Acute Effects of Active Breaks and Physically Active Learning 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.

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.