Relación entre la actividad física y los niveles de ansiedad en los estudiantes de bachillerato del Colegio Militar N-4 Abdón Calderón. Cuenca-Ecuador, 2024-2025

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a stage of vulnerability in terms of mental health due to the multiple changes young people experience during this period. Therefore, it is essential to provide support and tools for emotional management, proper development, and mental well-being. Physical activity is a healthy habit that should be encouraged from an early age. Objective: To identify the relationship between physical activity and anxiety levels among high school students at the Armed Forces Educational Unit ‘Colegio Militar N°4 Abdón Calderón.’ Methodology: An observational, quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted. The study population consisted of 254 first-, second-, and third-year high school students in the General Unified Baccalaureate program. Physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and students’ anxiety levels were measured using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Results: A Pearson’s chi-square value of 0.802 with a p > 0.05 was obtained, indicating that physical activity has no significant effect on anxiety levels among high school students. The amount or type of physical activity performed was not associated with changes in anxiety levels in this population. Conclusions: Physical activity alone does not show a relationship with anxiety levels among high school students; however, it remains important to promote this healthy habit. Most students presented very low levels of anxiety. Keywords: anxiety, physical activity, adolescents, high school, age, sex