Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Stress Management among Female College Students

The main purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise on stress in college students, particularly female students aged 16-19 years. Current research was conducted in the Government Associate College (Women) of Jhang Region. Purposive sampling was applied for the selection of the study sample. The study population consisted of 34 female students aged 16 to 19 years who voluntarily participated in the study. The current study was supported by experimental research. 8 8-week exercise protocol (aerobic) was used to check the effect of aerobic exercise on the stress and well-being of students. The students' stress level was analysed through the standardised perceived stress scale by Lee et al (2014). The obtained data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics (Frequency, percentages, mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (paired sample t-test, correlation). The study results found that the aerobic exercise intervention significantly reduced the perceived stress levels of the female college students in the experimental group. These findings of the study showed that college management should encourage female college students to perform regular aerobic exercises in an effort to reduce the perceived levels of stress and should develop outreach programs in an effort to educate female students about the benefits of exercise in reducing stress levels and improving mental health. This will lead to fostering a positive development of the young and produce a healthy and productive nation for society.