Comparative study on the mood of sports persons and non-sports persons during the pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented challenges, affecting mental health and well-being. It has severely affected the various attributes of the personality of an individual. Sports persons, who often rely on structured routines, physical activity, and social interactions for their mental health, faced unique challenges during the pandemic. Similarly, non-sports persons encountered their own set of challenges, such as disrupted daily routines and social isolation. This study aimed to compare the mood of sports persons and non-sports persons during the pandemic using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire. A sample size of 30 individuals, 15 for each group (sports and non-sports), aged between 20 and 25 years, was selected. Sports persons were those who participated in inter-university competitions, and non-sports persons were those who did not participate in any sports activity. The t-test was used for statistical analysis to compare the data of both groups. The results showed a significant difference in mood disturbance levels between the two groups, with non-sports persons exhibiting higher levels of mood disturbance. The findings suggest that engaging in sports activities can have a positive impact on mental health during the pandemic.