COMPARATIVO DAS RESPOSTAS PSICOFISIOLÓGICAS AGUDAS APÓS UMA SESSÃO DE ATIVIDADE FÍSICA AERÓBICA E MEDITAÇÃO

Abstract

This research study was carried out considering the hypothesis that the entrance exam can be a stressful event, capable of generating anxiety in students, and that both practices can reduce it. The aim of this study was to compare the level of anxiety, heart rate and blood pressure after a session of aerobic physical activity and meditation. For that, it was an experimental field research was carried out, evaluating 70 students enrolled in the 3rd year of high school at a Federal institution in Varginha. The students were divided into three groups, with one group practicing running at moderate intensity (GA), another was instructed to practice meditation, focusing on natural breathing (GM), and one group did not perform any practice (CG). The anxiety level data, assessed through STAI, blood pressure and heart rate, measured with a blood pressure gauge automatic arm, were collected before and immediately after the sessions. The results indicated a significant reduction in anxiety in the experimental groups, although the physiological responses have been opposed. While GA showed an increase in heart rate and systolic blood pressure, the GM showed a reduction of the same variables. It was concluded that the students presented a high level of anxiety in the preparation period for the entrance exam. And both practices, despite presenting techniques different, were able to reduce anxiety.