Actively Recruiting
Examining Executive Functions in Medical Students Across Different Types of Study Breaks
Led by New York Institute of Technology · Updated on 2024-11-29
120
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to compare how different types of breaks affect memory and attention in medical students after a long period of studying. The study evaluates an active break involving walking or upper body movement, a digital break involving phone use, and no break at all. Tests measuring memory, executive function, and attention will be used to understand the effects of these breaks on cognitive performance. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: an active physical break group, a digital break group, or a control group with no break. After a period of studying, the active group will take a 10-minute light physical activity break, the digital group will take a 10-minute social media break, and the control group will continue studying without a break. Each group will complete cognitive tests before and after the break period, including the List Learning Task, Stroop Test, and Sustained Attention to Response Task. During the study day, participants will fill out demographic forms and complete cognitive tests before studying. After 45 minutes of study, they will take the first part of a memory test, then take their assigned break or continue studying. After the break, they will complete the second part of the memory test, followed by attention and executive function tests. Surveys will collect information on social media use and participants' thoughts about their break experience. The primary outcome is sustained attention measured during the study day.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Examining Executive Functions in Medical Students Across Different Types of Study Breaks
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Have and regularly use some form of social media
- Able to perform light physical activity such as walking or upper body movement
You will not qualify if you...
- 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
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 day
Participants complete baseline cognitive tests, engage in a 45-minute self-study session, followed by a task and a 15-minute break or continued study depending on group assignment. After the break or continued study, participants complete additional cognitive tasks and surveys about their break experience.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
NYIT
Old Westbury, New York, United States, 11568
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Amber Sousa, PhD
J
Joanne DiFrancisco-Donoghue, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
3
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