Impact of Aerobic Exercise on Cortisol Levels, Perceived Stress and Total Mood Disturbance in Women Aged 20-40 Nadia Mukhtar1, Riffat Aisha2, Sohail Ahmad Khan3, Sidra Tul Muntaha4, Mehreen Saba5, Sohail Roman6 1 In-charge (Sports), Female Campus Internat

Abstract

Objectives of the Study: This study aimed to comprehensively examine the effects of a 12-week aerobic exercise intervention on cortisol levels, perceived stress, and total mood disturbance among women aged 20-40 residing in District Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan.

Materials and Methods: A total of 50 female participants were recruited using convenient sampling from various gyms in District Dera Ismail Khan. Participants were randomly assigned to either the Aerobic Exercise group (n = 25) or the Control group (n = 25). Baseline assessments of cortisol levels, perceived stress, and total mood disturbance were conducted using standardized measures. The Aerobic Exercise group participated in supervised aerobic exercise sessions, consisting of moderate-intensity activities such as brisk walking, jogging, or cycling, for 60 minutes every alternate day over a period of 12 weeks. The Control group was instructed to maintain their regular lifestyle without any prescribed exercise regimen. Post-intervention assessments were conducted for both groups to evaluate changes in cortisol levels, perceived stress, and total mood disturbance.

Results: Participants in the Aerobic Exercise Group demonstrated a significant decrease in cortisol levels from pre-intervention (M=18.5 µg/dL, SD=3.2) to post-intervention (M=15.2 µg/dL, SD=2.8), whereas the Control Group showed minimal changes. Similarly, perceived stress scores significantly decreased in the Aerobic Exercise Group (pre: M=28.6, SD=4.5; post: M=24.3, SD=3.8), whereas the Control Group exhibited marginal changes. Furthermore, total mood disturbance scores significantly decreased in the Aerobic Exercise Group (pre: M=45.2, SD=6.1; post: M=38.7, SD=5.4), while remaining relatively stable in the Control Group. The results indicated a significant intervention effect for cortisol levels (t=-4.782, p<0.001), perceived stress (t=-3.891, p<0.001), and total mood disturbance (t=-6.381, p<0.001).

Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the positive impact of a 12-week aerobic exercise intervention on cortisol regulation, perceived stress, and total mood disturbance among women aged 20-40 in District Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan. Aerobic exercise emerged as an effective non-pharmacological intervention for enhancing mental well-being and stress resilience in this population. These findings underscore the importance of promoting regular aerobic exercise as part of comprehensive mental health promotion strategies in similar populations.