Effectiveness of Physical Activity Counseling in University Students Educated by Distance Learning During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Randomized-Controlled Trial.

Authors : Gülşah BARĞI

Pages : 374-384

Doi:10.30621/jbachs.1027410

View : 19 | Download : 9

Publication Date : 2022-05-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Purpose: Students educated by distance learning experienced more physical inactivity and poorer quality of life insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(QOL); due to COVID-19 pandemic. Current study aimed to reveal the impacts of 4-week physical activity counseling insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(PAC); on step counts, physical activity insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(PA);, anxiety, depression, and QOL in university students. Methods: Students insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(19.97±1.14 years); were randomly grouped as PAC insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=15, progressive increases in step counts); or control insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=16, maintaining routine activities);. Step count, PA, anxiety, depression, and QOL were evaluated remotely. The students were followed up between December 2020 and March 2021. Results: Out of all students insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(4147.32±2916.54 steps/day);, 29% were inactive; 67.7% had anxiety; 61.3% were depressed before PAC. After PAC, step count insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(mean difference insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(MD);: 3999.69 steps/day, Cohen’s d=1.8);, total walking insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(MD: 734.15 MET-min/week, Cohen’s d=0.4); and total PA insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(MD: 924.22 MET-min/week, Cohen’s d=0.4); scores, and role limitations due to emotional problems, vitality, and emotional well-being subscales scores of QOL significantly increased in PAC group compared with controls; anxiety scores decreased vice versa insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p<0.05);. Changes in depression, total vigorous and moderate PA scores, and other QOL subscales scores were similar between groups insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p>0.05);. Conclusion: While PAC, a feasible, effective, and safe method during COVID-19 pandemic, improved anxiety, step count, PA level and QOL in students, PAC did not affect depression and some domains of QOL. Therefore, PAC should be offered to students and explored in other segments of society to prevent long-term effects of COVID-19.
Keywords : Anxiety, COVID 19, depression, exercise, quality of life, telehealth