Investigation of the relationship between perceived stress with posture and physical fitness parameters in sanko university students

The aim of this study examined the relationship between perceived stress on students, posture, and physical fitness parameters on a group of students studying at SANKO University. In the study, the stress levels of 84 students between the ages of 18-30 were assessed by the Perceived Stress Scale, posture assessments, New York Posture Analysis and physical fitness parameters, Body Mass Index, Waist/Hip Ratio measurement, Anaerobic Endurance assessments Vertical Jump Test, Muscular Strength and Endurance assessments Sit-ups Test and flexibility assessments Trunk Lateral Flexion Test, Sit-Reach Test, Trunk Hyperextension Test. As a statistical method, for the continuous variables indicated by the measurement, the test of significance of the difference between the two means or one-way ANOVA was used in the parametric test conditions were met, and the Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskal-Wallis test was used when the parametric test conditions were not met. In addition, Chi-square (χ2) test was used for the comparison of qualitative variables. In addition, the relationship between two continuous variables was evaluated with Pearson or Spearman Rank correlation coefficients, and p-value p<0.05 was considered significant. As a result of the study, it was determined that the perceived stress in SANKO University students was at a moderate level (28.083±8.4343), and according to the findings, there was a significant (p=0.025) and weak negative relationship (r=-0.244) between the students' perceived stress levels and their postures. In addition, when the relationship between students' perceived stress and physical fitness parameters was examined, it was found that there was a significant (p=0.031, p=0.004) and weak negative relationship (r=-0.235, r=-0.313) between perceived stress and muscular strength/endurance and trunk flexibility. As a result of the study, it was seen that the posture and physical fitness parameters might be affected by the perceived stress in university students. In line with this purpose, it is seen that it is essential to raise awareness of the students perceived stress throughout their education.