Faculty Sponsor(s)
Sarah Coste
Location
Jereld R. Nicholson Library: Grand Avenue
Subject Area
Health, Human Performance and Athletics
Description
Generalized anxiety disorder is described as excessive and inappropriate worrying that is persistent and not restricted to particular circumstances. Anxiety has recently surpassed depression as the number one mental health disorder on college campuses. Multiple studies have shown that exercise reduces anxiety symptoms and feelings of stress. Many students enroll in physical activity courses due to college requirements, or as a way to engage in regular physical activity. On our campus, yoga and pilates are two of the most popular physical activity courses and require two 50-minute sessions each week. The purpose of this study was to determine whether participation in these courses has a significant impact in reducing anxiety in a traditional college population. We surveyed students enrolled in either a yoga or pilates class and compared their responses to a control group not enrolled in a physical activity course.
Recommended Citation
McHugh, Drew; Reid, Alex; and Nopp, Ellen, "Comparing the Effects of Various Exercise Regimens on Anxiety Levels in College Aged Students" (2019). Linfield University Student Symposium: A Celebration of Scholarship and Creative Achievement. Event. Submission 47.
https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/symposium/2019/all/47
Comparing the Effects of Various Exercise Regimens on Anxiety Levels in College Aged Students
Jereld R. Nicholson Library: Grand Avenue
Generalized anxiety disorder is described as excessive and inappropriate worrying that is persistent and not restricted to particular circumstances. Anxiety has recently surpassed depression as the number one mental health disorder on college campuses. Multiple studies have shown that exercise reduces anxiety symptoms and feelings of stress. Many students enroll in physical activity courses due to college requirements, or as a way to engage in regular physical activity. On our campus, yoga and pilates are two of the most popular physical activity courses and require two 50-minute sessions each week. The purpose of this study was to determine whether participation in these courses has a significant impact in reducing anxiety in a traditional college population. We surveyed students enrolled in either a yoga or pilates class and compared their responses to a control group not enrolled in a physical activity course.
