O MOVIMENTO E MENTE: O IMPACTO DO EXERCÍCIO FÍSICO NA ANSIEDADE E DEPRESSÃO EM ESTUDANTES DE MEDICINA EM MARINGÁ-PARANÁ

Abstract

College life is complex and places high demands on students, particularly those in the health sciences; numerous scientific studies report increased rates of mental health disorders during this stage of life. To help improve students’ quality of life, this study investigates the influence of physical exercise as a non-pharmacological and complementary approach to the management and prevention of mental disorders, aiming to understand the practical link between regular exercise and a better quality of life. The objective of this research is to analyze the impact of physical exercise on reducing levels of anxiety and depression in medical students. This study used quantitative methods to understand this impact among medical students. Data were collected through an online, voluntary questionnaire in which participants self-assessed their levels of anxiety and depression. The study population consisted of medical students in their 1st through 6th years at a higher education institution located in Maringá, Paraná. The sample was selected using non-probability sampling. This study found that individuals who exercise more frequently have better mental health outcomes; 57.7% of the sample use exercise as a way to relieve stress or anxiety. Therefore, incorporating active and healthy habits into daily life serves as a protective factor and an accessible non-pharmacological strategy for improving quality of life.