Author(s): HE, Z., LI, F.X., Institution: PEKING UNIVERSITY, Country: CHINA, Abstract-ID: 662

INTRODUCTION:
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has demonstrated advantages in reducing anxiety and stress, as well as in enhancing trait mindfulness. This study aimed to investigate the impact of HIIT on college students’ psychological well-being, with a specific focus on anxiety, stress, and trait mindfulness.
METHODS:
With convenience sampling method, 68 students (Males: n=21; Age: M=24.04 years old) from an academically prestigious university voluntarily attended the study. The experimental group (n=35) took an eight-week HIIT program with one-hour session biweekly, whereas the control group (n=33) did not engage in exercise. Students responded to validated scales including the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Spielberger, 1983), the Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen et al., 1983), and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (Baer et al., 2006) to measure levels of anxiety, stress, and mindfulness respectively.
RESULTS:
The experimental group showed significant decreases in state anxiety (W=120.5, p <0.01), trait anxiety (W=112, p<0.01) and stress (T=-2.78, p<0.01), as well as an increase in mindfulness (T=3.44, p<0.05). The control group reported increases in state anxiety (T=2.66, p <0.01), trait anxiety (T=2.20, p<0.05) and stress (T=2.37, p<0.05), as well as a decline in mindfulness (T=-3.01, p<0.01). While before the intervention no significant differences were observed in both groups, after the experiment the HIIT group demonstrated a significantly higher level of trait mindfulness (T=3.54, p<0.01) and lower levels of stress (T=-3.26, p<0.01), state anxiety (W=331.5, p<0.01), and trait anxiety (W=324, p<0.01) when compared to the control group.
CONCLUSION:
This study supported the efficacy of HIIT in reducing anxiety and stress, which could be elevated for academic and social pressures. The enhancement of trait mindfulness indicated that HIIT could improve self-awareness and present-moment focus, which are crucial for cognitive development.