The Impact of Web-Based Physical Activity Interventions on Depression and Anxiety Among College Students: Randomized Experimental Trial

Abstract

Background Depression and anxiety are growing issues for college students, with both aerobic resistance training and mindfulness yoga exercises known to be effective in reducing symptoms and severity. However, no known research is available comparing these 2 depression and anxiety interventions simultaneously and in a web-based environment. Objective This study aims to determine the effects of a web-based aerobic resistance exercise intervention (WeActive) and a web-based yoga mindfulness exercise intervention (WeMindful) on depression and anxiety symptoms in college students. Methods The participants were 77 college students who anonymously completed a Qualtrics survey, including the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale and the Major Depression Inventory at baseline and after the intervention. Participants were randomly assigned to either the WeActive or WeMindful group and underwent two 30-minute web-based aerobic resistance exercise lessons or yoga mindfulness lessons per week for 8 weeks. Results The results of analysis of covariance with repeated measures indicated that although not statistically significant, both groups showed a notable decrease in anxiety with a marginally significant main effect of time (F1=3.485; P=.07; η2=0.047) but no significant main effect of group and no significant interaction effect of time with group. The 2 intervention groups experienced a significant decrease in depression with the main effect of time (F=3.892; P=.05; η2=0.052). There was no significant main effect of group or interaction effect of time with group for depression. Conclusions College students in both WeActive and WeMindful groups experienced a significant decrease in depression symptoms and a decrease, although not significant, in anxiety as well. The study suggests that web-based WeActive and WeMindful interventions are effective approaches to managing US college students’ depression and anxiety during a pandemic.

Mental Health and Physical Activity of Female Higher Education Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study from Lithuania

“…By analogy, the findings of our study were also in line with those of a recent cross-sectional study stipulating that engaging in a moderate and high volume of exercise was associated with lower depression symptomatology in non-clinical adult individuals [ 133 ]. Nonetheless, even though our study did not support the findings related to the positive effects of PA on anxiety symptomatology reported by other scholars [ 132 , 133 , 134 ], it was consistent with some cross-sectional studies and randomised, controlled trials [ 135 , 136 , 137 ] and was able to indicate the absence of beneficial effects of PA on reducing anxiety symptoms.…”

Remote Interventions to Support Students’ Psychological Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review of Recent Approaches

“…No significant changes were noted between the groups. The results of the study showed the effectiveness of both intervention programs for improving students’ mental health [ 37 ].…”

“…Moreover, four were supplemented by an additional follow-up examination [ 27 , 29 , 30 , 35 ]. An analysis of the statistical methods used revealed that three authors used univariate pre-post methods (Wilcoxon test, t-test, Mann-Whitney U test) [ 34 , 35 , 38 ], six authors used linear models [ 27 , 29 , 32 , 33 , 36 , 37 ], three studies employed analysis of variance [ 28 , 30 , 31 ].…”

Feasibility, Safety, Enjoyment, and System Usability of Web-Based Aerobic Dance Exercise Program in Older Adults: Single-Arm Pilot Study

“…To address these issues, a solution could be a web-based exercise program at home [ 9 , 10 ]. With the development of communication technology, people can participate in group exercises at home with guidance from an instructor through videoconferencing platforms such as the Zoom application (Zoom Video Communications) [ 11 , 12 ]. Although a web-based exercise through videoconferencing platform is beneficial, the feasibility, safety, and enjoyment of the web-based exercise program and ease of use of a web-based exercise delivery system should be carefully considered especially in older adults [ 13 ].…”