Relationship of Physical Activity with Anxiety and Mood States: A Case Study of Health and Physical Education Students

Abstract

The current study was initiated to determine the relationship between physical activity level and anxiety and mood states among health and physical education students at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan college level. The sample for the current study consisted of college students aged 19-24 selected from different colleges in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. As the study dealt with other variables, the researcher used different scales/questionnaires to collect the required information. For demographic information, age, gender, physical activity levels, and students' educational information were collected. Physical activity, anxiety, and mood states were measured with the help of standardized scales. The researcher used mean and standard deviation to analyze the demographic attributes of the participants. In addition, multiple correlation, multiple regression, and test of significance (t-test and ANOVA) were used to test hypotheses. According to the findings of this study, physical activity was linked to a higher mood (r2=.095, .143 > 0.01) and decreased state anxiety (r2=.959, .000 < 0.01). Male participants scored higher on stress and physical activity, whereas female participants scored higher on mood states (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the data revealed that their psychological health improved when participants engaged in moderate physical activity. In contrast, younger students scored higher when they engaged in strenuous physical activity (p < 0.05). These findings emphasize the importance of physical activity in sustaining anxiety and mood state psychological factors.