Effects of a Brief Aerobic Exercise Intervention on Sleep Quality, Anxiety, and Depressive Level in Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Abstract

Background and Aims: Inactivity and screen addiction have contributed to a rise in sleep problems among young people, especially following the pandemic. Although there is evidence that regular exercise improves sleep quality in young people, there is still no consensus on the duration, intensity, frequency, type, and timing of exercise. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of short-term aerobic exercises on sleep quality in healthy young adults. Methods: This study was designed as a pilot study, randomized, controlled group, pre- and post-test. Thirty young participants who aged 18-25 as the experimental group (age: 22.13 ±1.92) and the control group (age: 21.80 ± 1.65) were included in this study. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), International Physical Activity Assessment Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ), and The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used before and after aerobic exercise intervention. Participants were included in cardio exercises, including bodyweight exercises, running, and walking, at 60-80% of the target heart rate. Results: After the intervention, a significant difference in sleep quality and physical activity levels was observed between the experimental and control groups (p