Physical Activity and Psychological Health in Urban College Exercise Science Students

Authors

• Bray Ilori, York College, City University of New YorkFollow
• Rosselyn Charris, York College, City University of New YorkFollow
• Galila Werber-Zion, York College, City University of New YorkFollow

Abstract

Mental health challenges, particularly stress and depression, are prevalent among American college students. Urban college students often balance academic demands with employment, making them more susceptible to these challenges. Exercise Science students are expected to engage in physical activity (PA) and model healthy behaviors by meeting established PA guidelines. PURPOSE: To determine whether urban college Exercise Science students meet PA guidelines and examine associations between PA and psychological health. METHODS: Twenty-eight students (7 females, 21 males; age = 23.0 ± 2.6 years) participated. Baseline measures included blood pressure and anthropometrics. Participants wore a Fitbit Charge 6 for one week and recorded waking hours, sleep, and non-wear time. Pre- and post-assessments included questionnaires on employment status, PA, exercise habits, and psychological health. Psychological health was assessed using NIH Toolbox and PROMIS scales. One-way ANOVA evaluated device effects on PA, exercise habits, and psychological health. Pearson correlations examined associations between PA and psychological outcomes. RESULTS: Fitbit use increased general life satisfaction (p < 0.05) but had no effect on PA, exercise habits, or other psychological outcomes (p > 0.05). No participants met the recommended PA level of ≥500–1,000 MET-min·wk⁻¹. Daily steps were correlated with self-efficacy (r = -0.44, p < 0.05) and exercise self-efficacy (r = -0.62, p < 0.05). Both were negatively correlated with depression (r = -0.38 and r = -0.57, respectively; p < 0.05) and stress (r = -0.46 and r = -0.58, respectively; p < 0.05). Exercise self-efficacy was also negatively correlated with fatigue (r = -0.46, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although no participants met the recommended total energy expenditure, higher daily steps taken were associated with greater self-efficacy and lower depression and stress.

Recommended Citation

Ilori, Bray; Charris, Rosselyn; and Werber-Zion, Galila (2026) "Physical Activity and Psychological Health in Urban College Exercise Science Students," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 15: Iss. 8, Article 9.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol15/iss8/9