The Effect of Exercise on Stress Level and Mood in College Students

In this study, the effect of exercise on stress and mood was analyzed in college students. Stress and mood were measured on nominal and ordinal scales respectively and analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired T-test. Exercise showed a significant effect (p<0.05) on stress (p=.000, r=.655, df=34). Exercise had no relationship (p<0.05) with mood (p=.118, r=.266, df=34). Overall, this study did show a significant reduction in stress levels after two hours of aerobic exercise. Mood, however, was not significantly affected by exercise. In future research time of day needs to be controlled for and a more elaborate scale for mood should be applied. Also, biomarkers may more accurately measure stress and mood than self report.