Analysis of physical activity benefits in crisis situations for university students with depressive symptoms

Abstract

The present study focused on analyzing the benefits of physical activity in college students with depressive symptoms. The research was conducted with 30 participants that were not necessarily clinically diagnosed as depressive. The Beck depression inventory (BDI-II) was applied before and after an intervention program. Assessments were based on student performance in different physical exercises to determine their impact on depression. Data was analyzed by using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The results indicate that there was a significant difference between depression symptom levels before and after a physical activity, thereby showing a significant reduction in depressive symptoms. In conclusion, well-designed physical activity programs, performed in moderation, beneficially reduce depression levels in young university students since they generate positive spaces for improving student well-being and quality of life.