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BIDDEFORD, Maine

The benefits of group exercise: SWAG视频 student research project receives international attention

Dayna Yorks leads a group exercise class

For Dayna Yorks, D.O. 鈥17, fitness is second nature. 鈥淚 was a group fitness instructor for years prior to medical school and it had become a part of who I was 鈥 it kept me grounded, whole and happy.鈥 When she arrived at the SWAG视频, she soon found the rigor and demands of medical school were taking a toll, so she started teaching fitness classes to small groups of friends. The classes were so well received she began working to create a formal fitness program for the SWAG视频 College of Osteopathic Medicine that could continue after she graduated.

Yorks was discussing her quest to start this program with Mark Schuenke, Ph.D., associate professor of anatomy, in the gym one day. They were talking about the impact of exercise and group fitness on medical students鈥 well-being, and Schuenke realized there was an opportunity for valuable research. 鈥淗e said, 鈥榳hy not bring a formal fitness program to SWAG视频 COM AND do a research project on it?鈥欌 Yorks recalled.

They enlisted the help of Christopher Frothingham, D.O., associate professor and interim chair of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine and Marilyn Gugliucci, Ph.D., professor and director of Geriatrics Education and Research, who assisted in developing a study that asked 69 first and second-year medical students about their stress levels and quality of life over a 12-week period. Those students were broken down into three groups: those participating in group fitness classes, those exercising alone or with up to two partners, and those who did not regularly exercise.

The study found that overall, exercise improved mental health. The research also showed that those who took the fitness class experienced the most significantly decreased levels of perceived stress and increased physical, mental and emotional quality of life. The study was published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association and gained the attention of media outlets around the world.

鈥淭his research wouldn鈥檛 have happened without the incredible support of three amazing faculty members 鈥 Dr. Schuenke, Dr. Frothingham, and Dr. Gugliucci,鈥 Yorks said. 鈥淭hey willingly provided guidance and mentorship that taught me about the research and publication process and ensured success in each step along the way. They believed in me, and their endless encouragement, enthusiasm and care strengthened our relationships. I can honestly say that I made three lifelong friends out of this experience, which is pretty special, and speaks volumes about the heart behind the university.鈥

In addition to the success of her research, Yorks is proud that the fitness program she created is still active and thriving on campus, with new medical students training to become instructors each year. 鈥淚 hope that what people, especially medical students, take away from this study is that exercise plays a significant role in quality of life. There are social and supportive aspects of group fitness that can be especially helpful in improving your mental health, but the most important thing is to exercise!鈥

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Yorks is proud that the fitness program she created is still active and thriving on campus
In addition to the success of her research, Yorks is proud that the fitness program she created is still active and thriving on campus, with new medical students training to become instructors each year.
those who took the fitness class experienced the most significantly decreased levels of perceived stress
The research showed that those who took the fitness class experienced the most significantly decreased levels of perceived stress and increased physical, mental and emotional quality of life.
"Exercise plays a significant role in quality of life."
鈥淚 hope that what people, especially medical students, take away from this study is that exercise plays a significant role in quality of life."

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The SWAG视频 is Maine鈥檚 largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state鈥檚 top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine鈥檚 only medical college, Maine鈥檚 only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.