Data Sheet 1_Association between college students 'physical fitness index and negative emotional symptoms: an empirical study based on college students in Chongqing City, China.pdf

Objectives<p>To investigate the independent associations between the physical fitness index (PFI), as well as individual physical fitness metrics, and negative emotional symptoms (stress, anxiety, and depression) among college students; and to analyze gender-specific variations in these associations, thereby providing empirical, fitness-based evidence for mental health interventions in higher education institutions.</p>Methods<p>Utilizing a cross-sectional design, this study selected 2,190 college students from 73 universities across Chongqing via stratified cluster sampling.

A standardized physical fitness test battery—comprising vital capacity, the 50-meter sprint, the 800/1000-meter run, the sit-and-reach test, and pull-ups/sit-ups—was administered to calculate the comprehensive PFI. Negative emotional symptoms were assessed using the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21). Multivariable Logistic regression models were employed to evaluate the independent associations between physical fitness and negative emotional symptoms, after comprehensively adjusting for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE), screen time, sedentary duration, and sociodemographic variables.</p>Results<p>The detection rates of stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms were 68.08%, 67.67%, and 12.37%, respectively.