A Study On The Lung Capacity, Cognitive and Affective Awareness and Stress Levels of University Students Who Do Breathing Exercises

Abstract

 The aim of this study is to investigate the lung capacity, cognitive and affective mindfulness, and stress levels of university students who practice breathing exercises. For this purpose, 36 students enrolled at Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University participated in the study on a voluntary basis. The experimental group was selected from students outside the Department of Physical Education and Sports, while the control group was selected from students within the Department of Physical Education and Sports. According to the results of the ANOVA test, cognitive and affective awareness was higher in the experimental group (F=5.71, p<0.05). When perceived stress, time, and group interaction were examined, the results were significant (F=9.80, p<0.05). FVC values, time, and group interaction also showed significant results (F=6.02, p<0.05), but the difference between groups was not statistically significant. The FEV1 value was significant (F=12.41, p<0.05), and the time and group interaction effect was very strong (F=13.11, p<0.05). The FEV1/FVC ratio showed significant improvement in time and group interaction (F=6.02, p<0.05). The findings of this study indicate that breathing exercises contribute to improvements in cognitive and affective awareness, perceived stress, and respiratory functions. The experimental group showed better results compared to the control group