Effect of Physical Activity on the Level of Perceived Mental Pressure during Home Quarantine due to Coronavirus Outbreak

The outbreak of coronavirus has caused a severe crisis in the world and governments in different countries have been forced to enact laws to prevent its spread, leading to experiencing a psychological trauma by most people.On the other hand, physical activity has known to be one of the effective factors in improving people's physical and mental health conditions. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of physical activity on perceived stress during coronavirus home quarantine

The current field study followed a quasi-experimental method. The research population included healthy women aged 30 to 45 yearswho were members of Social Media platform groups. A total of 24 individuals were selected and divided into experimental and control groups. Perceived Stress Questionnaire was used to collect data. The experimental group trained based on designed exercise program. They completed training protocol for six weeks, three sessions per week, each session for 60 to 80 minutes.The control group did not receive any intervention during the research period and continued their normal daily activities. Analysis of Covariance statistical method was used to analyze the data.

The results showed that intervention program during coronavirusquarantine had a significant effect on the level of perceived stress in the experimental group. On other word, physical activity program could significantly reduce the perceived mental pressure level of the experimental group.

According to the results of the study, physical activity might improve body's immunity system as well as mental and psychological level, leading to a higher ability to deal with the virus.