Comparison between Active and Sedentary Lifestyle on Mood, Anxiety and Stress among

Health Care Profession Student

Hernan Cortez Labao1 and Lim Kai Yi

1 Lecturer, Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, INTI International
University, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

*Corresponding Author: hernancortez.labao@newinti.edu.my

Abstract

Physical activity may lead to positive effects on brain function, emotion, and mental well-
being. However, its effects on mood, anxiety, and stress based on physical activity level remains
lacking. Therefore, this study aims to compare mood, anxiety, and stress between active and
sedentary lifestyle among healthcare professions students. A causal-comparative design was
utilized among 130 participants, grouped into active and sedentary individuals. Profile of Mood
States (POMS), State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) were used
to collect data related to mood, anxiety, and stress levels among healthcare profession students. A
significant difference in POMS score is noted between sedentary lifestyle (79.49 ± 21.32) and
active lifestyle group (40.79 ± 19.76) on mood (p-value <0.05). Sedentary lifestyle group have
significant anxiety level (Strait Anxiety of 49.90 ± 3.65, and Trait Anxiety of 47.80 ± 3.10) than
active lifestyle group (p-value <0.05). Furthermore, a significant difference is noted on stress level
(p-value <0.05) between active (18.37 ± 4.42) and sedentary lifestyle group (22.39 ± 4.44).
Participants from the sedentary lifestyle group show significant difference on mood, anxiety, and
stress level than those who belonged to active group. Interventions that promotes physical activity
among students is recommended.

Keywords: Active lifestyle, Sedentary lifestyle, Mood, Anxiety, Stress

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