Evaluation of mental health in athletic and nonathletic students

Background and Although there are many studies on the relationship between mental health and exercise, it is not clear how exercise improves the mental health of students regularly engaged in non professinal athletic activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the level of mental health in athletic and nonathletic students of Mazandaran Medical University using Scl-90-R questionnaire (Symptom check list-90-Revised). A historical cohort study was designed and all athletic students at Mazandaran Medical University (with at least 2 years physical activity) and nonathletic students matched for age, sex, marital status, educational course, semester, job and dwelling completed the Scl-90-R questionnaire and other demographic questions. The data were analyzed using SPSS release 10 and statistical analytic tests. Seventy athletic (34.3% female) and 70 nonathletic students (control) were enrolled in the study. The mean score for each dimension according to the Scl-90-R questionnaire in athletic group was less than the control, but the difference was only statistically significant for depression (p=0.047) and paranoid thinking (p=0.012). In comparison of general scales [Global Severity Index, PST Positive Symptom Test PST and Positive Symptom Distress Index PSDI], the level of mental health of athletic group was better than nonathletic group (p=0.00). Physical activities have a positive effect on mental health, especially in students who are engaged in regular physical activity.