Exercise intervention for improving mental health in post-secondary students
One-on-one and Group-based Physical Activity Intervention Compared to a Wait-list Control for Post-secondary Student Mental Health and Well-being: A 3-arm Parallel Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing whether exercise programs, either one-on-one or in groups, can help improve the mental health of college students who are feeling anxious or depressed.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 93 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Toronto Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT06350877 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of physical activity interventions on the mental health and well-being of post-secondary students. It compares one-on-one and group-based exercise formats to determine their impact on mental health symptoms such as anxiety and depression. The study addresses significant gaps in existing literature by utilizing a randomized control design, ensuring a more robust analysis of outcomes. Participants will engage in physical activity sessions at the campus athletics and recreation center, focusing on those who are moderately or insufficiently active and reporting lower mental health statuses.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are post-secondary undergraduate or graduate students who are moderately or insufficiently active and report poor to good mental health.
Not a fit: Patients who are physically active or report very good to excellent mental health may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide an effective alternative approach to enhance mental health support for students through physical activity.
How similar studies have performed: While there is growing evidence supporting physical activity for mental health, this study's specific comparison of delivery styles is relatively novel and underexplored.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * a post-secondary undergraduate or graduate student enrolled either part-time or full-time at a Canadian post-secondary institution * fluent in English (e.g., proficiency in reading and verbal expression - written and oral) * able to attend in-person physical activity sessions at the campus athletics and recreation centre * moderately or insufficiently active ( \< 23 units of weekly leisure activity) based on interpretation scores from the Godin Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire * experiencing self-reported 'poor', 'fair' or 'good' mental health in the past month. Exclusion Criteria: * physically active (24 units or more of weekly leisure activity) based on interpretation scores from the Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire * unsuccessful exercise clearance using the physical activity readiness questionnaire (PAR-Q) * self-reported 'very good' or 'excellent' mental health
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- University of Toronto, Mental Health and Physical Activity Research Centre — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
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.