Neurophysiological Mechanisms Underlying Emotional Regulation through Physical Activity in College Students
Zheyu Jin, Jiuyang Xu, Wei YueAbstract
Objective
College students frequently endure psychological pressure from academic and life demands. Unstable mental states impair emotional regulation and damage mental health. This study explores the neurophysiological mechanism of college students' emotional regulation through sports. It aims to reveal how sports relieve psychological pressure, stabilize mental states, and enhance mental health, providing a scientific basis for emotional health intervention in college students.
Subjects and Methods
Seventy college students with mild emotional anxiety were selected as subjects. They were divided into sports intervention and control groups. The intervention group received 10-week regular sports training. Psychological scales measured emotional states and psychological pressure levels. Electroencephalogram (EEG) and heart rate variability (HRV) detected neurophysiological changes. Data analysis explored the correlation between sports, neurophysiological indicators, and emotional regulation.
Results
Regular sports training significantly reduced college students' psychological pressure. It improved emotional regulation ability, stabilized mental states, and enhanced mental health. The intervention group showed normalized neurophysiological indicators, including balanced EEG waves and improved HRV. The control group maintained high psychological pressure and unstable mental states without significant improvement.
Conclusions
Sports exert a positive regulatory effect on college students' emotional regulation. It effectively relieves psychological pressure, stabilizes mental states, and improves neurophysiological functions. Regular sports participation is a practical and effective approach to safeguard college students' mental health and promote emotional well-being.
Corresponding Author
Wei Yue, College of Physical Education, Jilin Normal University, Siping, 136000, China.