Coronavirus-Related Anxiety in Undergraduate Student-Athletes, Active Non-Athletes, and Inactive Non-Athletes

Many mental health professionals laud the effects of physical exercise on mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased levels of anxiety. Few studies have been conducted specifically on the effect of exercise on coronavirus-related anxiety or have controlled for differences between student or professional athletes and recreational exercisers. We will examine the correlation between physical exercise and coronavirus anxiety within three groups: undergraduate student-athletes, undergraduate non-athletes who exercise vigorously, and undergraduate non-athletes who do not exercise vigorously. Coronavirus anxiety will be measured using the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale. Results may assist those charged with mental health care of college students to have more data on how to manage the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on student mental health