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Abstracts & Posters

Vol. 1 No. S1 (2025): Special Issue: 2025 Geisel Research Poster Night

Stepping Into Wellness: Exploring the Feasibility, Acceptability, and Impact of Walking Pads in a Medical School Environment: Methods

Submitted
14 December 2025
Published
27-12-2025

Abstract

Medical students frequently experience prolonged sedentary study periods, which are associated with physical discomfort, mental fatigue, and increased stress. While physical activity is known to enhance cognitive function and emotional well-being, few interventions have evaluated practical approaches to integrating movement into academic environments. This study explores the feasibility, acceptability, and potential health impact of providing walking pads for medical students within shared study spaces at Geisel School of Medicine. A prior class-wide survey indicated strong interest, with nearly 80% of students reporting they would use walking pads if available. The intervention allows students to check out portable walking pads for use during independent study sessions, after which participants complete brief surveys assessing satisfaction, perceived physical activity, and mental fatigue or stress. Primary outcomes focus on feasibility and operational success, measured by frequency of use and student satisfaction. Secondary outcomes assess self-reported changes in physical activity levels, sedentary time, mood, and perceived stress during extended study sessions. This pilot initiative aims to determine whether walking pads are a practical and acceptable wellness intervention in a medical school setting and to generate preliminary data on their potential benefits. Findings may inform scalable strategies to promote movement, reduce sedentary behavior, and support student well-being in rigorous academic environments.

References

  1. References are available on the poster PDF.