Breaking sedentary behavior among university students: the interest of incorporating cycling desks concurrently with an academic task at light intensity

Introduction: University students experience ≈ 9 h of sitting/day, which may support interventions like active desks. Participants: University students (n = 24) Method: Randomized crossover trial aimed to compare effects of sitting (SED), low and moderate-intensity cycling desks (CDLPA; CDMPA) concurrent to an academic task (30-minute video + written exam). Selective visual attention (Tobii Glasses 2) was measured throughout the intervention, and workload (NASA-TLX) and anxiety (POMS-SF) were assessed before and after the video and post-exam. Results: In this pilot study, the exam scores were lower for CDMPA compared to CDLPA (p = 0.009). During the video, selective visual attention was lower for CDMPA compared to SED and CDMPA compared to CDLPA (both p < 0.001). After the video, the perceived workload was higher with CDMPA, compared to SED and CDLPA (both p < 0.001). Anxiety increased throughout the experiment, regardless of the conditions (p = 0.015). Conclusion: CPLPA may be prioritized to increase physical activity levels without hindering learning processes.