Acute physiological and mood changes associated with a single 60-minute Nirvana Fitness session in young women

Abstract

Background: Evidence regarding physiological and psychological changes associated with Nirvana Fitness (NF) in women remains limited. Objective: This study examined physiological responses and mood changes before and after a single 60-minute NF session in young women. Methods: The study included 105 female university students aged 18.1–23.0 years (mean age, 20.07 ± 1.14 years). We assessed physical activity levels using the Polish short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. We measured anthropometric characteristics and body composition using bioelectrical impedance analysis before the training session, and we evaluated mood states before and after the session using the Profile of Mood States questionnaire. Results: Participants demonstrated moderate physical activity levels and normal body mass index values, although body fat percentage was close to the upper reference range. The session was characterized by low-to-moderate physiological intensity (mean heart rate, 112.4 bpm; estimated energy expenditure, approximately 376 kcal), with low estimated oxygen uptake and respiratory responses. Significant pre–post changes in mood states were observed, including reductions in emotional tension, depression, anger, confusion, and fatigue, and an increase in vigor (all p < 0.001). Conclusion: Immediate changes in self-reported mood states were observed after a single NF session; however, the single-arm pre–post design does not allow these changes to be attributed specifically to NF. The findings should therefore be considered preliminary, and controlled studies are needed to determine whether NF contributes to these changes in mood states in young women.