Association between Stress and Physical Fitness of University Students Post-COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Post-COVID-19 pandemic, most universities changed their educational model from online courses to onsite learning, allowing students to attend regular face-to-face classes. These changes can cause stress in students, which affects physical fitness. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between stress levels and physical fitness in female university students. The participants were 101 female university students, 18–23 years of age. All participants completed the Suan Prung Stress Test-60 (SPST-60). The physical fitness test included body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, as well as musculoskeletal fitness. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the associations between SPST-60 scores and physical fitness. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. We found a negative correlation between the sources of stress scores, here environment, and maximal oxygen consumption (β = −0.291; 95% CI, −0.551, −0.031). We also found that symptoms of stress scores in the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems were positively associated with waist-hip circumference ratio (WHR) (β = 0.010; 95% CI, 0.002, 0.017 and β = 0.006; 95% CI, 0.000, 0.012, respectively). Moreover, the symptoms of stress, here emotion, were positively associated with the WHR (β = 0.005; 95 %CI, 0.001, 0.009) and negatively associated with upper extremity muscle strength (β = −0.005; 95% CI, −0.009, 0.000). The results of this study confirmed the associations between stress levels in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era and WHR, maximal oxygen consumption, and upper extremity muscle strength. As a result, stress reduction or prevention alternatives should be considered in order to maintain physical fitness and prevent stress disorders.

Changes in physical activity indicators of Ukrainian students in the conditions of distance education

“…It was determined that the proper level of PA is a factor that influences physical and psychoemotional states (Kosheleva et al, 2021). The PA classes have a positive effect on the well-being, mood, physical health, and physical and mental performance of different population groups, and allow reducing the manifestations of stress (Andrieieva et al, 2022a, b;Kashuba et al, 2021;Marchenko et al, 2023;Suwannakul et al, 2023;Zhi et al, 2022). The importance of the PA in improving mental health, which is especially relevant today, is indicated by the following authors (Andrieieva et al, 2022a;Nahorna et al, 2023;Yopa et al, 2023).…”

An analysis of pain intensity, injury incidence, and their associations with socio-demographic factors in high school athletes: A cross-sectional study during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…In essence, sports can act as stress inducers, given that athletes dedicate considerable time to sports-related activities, such as attending training sessions, team gatherings, travel, and competitions [41,42]. Consequently, this can instigate psychological stress in adolescents, potentially escalating muscular tension, muscular asymmetry in various body regions [43][44][45], muscle strength and maximal oxygen consumption [46]. It is crucial for sports medicine professionals, and coaches, to consider the potential impact of the pandemic on athlete health and well-being and implement appropriate measures to mitigate the risk of pain and injury during next challenging time.…”