Effects of Group Aerobic Exercise on Health and Social Adaptation in Earthquake Survivors: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Exercise is known to support physical and psychological health following traumatic events; however, qualitative evidence on its role in post-disaster recovery remains limited. This study aimed to explore the effects of a group aerobic exercise program on health and social adaptation among earthquake survivors and to understand participants' lived experiences. This qualitative study employed a descriptive phenomenological design. Participants were survivors of the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes recruited using purposive sampling among individuals who had participated in a group aerobic exercise program for at least 6 weeks. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis following the Braun and Clarke approach. A total of 17 participants (15 women and 2 men), aged between 21 and 31 years (mean +/- standard deviation = 23.88 +/- 2.34), were included in the study. The findings indicated that participation in the exercise program was associated with perceived improvements in biological/physiological, physical, and psychological well-being, as well as enhanced social adaptation and intellectual development. Participants reported reduced stress, improved sleep quality, increased emotional regulation, and strengthened interpersonal relationships. Group aerobic exercise may contribute to perceived improvements in physical, psychological, and social well-being among earthquake survivors. These findings suggest that structured exercise programs could be considered as supportive components of post-disaster rehabilitation strategies.