# Can Physical Activity Intensity Condition Anxiety, Mental Hyperactivity, and Resilience in Higher Education Students?

## TL;DR

This study explores how different levels of physical activity affect anxiety, mental hyperactivity, and resilience in university students.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific relationships between physical activity intensity and mental health outcomes in higher education students.

## Key findings

- Light physical activity shows weak but significant associations with anxiety and mental hyperactivity.
- Moderate-vigorous physical activity and resilience may help reduce anxiety and mental hyperactivity in students.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Scientific literature has demonstrated the positive effects of physical activity in college students. The research seeks to examine the relationships of light, moderate and vigorous physical activity on resilience, mental hyperactivity and anxiety. Methods: An explanatory and cross-sectional study was carried out. A sample of 2305 university students belonging to different university degrees participated in the study. The following questionnaires were used: International physical activity and mental hyperactivity. The Connor and Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were also used. Results: Regarding the relationship between light physical activity and anxiety, a weak but significant relationship was observed (β = 0.027, p < 0.05). A weak but significant relationship was also observed between light physical activity and mental hyperactivity (β = 0.044, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The promotion of moderate-vigorous physical activity together with the development of personal resilience can be effective tools to reduce anxiety and mental hyperactivity in the university population.