Influence of sports-type physical activity on the formation of predictors of stress and its consequences in adolescents of school age

Abstract

Introduction. Physical activity in a sports mode can have a positive effect not only on physical health but also on mental condition. In this regard, sports motor activity can be considered a factor in increasing resistance to stress and protection from stressors in adolescents of school age. Materials and methods. 200 students aged 15-17 yrs, formed into two groups, a comparative assessment of the mental factors of the current state was carried out, which is determined by the action of stressors, including the level of anxiety, negative emotional experiences, cognitive activity, stress and stress resistance. The carried out correlation and factor analysis established the relationship between the studied mental factors of the mental state. Results. A significant decrease in the level of anxiety and negative emotional experiences in educational activity among athletes was determined in comparison with the data of adolescents who were not athletes, while in everyday activities these indicators practically did not differ among adolescents from the studied groups. The effective potential of adaptation to stressful situations in adolescents was evidenced by the data obtained on a decrease in the stress level by 1.4 times and an increase in the level of stress resistance by 1.5 times relative to these adolescents who are not athletes. Correlation analysis indicates the level of resistance to stress and stress to be associated with the level of anxiety and negative emotional experiences. At the same time, it was determined that athletes during the formation of stress, anxiety and negative emotional experiences were chosen to account for only 18% of the variance (F = 12.68, p≤0.0001), while in non-athletes - 44% (F = 42.59, p≤0.0001). Conclusion. Organized sports activity of adolescents plays an essential role in improving and maintaining mental factors of the current state, such as anxiety, negative emotional experiences, stress and stress resistance.