Biomechanical approaches to improving mental health in college students through physical posture and movement
Abstract
Poor posture and inefficient movement patterns have been linked to increased stress, anxiety, and mood disturbances, particularly in college students who often lead sedentary lifestyles. This study investigates the impact of biomechanical interventions—specifically postural correction exercises and dynamic movement training—on college students’ physical and psychological outcomes. The aim was to assess how posture and movement efficiency improvements influence mental health indicators, such as perceived stress, anxiety, and mood. A total of 126 participants were recruited from three universities in China. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using Motion Capture Systems (MCS), surface electromyography (sEMG), and ground reaction force plates to evaluate postural alignment, muscle activation, movement efficiency, and force distribution. Psychological outcomes were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale, and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Key findings revealed significant improvements in physical outcomes, including a 14.9% reduction in thoracic kyphosis (from 43.7° to 37.2°) and a 30.9% increase in rectus abdominis activation (from 42.3% to 55.4%). Movement efficiency improved, with a 66.7% reduction in compensatory movements during step-ups. Psychologically, overall stress levels decreased by 30.9% as measured by the PSS, while anxiety levels dropped by 38.5% according to the GAD-7. Also, positive affect increased by 29.5%, and negative affect decreased by 30.3%. These results suggest that targeted biomechanical interventions can significantly improve physical alignment and mental well-being. The findings support the potential for integrating posture and movement training into mental health strategies for college students, offering a holistic approach to managing stress, anxiety, and mood disturbances.
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