The Effect of Brain-Breaks Physical Activity on Undergraduates’ Cognitive Function and Physical Activity Behaviour

Brain-breaks (BB) physical activity are designed to integrate physical activity into sedentary learning environments that can enhance students’ engagement and mental well-being. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the BB intervention on Malaysian undergraduate students’ cognitive function and physical activity behaviours (PAB). Study 1 comprised of 48 participants (24 males, 24 females) aged 18 to 19 (1.48 ± 0.50) examining the effect of BB on cognitive function. Whereas, study 2 comprised of 12 participants (6 males, 6 females) aged 18 to 19 (1.67 ± 0.49) examining the effect of BB on PA behaviours. BB were conducted twice a day and three times a week for a duration of 12 weeks. Participants’ cognitive function was measured using the MUSE head-band together with the Digit Vigilance Test. Whereas the participants’ PAB was recorded using Mi Band 4. Descriptive analysis and mixed-factorial ANOVA were used to analyze the data. The results showed significant changes for the group effect on theta, F(1, 46) = 6.385, p = .015, alpha, F(1, 46) = 5.487, p = .024, beta, F(1, 46) = 7.117, p = .011 and gamma, F(1, 46) = 10.059, p = .003. The results also revealed that the intervention group significantly increased their daily steps, total distance walked, and calories burned compared to the control group. The study revealed that BB was successful in improving cognitive function and PAB in undergraduates’ students.