Breaking sedentary behavior among university students: the interest of incorporating cycling desks concurrently with an academic task at light intensity

<b>Introduction</b>: University students experience ≈ 9 h of sitting/day, which may support interventions like active desks. <b>Participants:</b> University students (<i>n</i> = 24) Method: Randomized crossover trial aimed to compare effects of sitting (SED), low and moderate-intensity cycling desks (CD_LPA; CD_MPA) concurrent to an academic task (30-minute video + written exam). Selective visual attention (Tobii Glasses 2) was measured throughout the intervention, and workload (NASA-TLX) and anxiety (POMS-SF) were assessed before and after the video and post-exam. <b>Results</b>: In this pilot study, the exam scores were lower for CD_MPA compared to CD_LPA (<i>p</i> = 0.009). During the video, selective visual attention was lower for CD_MPA compared to SED and CD_MPA compared to CD_LPA (both <i>p</i> < 0.001). After the video, the perceived workload was higher with CD_MPA, compared to SED and CD_LPA (both <i>p</i> < 0.001). Anxiety increased throughout the experiment, regardless of the conditions (<i>p</i> = 0.015). <b>Conclusion</b>: CP_LPA may be prioritized to increase physical activity levels without hindering learning processes.