Impact Of Aerobic Exercise on Sleep Quality and Postural Control Interplay Among University Students

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of moderate-intensity aerobic treadmill exercise on sleep quality and postural control interplay among university students with poor sleep quality. Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent in university populations and can lead to impaired balance and increased postural sway. While aerobic exercise is known to enhance sleep quality, its combined effect on objective postural control measures remains understudied in this group. Sixty-six university students (aged 18-25 years) with self-reported poor sleep quality will be randomly allocated into two equal groups: an intervention group (aerobic exercise training plus sleep hygiene education) and a control group (sleep hygiene education only). Primary and secondary outcomes include sleep quality, objective balance indices, dynamic balance, insomnia severity, anxiety levels, and mindfulness assessed pre- and post-intervention at 6 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria: * Both male and female university students aged 18-25 years. * Low level of physical activity as defined by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). * Poor sleep quality as defined by a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score \> 5. * Able to perform aerobic exercise safely, as confirmed by a health screening questionnaire. * Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * History of vestibular, neurological, or musculoskeletal disorders affecting balance. * Cardiovascular or respiratory conditions limiting aerobic exercise performance. * Recent musculoskeletal or neurological lower limb injury within the last 6 months. * Current use of sleep medications or participation in another structured exercise program. * Currently diagnosed with moderate to severe sleep disorder. * Participation in a structured exercise program within the past 3 months. * Current substance abuse. * History of brain injury or visual impairment that affects balance.