Addressing mental health challenges in college students: A biomechanical approach to mitigating stress and cognitive load through physical intervention strategies

Abstract

The main objective of this investigation is to find out how biomechanical actions, such as physical activity programs, balanced adjustments, and mindfulness-based posture correction, are successful at reducing Cognitive Load (CL) and levels of stress among college students. Mechanical adjustments decreased stress, physical activity reduced CL, and mindfulness-based posture correction improved Mental Health (MH), according to a long-term experiment with 28 students from four distinct educational fields. Investigators examined students’ stress, CL, and BH levels monthly. The outcome results dealt with all three predictions. A student’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) score dropped from 24.66 to 18.10 (mean difference = 6.56, t = 4.82, p = 0.0001) after experiencing practical changes, demonstrating a significant decrease in stress levels. Following the exercise support, CL, as determined by the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), dropped from 65.38 to 54.23 (mean difference = 11.15, t = 5.29, p = 0.00005). Ratings for BH increased significantly after exercising mindfulness-based posture correction (from 78.63 to 85.13; mean difference = −6.50, t = −4.92, p = 0.00007). The median variation in PF (VO2 Max) went from 40.46 to 45.11 (t = −3.78, p = 0.0012), and the difference in value was −4.65.