medical Students Across Different Types of Study Breaks
This study tests how different types of study breaks—like physical activity, social media, or no break at all—affect memory and focus in medical students.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | New York Institute of Technology Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Old Westbury, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT06710678 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how various types of study breaks—active physical breaks, digital breaks using social media, and no breaks—affect memory and executive function in medical students. A total of 120 participants will be randomized into three groups, each experiencing a different type of break after a 45-minute study session. The study will utilize cognitive tests, including the List Learning Task, Stroop Test, and Sustained Attention to Response Task, to measure the impact of these breaks on cognitive performance. The findings aim to inform medical students about the most effective ways to utilize their break time for improved focus and retention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are medical students who regularly use social media and can perform light physical activities.
Not a fit: Patients who do not use social media, have conditions affecting attention, or cannot engage in physical activity may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help medical students optimize their study habits and improve their cognitive performance.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have explored the effects of breaks on cognitive performance, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * have and regularly use some form of social media * able to perform light physical activity such as walking or upper body movement Exclusion Criteria: * no social media usage * color blindness (cognitive tests require color perception) * ADHD or other known conditions that affect attention and/or concentration, * current concussion * any condition that prevents upper or lower body physical activity.
Where this trial is running
Old Westbury, New York
- Nyit — Old Westbury, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Amber Sousa, PhD — Nyit Com
- Study coordinator: Amber Sousa, PhD
- Email: asousa@nyit.edu
- Phone: 516-686-7698
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.