Physical and Psychological Reflections of the COVID-19 Pandemic on University Students

Abstract

Purpose: One of our purpose is to determine the relationships between the physical activity levels of university students and musculoskeletal system problems, psychological resilience, intolerance to uncertainty, and psychological distress related to COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic process. Other purpose of this study is to examine whether the psychological resilience of individuals is significantly predicted by intolerance to uncertainty, psychological distress related to COVID-19, physical activity level, and musculoskeletal system problems. Methods: 860 university students participated in the study. Results: It was seen that, while the activity levels of university students increase, their psychological resilience increases, and the lowest level of psychological distress related to COVID-19 is the most active group, intolerance to uncertainty and total physical activity level significantly predict resilience. Musculoskeletal pain was mostly seen in the lumbar region in university students during the pandemic. Additionally, individuals with low back pain had lower levels of psychological resilience, vigorous physical activity, and a higher intolerance to uncertainty. Conclusion: The increased physical inactivity during the pandemic both negatively affects the psychological resilience of the students and causes musculoskeletal pain; consequently, it is important for university students to participate in physical activity in order to protect their physical and psychological health.