Web-Based Physical Activity Interventions to Promote Resilience and Mindfulness Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Study

Michele W. Marenus, Ana Cahuas, Dianna Hammoud, Andy Murray, Kathryn Friedman, Haley Ottensoser, Julia Sanowski, Varun Kumavarel and Weiyun Chen ()
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Michele W. Marenus: School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Ana Cahuas: Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Dianna Hammoud: Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Andy Murray: School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Kathryn Friedman: School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Haley Ottensoser: School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Julia Sanowski: School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Varun Kumavarel: School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Weiyun Chen: School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 8, 1-13

Abstract: College students faced unique challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Implementing a physical activity intervention can help support the physical and mental health of college students. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an aerobic–strength training exercise intervention ( WeActive ) and a mindful exercise intervention ( WeMindful ) in improving resilience and mindfulness among college students. Seventy-two students from a major public university in the Midwest participated in a two-arm experimental study over the course of ten weeks. One week before and after the 8-week interventions, participants completed the Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-15), Connor Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10), and demographic and background questionnaire via Qualtrics. Both groups also participated in bi-weekly Peer Coaching sessions, which utilized reflective journaling and goal-setting exercises. ANCOVA showed a significant main effect of time for total mindfulness score ( F = 5.177, p < 0.05, η 2 = 0.070), mindfulness Acting with Awareness ( F = 7.321, p < 0.05, η 2 = 0.096), and mindfulness Non-Judging of Inner Experience ( F = 5.467, p < 0.05, η 2 = 0.073). No significant main effect of group and interaction effects of time with group were observed for the total mindfulness and the five facets of mindfulness as well as resilience. In addition, no significant main effect of time for resilience was found. We conclude that aerobic–strength exercises and mindful yoga exercises, together with reflective journaling, may be effective in increasing mindfulness in the college population.

Keywords: virtual intervention; aerobic and resistance training; mindful exercises; resilience (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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