Aerobic exercises on self-esteem of female nursing students: a quasi experimental study

Background of the study: Self-esteem is fundamental component in psychological health and is affected with dynamics of physical exercise. And there is a close relationship between self-esteem and physical health. Individuals with a healthy self-esteem have a tendency to take care of themselves by eating well, exercising, and being good to themselves and others. This study will explore the effects of selected aerobic exercise programs on self-esteem. Objectives of the study: The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of aerobic exercises on self-esteem of female students in selected nursing colleges of Punjab. Material and Methods: A quantitative research approach and a Quasi experimental research design was used. Non-probability convenient sampling technique was used to select 60 female nursing students. Questionnaire method was used to collect data by using Coopersmith self-esteem inventory for adults. Aerobic exercise was given to experimental group for 60 min. once a day for 21 consecutive days. Results: The findings of the study revealed that in experimental group majority 24(80%) of female nursing students in the experimental group had low self-esteem. 6 (20%) had medium self-esteem whereas no one had high self-esteem in the pre-test. And after the post-intervention 04 (33.34%) female nursing students in the experimental group had a high level of self-esteem while 10 (36.66%) had a medium level of self-esteem and 16 (53.34%) had a low level of self-esteem. Whereas in the control group of female nursing students, majority had low self-esteem 22 (73.34%), and 8 (26.66%) in the medium self-esteem group and no one had high self-esteem in the pre-test. And after the post-test, the control group of 23 (76.66%) female nursing students had a low level of self-esteem, 7 (23.34%) had a medium level of self-esteem and no one in the high level of self-esteem. In experimental group difference between pre-test 57.80±10.54 and post-test 70.93±12.91, level of self-esteem was statistically significant at 0.05 level but difference between pretest 52.80±19.18 and posttest 54.60±13.36 levelof self-esteem of control group was statistically non-significant at 0.05 level of significance. Conclusion: This study concluded that aerobic exercise was effective in improving the self-esteem of female nursing students.