Clinical Research Directory

Acute Effects of Active Breaks and Physically Active Learning in University Students

This multicenter randomized crossover study will examine the acute effects of four classroom break conditions on executive functions, immediate academic performance, perceived exertion, and interest-enjoyment in university students. Each participant will complete four experimental sessions in which a different 15-minute condition will be implemented: a sedentary free break, a sedentary academic review break, an active break without academic content, and physically active learning combining movement with academic review. Cognitive performance will be assessed before and after each session using Stroop and N-Back tasks. Academic performance, perceived exertion, and interest-enjoyment will be assessed after each experimental session.

Adult ADHD Symptoms, Depression, Anxiety, and Academic Performance in Medical Students

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasingly recognized to persist into adulthood, often impacting academic performance in university and professional education. This relationship may be further complicated by co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to determine the prevalence of adult ADHD symptoms, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms among undergraduate medical students at Assiut University. The study also aims to evaluate how these psychiatric symptoms are associated with academic performance. Participants will complete a series of self-administered questionnaires, including the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale for anxiety, a socioeconomic status scale, and demographic/academic information including cumulative grade point average (GPA).

Impact of Generative AI on University Students' Learning Processes and Critical Thinking

This study is a randomized, controlled trial with a pre-test/post-test design, conducted to determine the effects of Generative AI (GenAI)-supported learning on academic achievement, learning efficiency, and critical thinking within a university setting. The study population consists of students from the Dialysis Program at Bingöl University's Vocational School of Health Services; the sample comprises 100 volunteer students who met the inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=50) or a control group (n=50). The experimental group will participate in a "Generative AI-Supported Learning Program" over the course of one month-meeting two days a week for a total of eight 60-minute sessions-covering topics ranging from effective prompting techniques to case analysis and academic ethics; meanwhile, the control group will continue with their routine educational activities. Data will be collected using a Demographic Information Form, the Academic Achievement Inventory, the Critical Thinking Disposition Scale, and the Artificial Intelligence Dependency Scale, and will be analyzed using biostatistical methods (t-tests, ANCOVA, and effect size calculations).

Mindful Minds: Mindfulness-Based Neurofeedback for Underrepresented College Students

The study examines the efficacy of a mindfulness-based neurofeedback protocol designed to improve academic performance and reduce performance anxiety in racial and ethnic minority college students. Using NeuroSky and BrainTrain technology, the intervention incorporates mindfulness principles to enhance participants' self-regulation skills. Continuous heart rate variability (HRV) data is collected to assess stress levels, sleep, and exercise. The research aims to explore the acceptability and feasibility of this approach, with the goal of addressing academic performance and anxiety in this population.

Mindfulness and Compassion Program for the Improvement of Emotional and Behavioral Problems, Academic Performance and School Climate in Students in the Last Cycle of Primary Education.

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of a Mindfulness and Compassion program to improve emotional and behavioral problems, academic performance and school climate of students in the last cycle of Primary Education. Participants will be randomly assigned to the Cuida2 program or to an active control group practicing relaxation. The different variables studied will be evaluated before and after the intervention, and at a three months follow-up. These evaluations will be carried out by the students and their families. In addition, a qualitative exploration will be carried out at the end of the programs, also including the teachers' perceptions.

Taabo Tutoring Study

Secondary school completion rates remain low in many low- and middle-income countries, including Côte d'Ivoire. Limited progression through lower secondary education may affect future educational and employment opportunities. In rural areas, pass rates on the Grade 10 national examination are modest, and some students leave school before completing lower secondary education. This study will evaluate whether tutoring improves academic outcomes and school continuation in the Taabo region of Côte d'Ivoire. Approximately 1,000 adolescents will participate in two related substudies. The first substudy will include 500 Grade 10 students identified by schools as being at risk of not passing the national examination. The second substudy will include 500 adolescents who previously attended Grades 7-9 but are not currently enrolled in school. Within each substudy, participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: peer tutoring, teacher tutoring, or no additional tutoring (control group). Students assigned to tutoring may receive up to 15 sessions over approximately 6 to 8 months. Tutoring sessions will focus on reviewing core curriculum content, preparing for examinations, and strengthening academic skills. The primary outcomes are (1) passing the Grade 10 national examination and (2) enrollment in lower secondary school in the following academic year. Secondary outcomes include grade progression, study time, academic confidence, cost-effectiveness of the tutoring models, academic and well-being outcomes among peer tutors, and other longer-term outcomes (educational attainment, early family formation, mental health).

Internet Addiction and Sleep Quality Among Medical Students

Internet addiction has become increasingly prevalent among medical students and may negatively affect sleep quality and academic performance. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the prevalence of internet addiction among medical students at Sohag University and evaluate its relationship with sleep quality and academic achievement using validated assessment tools.

MOVI-OLE! [Open Learning Environments]

This study will evaluate the effectiveness of MOVI-OLE! (Open Learning Environment), a school-based intervention designed to reduce sedentary time and enhance multiple aspects of child development, including cognitive function, physical fitness, body composition, psychological well-being, and student engagement. The intervention combines dynamic classroom furniture with student-centered teaching practices. Additionally, a qualitative component will explore how students, teachers, and families perceive the feasibility and acceptability of implementing MOVI-OLE! in real-world school settings.

Neurofeedback-mindfulness Techniques on Anxiety, Stress, and Academic Performance of Nursing Students

In today's society, anxiety and stress are prevalent emotional responses in mental health globally, significantly affecting students' well-being and academic performance. In particular, undergraduate nursing students face high levels of these problems due to the heavy academic workload and demands of their training, especially during exam periods. The need for concentration, emotional management, and decision-making under pressure contribute to the prevalence of these disorders, impacting both their quality of life and academic performance. Despite the existence of multiple strategies and techniques for managing these issues, it is still necessary to continue exploring innovative alternatives that complement traditional interventions. For this reason, this project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness-neurofeedback as a treatment to reduce stress and anxiety in nursing students, with the goal of providing scientific evidence on this intervention. This brain training technique is presented as a promising option, based on the modulation of brain activity, with the potential to improve emotional regulation and concentration in the educational setting.

Effect of Self-regulated Learning on Academic Performance Among Physical Education Students

Difficulty in employment for college students is a serious social problem in China. All qualification examinations, further education and jobs require written theory tests. Many students are affected by their examinations, additional studies, and employment due to poor academic performance and insufficient learning ability. College students majoring in physical education generally perform better in motor technical skills but often encounter difficulties in theoretical learning. According to the existing literature and many studies, self-regulated learning is an advanced form of metacognitive learning (Pintrich, 2004). It helps cultivate students\' independent learning ability and can improve their theoretical academic performance. This study attempts to use self-regulated learning in physical education theory classes to examine whether this method can enhance physical education students' theoretical academic performance.