The influence of physical activity intensity on physical pain and hyper mental activity in undergraduate students

Abstract

Background: Physical activity has numerous physical and psychological benefits for university students. The present study aims to analyze the influence of physical activity intensity on the variables of physical pain and hyper mental activity. Method: A comparative, descriptive and exploratory design was used in this study. The sample comprises 1900 physical therapy undergraduate students, who were recruited from several universities in the south of Spain using convenience sampling. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, Chronic Pain Assessment Questionnaire and Mental Hyperactivity Questionnaire were used. A structural equation model has been developed. The proposed model analyzes the relationship between physical activity, bodily pain and hyper mental activity. Results: The model shows satisfactory fit across the different indices (Chi2 = 2.853; Df = 5; IFI = 0.948, CFI = 0.903; NFI = 0.900; RMSEA = 0.069). Statistically significant differences were observed in the effect of physical activity intensity on hyper mental activity (p < 0.05). There are also significant differences of hyper mental activity on bodily pain between groups (p < 0.05). A relationship of hyper mental activity on bodily pain was observed for participants performing light-intensity physical activity (β = 0.642). Regarding the effect of physical activity on physical pain, no statistically significant differences between groups were found (p > 0.05). A positive effect between both variables was observed for moderate intensity (β = 0.006). Conclusions: Physical activity has a very weak effect on mental hyperactivity, regardless of its intensity. On the other hand, mental hyperactivity significantly influences body pain. No significant effect was found between physical activity and body pain. In terms of applicability, strategies should be designed that integrate physical activity and emotional regulation strategies to prevent pain and reduce mental hyperactivity.