Exercise program for university students with mental health challenges

On-campus Supervised Physical Activity Programme for University Students Facing Mental Health Challenges: a Feasibility Study Exploring Feasibility, Acceptability, Fidelity and Preliminary Effects

Not applicable Interventional York St John University · NCT06874699

This study is trying out a new exercise program for university students with mental health challenges to see if it can help improve their overall well-being.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorYork St John University Academic / other
Locations1 site (York, North Yorkshire)
Trial IDNCT06874699 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project evaluates a new physical activity program launched at York St John University aimed at supporting students facing mental health challenges. Over a 6-month period, the study will recruit 20-40 students to assess the feasibility, acceptability, fidelity, and preliminary effects of the program on physical, mental, and social health outcomes. The evaluation will utilize mixed-methods to gather both quantitative and qualitative data from participants and staff involved in the program.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are students aged 18 and over enrolled at York St John University who are experiencing mild-to-moderate mental health concerns.

Not a fit: Patients who are unwilling or unable to provide consent or those who cannot attend the physical activity sessions may not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the mental health and daily functioning of participating students.

How similar studies have performed: While similar programs have shown promise in improving mental health through physical activity, this specific approach is novel in its focus on university students.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Student enrolled at York St John University
* Age 18 years and over
* Undertaking a course which requires attendance at York St John University's Lord Mayor's Walk Campus
* Presenting to the student wellbeing team with mild-to-moderate mental health concerns (defined as experiencing symptoms of poor mental health such as feeling depressed or socially isolated, prolonged stress and anxiety, or experiencing academic decline that makes their daily life more difficult but maintain daily functioning) and expressing an interest in enhancing their mental health and daily functioning

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unwilling or unable to provide written informed consent
* Unable to attend (or to participate in) the scheduled physical activity sessions
* Unsuccessful physical activity clearance using the physical activity readiness questionnaire (PAR-Q+)

Where this trial is running

York, North Yorkshire

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Mental HealthExercisePhysical activityAnxietyPsychological distressDepressionUniversity student
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.