Positive Health Online

Abstract

ZIEFF and COLLEAGUES (1)Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.; (2)Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Memorial Hospital, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA. Conducted a pilot study to assess the feasibility and combined effect of aerobic exercise (AE) and mindfulness meditation (MM), compared with MM alone and a control (CON) condition, on stress, anxiety, and depression in high-stress college-based young adults.

 

Background

This pilot study assessed the feasibility and combined effect of aerobic exercise (AE) and mindfulness meditation (MM), compared with MM alone and a control (CON) condition, on stress, anxiety, and depression in high-stress college-based young adults.

Methodology

Thirty-two participants (84.4% F, 20.5 ± 2.7 years, 23.9 ± 5.0 kg/m2) were randomized to a four-week, AE + MM (n = 16), MM (n = 10), or control intervention (n = 6).

Results

ANOVA revealed non-significant, but noteworthy group x time interactions (perceived stress: p = 0.09; anxiety/depression: p = 0.07).

Conclusion

Both AE + MM and MM seem to be feasible strategies to reduce levels of stress, anxiety and depression in college-based young adults.

References

Zieff GH(1), Stoner L(1), Frank B(1), Gaylord S(2), Battle S(1), Hackney AC(1). Aerobic exercise, mindfulness meditation, and stress-reduction in high-stress, college-based young adults: A pilot study.  J Am Coll Health.  ;72(5):1331-1335. DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2076103 . Epub May 25 2022 . Jul 2024.