Impact Of A Physical Activity Challenge On Anxiety, Depression, Energy, Fatigue, And Stress

Universities are optimally positioned to enhance student wellbeing through physical activity (PA) promotion programs that encourage accrual of PA within a certain timeframe. Research examining the programmatic impact on PA levels and psychological outcomes can provide effectiveness feedback. PURPOSE: To examine changes in anxiety, depression, energy, fatigue, and stress before, during, and after a 4-week (wk) PA challenge for university students. METHODS: Students (n = 50) participating the 4-wk PA challenge were recruited to wear an ActiGraph Centrepoint Watch for 7 wks to obtain objective PA measures. Participants completed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) for energy and fatigue before, during, and after the 4-wk PA challenge. RESULTS: Students with valid data for 7 wks (n = 40; age = 21.9 ± 4.7; 77.5% female) were assessed. Students were grouped by Moderate-to-Vigorous PA pattern during the challenge: (a) increased or maintained; (b) decreased. There were no significant main effects of group, time, nor interaction for anxiety, depression, energy, fatigue, or stress. CONCLUSIONS: The short-term (4-wk) PA promotion program did not impact psychological outcomes. Future studies are needed to explore how to improve PA patterns and their association with psychological outcomes to further investigate possible strategies that could lead to more robust changes in PA levels and/or psychological outcomes. Supported by: Supported by USF Faculty Development Funds