Balancing Mind and Body: A Cross- Over Study on the Impact of Mindful Meditation and Aerobic Exercise on Physiological Health Markers and Psychological Well-being among Gen Z Health Care Students

The study will be conducted in two phases which includes Phase 1 descriptive cross-sectional study with 750 samples to assess baseline data on lipid profile, BMI, stress levels, and mindful attention awareness and Phase 2 Experimental Study Using Crossover Design with 60 samples to assess and compare the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Intervention and Aerobic Exercise among the first-year health care students at selected institution. Universal sampling and stratified random sampling technique will be used to select the sample in the study respectively. The tool consists of three parts. The first part includes demographic proforma, the second Physiological Health markers which includes BMI, Lipid Profile and Serum Cortisol and the third Bio Psychological well-being which will be measured with standardized Perceived Stress Scale and Mindful Attention Awareness scale. The data will be analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Expected Outcome

This crossover design to compare and assess their combined and individual effects on both physiological and psychological health in the Gen Z health care student population.

The study’s multi-dimensional outcome assessment adds depth to the understanding of how lifestyle interventions can influence the mind–body connection.

Additionally, the data which can add cultural and demographic nuance to existing global research.

Using serum cortisol as a stress biomarker, which is still underused in student-focused intervention studies in India.

Demonstrating the synergistic or differential effects of two holistic interventions, potentially guiding personalized approaches to student wellness programs.