Moderate and Vigorous Physical Activity as a Protective Factor against Anxiety in University Students
Keywords:
physical activity, generalized anxiety, Mexican students, moderation analysis, COVID-19Abstract
Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the most significant adverse events contributing to increased anxiety worldwide. In response to the growing deterioration in mental health during and after the pandemic, health organizations and the scientific community have sought effective strategies to promote well-being, especially in preparation for future global crises. Moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) has been identified as a potential protective factor that enhances resilience in the face of adversity. This study aimed to analyze the moderating effect of MVPA levels on the relationship between suspected COVID-19 infection and anxiety levels in university students.
Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional, correlational-explanatory study was conducted with a sample of 922 Mexican university students (36.66% men, 63.34% women; M age = 19.97, SD = 2.92). Anxiety was measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and MVPA levels were assessed through the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-s). A dichotomous-response questionnaire was used to evaluate concern about COVID-19. ANOVA and simple moderation analyses were performed.
Findings: Results indicated a significant and negative moderating effect of MVPA on the relationship between suspected COVID-19 infection and anxiety levels. Additionally, significant sex differences were found in both MVPA levels and generalized anxiety.
Conclusion: In this sample, higher levels of MVPA were associated with lower anxiety, suggesting its potential as a protective factor in adverse contexts like a pandemic.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Roxana Abril Morales-Beltrán, Germán Hernández-Cruz, Diana Korinna Zazueta-Beltrán, Roberto Andrés González-Fimbres (Author); Luis Felipe Reynoso-Sánchez (Corresponding Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
