Effectiveness of an Exercise is Medicine-On Campus® Virtual Program on Perceived Stress Levels of Faculty and Staff

Abstract

Exercise is Medicine on Campus (EIM-OC) is a global initiative created by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) which aims to improve the health and well-being of students, faculty and staff on college and university campuses. Faculty and staff experience a variety of stressors through their profession; with the Coronavirus pandemic only exacerbating these stressors. Due to the stay-at-home orders placed across the world, it became increasingly difficult to engage in physical activity as facilities were closed or at limited capacity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a virtual exercise program on perceived stress levels of faculty and staff at California State University-Monterey Bay (CSUMB). The classes were available to the entire CSUMB community, with eight female employees completing the entirety of the study. Data was collected using an online survey tool with measures including Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (LTEQ). A paired samples t-test was conducted for the PSS, the LTEQ and days of physical activity. Overall, perceived stress significantly decreased (p p = .012). Days of strenuous, moderate and light physical activity were not significant but all trended toward an increase. These results provide evidence of virtual exercise programs decreasing perceived stress levels and increasing overall amount of physical activity.