Comparison between different types of exercise training on mental health indicators during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the effects of non-face-to-face dynamic and mindful exercises on mental health indicators like stress, anxiety, sleep quality, and depression during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: For this study, 59 participants were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: dynamic exercise, mindful exercise, or control groups. Each group received a specific exercise program thrice a week for eight weeks. Four questionnaires (CSRS, K-BAI, PSQI-K, PHQ-9) were submitted to all subjects at the start (pre), after four weeks (mid), and after eight weeks (post). RESULTS: The dynamic exercise (DE) group showed statistically significant reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression. Variables in the mindful exercise (ME) group had a decreasing tendency, although not statistically significant. For cognitive stress, the between-group interaction effects were measured pre-mid and pre-post; significant differences between the dynamic and ME groups (P<0.028, P<0.033) as well as the DE and control (CON) groups (P<0.025, P<0.01) were found. For anxiety, significant results were obtained only in the relationship between the pre-mid and pre-post DE and CON groups (P<0.007, P<0.005). For sleep quality, significant values were found only in the premid and pre-post dynamic and ME groups (P<0.008, P<0.017). The pre-mid and pre-post depression scores showed significant results (P<0.001) between the DE and CON groups. However, the interaction between groups indicated significant differences in the DE group compared with other groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings can be utilized to design future non-face-to-face exercise programs.