Exercise, Stress, and Wellness in Medical Students
Author Information
Author(s): McKayla Deisz, Cassie Papproth, Emily Ambler, Margaret Glick, Cassie Eno
Primary Institution: Creighton University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
This study analyzes the effects of exercise, nutrition, sleep, and other factors affecting wellness and performance of medical students, as well as identifying barriers to exercise and possible solutions.
Conclusion
Medical students who engage in regular exercise report higher satisfaction with their social relationships and academic performance, while also experiencing lower stress levels.
Supporting Evidence
- Students reported an average of 5.7 hours of exercise per week.
- Students who exercised more reported higher satisfaction with their academic performance.
- Barriers to exercise included lack of time, low energy, and bad weather.
- Students identified potential solutions such as increasing accessibility to exercise facilities.
Takeaway
Medical students feel better and do better in school when they exercise more, but they often struggle to find time to work out.
Methodology
A survey was distributed to medical students in the Midwest to evaluate exercise habits, dietary intake, sleep, and other factors affecting wellness.
Limitations
The study is limited to medical students in the Midwest, which may not represent students in other regions.
Participant Demographics
{"age_mean":25.44,"gender_distribution":{"male":35.1,"female":60.1,"other":1.0},"race_distribution":{"white":78.9,"black":1.0,"american_indian":0.5,"asian":8.9,"other":2.3,"prefer_not_to_say":1.5},"ethnicity_distribution":{"spanish_hispanic_latino":5.6,"not_spanish_hispanic_latino":90.6},"year_in_school_distribution":{"M1":10.9,"M2":33.8,"M3":28.5,"M4":23.2}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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