The 'MED-WELL' programme: an exercise intervention to educate and promote well-being among medical students

Oral Presentation B9.2

Authors

  • Aubree Worobetz University of Limerick
  • Petrus J. Retief University of Limerick
  • Sinead Loughran University of Limerick
  • Jane Walsh National University of Ireland
  • Monica Casey University of Limerick
  • Peter Hayes University of Limerick
  • Enrique García Bengoechea University of Limerick
  • Andrew O'Regan University of Limerick
  • Catherine B. Woods University of Limerick
  • Dervla Kelly University of Limerick
  • Raymond O'Connor University of Limerick
  • Deirdre McGrath University of Limerick
  • Liam G. Glynn University of Limerick

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.544

Keywords:

Feasibility Study, Physical Activity, Medical Education

Abstract

Background: Medical school programme workloads challenge the physical and mental health of students particularly in graduate entry programmes. There is evidence that physical activity (PA) can improve wellness among medical students. Purpose: To test the feasibility of introducing an exercise programme into the medical school curriculum which would promote health and well-being among its students and educate on the use of exercise as medicine in clinical practice. Methods: The ‘MED-WELL’ programme is a six-week programme of one hour-long weekly sessions, each involving a different type of PA and an educational session on incorporating exercise theory into daily medical practice. Three parameters were used to test feasibility: 1. Recruitment and retention of participants, 2. Acceptability of the programme and 3. Efficacy in terms of health and well-being. The questionnaires were administered pre- and post-intervention and collected data using six distinct validated measurement scales. Free text boxes also encouraged participants to discuss the merits of the programme. Results: It is feasible to introduce this programme into the medical school curriculum. After completing the programme, significant improvements were seen in participant scores in the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, Sleep Quality Scale, Loneliness Scale, and levels of PA during a typical week. Conclusions: This study has shown it is feasible to deliver the ‘MED-WELL’ programme in a medical school curriculum. The programme seems to be of benefit and is acceptable to students. Funding: Funding was provided by the School of Medicine, University of Limerick.

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Worobetz, A., Retief, P., Loughran, S., Walsh, J., Casey, M., Hayes, P., García Bengoechea, E., O’Regan, A., Woods, C., Kelly, D., O’Connor, R., McGrath, D., & Glynn, L. (2021). The ’MED-WELL’ programme: an exercise intervention to educate and promote well-being among medical students: Oral Presentation B9.2. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.544

Most read articles by the same author(s)