At a glance
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Effects of Exercise-Based Obesity Simulation on Weight Bias and Clinical Decision-Making in Health Professions Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial
In Brief
A clinical study evaluating Exercise with Obesity Simulation Suit, Exercise-only, and 1 other intervention for Weight Bias and 2 related conditions. Completed, enrolled 107 participants across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
This study examines whether an exercise-based simulation can reduce weight bias and improve professional skills among health professions students. Weight stigma in healthcare settings can negatively affect patient communication, clinical decision-making, and patient engagement in health-promoting behaviors. In this randomized controlled trial, undergraduate health professions students were assigned to one of three groups: (1) a control group completing a communication module and light stretching, (2) an exercise-only group completing treadmill walking, or (3) an exercise group completing treadmill walking while wearing an obesity simulation suit designed to represent additional body weight. The simulation aimed to provide students with an experiential understanding of movement challenges associated with higher body weight. Participants completed assessments at baseline, one week, and eight weeks after the intervention. Outcomes included measures of implicit and explicit weight bias, empathy, clinical decision-making using patient scenarios, professional behavioral intentions, and reflective learning. The purpose of this study is to determine whether a brief experiential intervention can reduce weight bias and improve competencies related to patient-centered and weight-inclusive care in health professions education.
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
Participants completed the same 30-minute treadmill protocol as the exercise-only group while wearing an adjustable obesity simulation suit. The suit added approximately 20% of body mass to simulate increased body weight and movement constraints during exercise.
Participants completed a 30-minute treadmill walking session consisting of a 5-minute warm-up (2.5 mph, 0% grade), 20-minute walk (2.5 mph, 6% grade), and 5-minute cool-down. Heart rate and perceived exertion were monitored to ensure moderate-intensity exercise.
Participants completed a time-matched session consisting of a 10-minute professional communication micro-module (etiquette, active listening, teamwork; no obesity-related content) followed by approximately 20 minutes of low-intensity stretching. The session was designed to control for instructor attention and time without exposure to exercise or obesity simulation.