Effects of Aerobic Interval Training on Quality of Life and Stress in Overweight Young Adult Women: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Khoiruna Malihah; Farid Rahman; Muhammad Raihan Ishad

doi:10.24843/mifi.000001225

Authors

Khoiruna Malihah Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Surakarta, Indonesia Author
Farid Rahman Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Surakarta, Indonesia Author
Muhammad Raihan Ishad Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Surakarta, Indonesia Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24843/mifi.000001225

Keywords:

High-Intensity Interval Training, Quality of Life, Psychological Stress, Overweight, Women

Abstract

Background: Overweight among young adult women is associated with reduced quality of life and increased perceived stress. Aerobic Interval Training (AIT) may provide psychosocial benefits, but evidence remains limited and inconsistent.
Objective: This study examined the effects of a 16-week AIT program on quality of life and perceived stress among overweight young adult women.
Methods: This quasi experimental, non-randomized pretest posttest control group study included 30 overweight young adult women (mean age approximately 20 years) assigned by matching to an AIT group (n = 15) or control group receiving health education (n = 15). The AIT group completed supervised sessions three times weekly for 16 weeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, week 8, and week 16 using the WHOQOL BREF and Perceived Stress Scale 10 (PSS 10). Within group changes were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA or Friedman tests, and between group differences using independent t tests or Mann Whitney tests. Effect sizes were also estimated.
Results: Both groups showed small, non-significant changes in quality of life and perceived stress across time (all p > 0.05). No significant between group differences were observed, with small effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals crossing the null value.
Conclusion: A 16-week AIT program did not significantly improve quality of life or perceived stress among overweight young adult women. Longer interventions with larger samples and integrated lifestyle approaches may be needed to achieve measurable psychosocial benefits.