How Short-Term Aerobic Exercise Affects Stress and Mood in Students

Investigating The Effect of Short-Term Aerobic Exercise on Stress and Mood Among Students

This study was conducted to understand how short-term aerobic exercise affects mood and stress in university students. The research focused on healthy male and female students between the ages of 18 and 25. Participants were asked to complete two questionnaires: one to measure their mood and another to assess their stress levels. These questionnaires were filled out before, immediately after, and at several intervals up to 24 hours after a single session of aerobic exercise.The goal was to see whether exercise could quickly improve mood and reduce stress, and how long these effects might last. The study was carefully designed, and ethically approved. By focusing on immediate and short-term changes, the research highlights the potential benefits of exercise for mental well-being in young adults.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy male and female students aged between 18 and 25 years.
• Ability to speak and understand written English.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Students who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• Students who currently smoke.
• Students who respond "yes" to any of the seven questions on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q).
• Students taking medications for chronic diseases such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
• Students with a current or past diagnosis of a psychotic disorder.