Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 12(3), pp. 481 - 498
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2024.120306
Reprint (PDF) (651Kb)

Examining the Effects of Cardio Exercises on Psychological Stress Reduction in Mothers of Children with Special Needs: A Promising Approach

Ahmed K. Hassan ^1,2,*, Khaled M. Zahran ^1,3, Mohammed S. Alibrahim ¹, Majed M. Alhumaid ¹, Sobhi Noureldin Ata ^1,4, Hussam K. Aldawsari ⁵, Mohamed Frikha ^1,6, Hatem Abd Elmonem Saleh Eldiasty ^1,7, Naglaa Radwan ^1,8, Badry E. Hammad ^3
1 Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia
² Department of Team Sports and Racket Games, Faculty of Physical Education, Minia University, Egypt
³ Department of Fights and Individual Sports, Faculty of Physical Education, Minia University, Egypt
⁴ Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Physical Education, Mansoura University, Egypt
⁵ Department of Psychology, College of Education, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia
⁶ De Research Laboratory Education, Motricity, Sport and Health (LR19JS01), High Institute of Sport and Physical Education, Sfax University, Tunisia
⁷ Department of Individual Sports Training, Faculty College of Physical Education, Helwan University, Egypt
⁸ Department of Games, Faculty of Physical Education, Zagazig University, Egypt

ABSTRACT

Psychological problems are the main problem for mothers who have special kids. Caring for a child with a disability is stressful, disappointing, and frustrating, as a parent may be compelled to attend to the ill child for a long period and receive regular treatment. Aims: The study aimed to ascertain how cardio exercise affected the psychological stress experienced by mothers of special needs children. Methodology: The study adopted an experimental design, choosing a sample of 40 women, aged 25 to 46, to be regular visitors of the Association for People with Special Needs (APSN) in Al-Ahsa City, the Eastern Province of the Kingdom. Two groups of participants were randomly assigned: twenty mothers in the experimental group and twenty mothers in the control group. What distinguished the experimental group was the fact that it not only took part in the association's psychological awareness sessions but also in its aerobic fitness program. A psychological stress scale was evaluated. Findings: Mothers of children with special needs who were in the experimental group had significantly lower psychological stress levels than those in the control group (P<0.05), suggesting that the experimental group was superior to the latter. Mothers who participated in the cardio exercise program saw a reduction in psychological stress. Several suggestions for further study and application might be offered considering the study's findings. Initially, to confirm the findings, it is critical to repeat this study with a sizable sample. Furthermore, it would be helpful to understand the processes by which cardio exercise lowers psychological stress. According to scientific research, stress reduction can be achieved by including cardio exercise programs in support services for moms of children with special needs. Studies indicate that engaging in physical activities, including cardiovascular exercise, might help enhance mental well-being and lower stress and anxiety levels. The research paper advises that institutions modeling support for mothers of special needs, children should include cardio exercises in their weekly routines. This inclusion attempts to achieve this by alleviating the severity of psychological pressures such as mothers' experience.

KEYWORDS
Cardio Training, Psychological Stress, Children with Special Needs, Physical Activity, Mental Health

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Ahmed K. Hassan , Khaled M. Zahran , Mohammed S. Alibrahim , Majed M. Alhumaid , Sobhi Noureldin Ata , Hussam K. Aldawsari , Mohamed Frikha , Hatem Abd Elmonem Saleh Eldiasty , Naglaa Radwan , Badry E. Hammad , "Examining the Effects of Cardio Exercises on Psychological Stress Reduction in Mothers of Children with Special Needs: A Promising Approach," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 12, No. 3, pp. 481 - 498, 2024. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2024.120306.

(b). APA Format:
Ahmed K. Hassan , Khaled M. Zahran , Mohammed S. Alibrahim , Majed M. Alhumaid , Sobhi Noureldin Ata , Hussam K. Aldawsari , Mohamed Frikha , Hatem Abd Elmonem Saleh Eldiasty , Naglaa Radwan , Badry E. Hammad (2024). Examining the Effects of Cardio Exercises on Psychological Stress Reduction in Mothers of Children with Special Needs: A Promising Approach. Universal Journal of Public Health, 12(3), 481 - 498. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2024.120306.