Impact of the simultaneous distribution of e-learning and exercise videos on the health literacy and lifestyle of college students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a randomized controlled trial

[Purpose] The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its associated restrictions have raised concerns regarding the lack of exercise among college students. Videos on digital platforms have addressed this issue, although their effects on student behavior are unclear. The present study investigated whether the simultaneous distribution of e-learning and exercise videos among college students during the lifting of behavioral restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic was effective in promoting health. [Participants and Methods] We conducted a randomized controlled trial in which 100 college students were recruited. The data of 61 students (e-learning and exercise video group=21, exercise video group=20, and control group=20) who completed baseline surveys were analyzed. The preliminary outcomes were physical activity, health habits, eHealth literacy, health-related quality of life, subjective well-being, and psychological stress. A mixed-model repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare these variables before and after the intervention. [Results] Health practice and eHealth literacy scales exhibited significant interactions in the e-learning and exercise video groups compared to the other groups. [Conclusion] The combined distribution of e-learning and exercise videos did not significantly enhance physical activity among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, health literacy and habits improved.