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

Author

Listed:
  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Michele W. Marenus & Ana Cahuas & Dianna Hammoud & Andy Murray & Kathryn Friedman & Haley Ottensoser & Julia Sanowski & Varun Kumavarel & Weiyun Chen, 2023. "Web-Based Physical Activity Interventions to Promote Resilience and Mindfulness Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(8), pages 1-13, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:8:p:5463-:d:1120799
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kathryn Friedman & Michele W. Marenus & Andy Murray & Ana Cahuas & Haley Ottensoser & Julia Sanowski & Weiyun Chen, 2022. "Enhancing Physical Activity and Psychological Well-Being in College Students during COVID-19 through WeActive and WeMindful Interventions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-14, March.
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    1. Detong Cheng & Zuqi Zheng & Gaofeng Yu & Haitang Huang, 2024. "A Hybrid Multi-Attribute Decision-Making Method Considering Tourists' Behavioral Preferences for Customized Tours," International Journal of Fuzzy System Applications (IJFSA), IGI Global, vol. 13(1), pages 1-13, January.

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