Mixed Recreational Team Games Can Improve the Psychological Health in University Youth Post-COVID-19

The study's goal was to determine how small-sided mixed recreational team sports can have an effect on exercise motivation, sleep, depression, overall well-being, self-esteem, and eating disorders in young male students. There were 26 male students in total, of whom 16 were placed in the experimental group and 9 were placed in the control group. Three times each week for 12 weeks, mixed recreational team games were provided to the experimental group. Small-sided basketball, handball, and football were among the mixed-gender activities. 30 minutes were allotted for the training. Using common questionnaires, all psychological factors were examined. Group differences were examined at the baseline and post-intervention levels using an Independent T-test. Analysis of data shows significant differences in the scores of depression in the experimental group compared to the control group. However, significant differences were not seen in the scores of self-esteem and motivation to exercise. We have observed a significant change in the eating disorder global score. Quality of sleep and improvement in general well-being were observed. Mixed recreational games were effective in reducing depression scores post-12 weeks of intervention. There is no improvement in the self-esteem of students which is not an encouraging sign in the post-COVID-19 scenario, especially among the young population. Quality of sleep and general well-being were improved.