Exercise Is Medicine on Campus®: A Pilot Study

The primary objective was to (a) test the effectiveness of an Exercise Is Medicine® on Campus (EIM-OC) program in a university setting and (b) compare the baseline levels of physical activity, mental health, and physical health with post-EIM-OC levels. Referred and consenting students (n= 9) participated in a 12-week program. At pre- and postprogram, participants completed measures of current health behaviors, obstacles to physical activity, health goals, physical activity history, biometric screening (resting heart rate, blood pressure (BP), waist-to-hip ratio, body composition percentage via bioelectrical impedance, cardiovascular and muscular endurance baseline, and flexibility), perceived stress, and self-compassion. All of the participants adhered to 100% of the program. Participants experienced a decrease in resting heart rate, body composition, and BP and an increase in sleep, physical activity, and self-compassion. The program will be implemented with a larger sample of referred students with the goal of reducing risk or prevalence of chronic disease.