The effect of virtual challenge on physical activity and mental health among university students

Mini-Oral Presentation A2.6

Authors

  • Rakhmat Ari Wibowo Universitas Gadjah Mada
  • Zaenal Muttaqien Sofro Universitas Gadjah Mada
  • Widya Wasityastuti Universitas Gadjah Mada
  • Prattama Santoso Utomo Universitas Gadjah Mada
  • I. Gusti Bagus Budi Dharma Universitas Gadjah Mada
  • Denny Agustiningsih Universitas Gadjah Mada

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.438

Keywords:

COVID-19, Mental Health, Physical Activity, Self-determination Theory, University Students

Abstract

Background: Containment measures during the COVID-19 pandemic led to decreased physical activity (PA) and increased mental distress among university students. Utilizing technology to deliver PA intervention during the pandemic offered a wider reach than face-to-face intervention. Purpose: To examine the feasibility and the effect of a three-week virtual challenge based on self-determination theory (SDT) on PA level and mental distress among university students. Methods: A one-group quasi-experimental study was conducted among 73 students. We examined participants' PA using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire v.2, mental distress using the WHO self-reporting questionnaire 20 and the motivational process in PA using The Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire 3 before the challenge and at the end of the challenge. Wilcoxon signed ranked tests were used to determine whether there were changes in outcome measures. Weighted linear regression was used to identify behavior regulations as correlates of PA. Results: We over recruited by 558% and identified incompatibility problems, lost to follow up, and implausible GPAQ values in eight, seven, and three participants. Among students who were previously insufficiently active, there were 210 minutes increase in weekly moderate-vigorous PA (z=4.008, p< .001) and 3 points decrease in mental distress (z=-2.594, p=0.009). Integrated regulation predicted PA level at the end of the challenge [R square 0.384, F(1,53)=33.056, adjusted R square 0.373, p< .001]. Conclusion: Virtual challenge based on SDT could increase PA level through increasing integrated regulation and decrease mental distress among university students.

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Ari Wibowo, R., Sofro, Z. M., Wasityastuti, W., Utomo, P. S., Budi Dharma, I. G. B., & Agustiningsih, D. (2021). The effect of virtual challenge on physical activity and mental health among university students: Mini-Oral Presentation A2.6. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.438