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A groundbreaking study led by a professor at The Ohio State University has revealed the remarkable benefits of incorporating exercise breaks into university lectures. Published in the journal Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, the research highlights how brief physical activity sessions during classes can enhance student attention, motivation, and overall engagement.
Professor Scott Hayes, the author of the study and an associate professor of psychology at Ohio State, initiated this innovative approach to address the challenges of maintaining focus during lengthy lecture sessions.
“Nobody can stay on task for 80 minutes straight without their mind wandering and their attention waxing and waning,” Hayes explained. “By integrating short exercise breaks into lectures, we aimed to reinvigorate students’ focus and boost their productivity.”
The study, conducted over the course of a full semester across four upper-level psychology courses, involved implementing one to two five-minute exercise sessions during each 80-minute lecture. These sessions were designed and led by student groups, fostering their active involvement in the process.
“We wanted students to take ownership of the exercise sessions, which we believed would enhance their engagement and investment in the activity,” Hayes elaborated.
While initially met with some apprehension, the exercise breaks quickly gained popularity among students, who embraced the opportunity to momentarily step away from their desks and participate in physical activity. Exercises ranged from traditional movements like jumping jacks and lunges to creatively themed activities, such as mimicking apple picking in an orchard.
Feedback from students overwhelmingly endorsed the effectiveness of the exercise breaks. End-of-semester evaluations revealed widespread appreciation for the sessions, with students expressing heightened motivation and improved focus during lectures. Many reported that they had never experienced exercise breaks in a class before and expressed a desire for more opportunities for physical activity during academic sessions.
Although the study did not directly assess the impact of exercise breaks on student learning outcomes, Hayes believes that the positive feedback underscores the potential of this approach to enhance overall classroom experiences.
“While we didn’t measure the effect on learning and grades in this study, the enthusiastic response from students suggests that exercise breaks have the potential to positively influence academic engagement and performance,” Hayes stated.
The success of this pioneering initiative has already inspired other faculty members to implement exercise breaks in their courses, signaling a promising shift toward more dynamic and student-centered teaching practices.
As universities continue to explore innovative strategies to optimize learning environments, the integration of exercise breaks offers a simple yet impactful solution to promote student well-being and academic success. With growing recognition of the benefits, this approach may soon become a common feature in classrooms nationwide, fostering a healthier and more engaging educational experience for all.
