Effect of pedometer-based walking on depression, anxiety, and insomnia among medical students in a government medical college

Context: Pedometer is a popular tool to measure physical activity and it is easy to use. Objectives: The impact of pedometer-based walking on insomnia, anxiety, and depression among medical students was evaluated in this study. Methods: A total of 120 2nd-year MBBS students were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 60 in each group). Anxiety, insomnia, and depression levels were assessed using Beck's depression inventory, Beck's anxiety inventory, and Likert sleep scale questionnaire at different time durations. Data were analyzed using the independent t-test, Chi-square, and repeated measures tests. Results: We noticed 22.1% reduction in depression score in the intervention group (P = 0.009). Anxiety score was reduced to 19% among the intervention group students (P = 0.03). Sleep quality improved in students of the intervention group as compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: A walking training programme can be considered to manage depression, anxiety, and insomnia in medical students.