The relationship between low-intensity exercise and psychological distress among college students

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study was to confirm the relationship between low-intensity exercise and physical and mental health status among college students in China. METHODS This was a school-based cross-sectional study. The physical and mental health status was measured using a 12-item general health questionnaire(GHQ12) and low-intensity exercise was recorded by a self-reporting questionnaire. RESULTS The results revealed that the score of the GHQ12 was inversely associated with a higher frequency of low-intensity exercise (r=-0.38,p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that low-intensity exercise may be a proper mean for improving the physical and mental health status of college students. School departments should take measures to push students to take part in physical activity.