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The effect of regular aerobic exercise on positive-activated affect: A meta-analysis
Abstract
ObjectiveThe purpose of this meta-analysis was to examine the effect of regular aerobic exercise on self-reported positive-activated affect (PAA). Samples from 105 studies (1980–2008) were included yielding 370 effect sizes (ESs) and 9840 participants.MethodStudies were coded for the following moderators: baseline affect, exercise frequency, intensity, time, program duration, exercise dose, study quality, and study source. The analysis employed multiple measures of affect and corrected for statistical artifacts using the meta-analytical methods of
[85] and [86].ResultsThe overall mean corrected and standard deviation (SDcorr) were .57 and .48, respectively. Two clear moderator effects were found: the inverse association between baseline PAA and ES and the positive association between study quality and ES. The effect also varied with exercise frequency (positive relation) and exercise intensity (negative relation). Exercise dose was only a weak moderator, but the results indicate the following aerobic exercise program as optimal for improving PAA: low intensity (∼30% VO2R), 30–35 min, 3–5 days/wk for 10–12 weeks. Similar effects were found for published and unpublished studies (source). Control conditions produced little change in .ConclusionRegular aerobic exercise results in moderate increases in self-reported PAA, but the effects vary by baseline affect and study quality. Exercise-related variables produced weaker moderating effects. PAA was unchanged for control conditions. A more comprehensive understanding of exercise-related affect will emerge when researchers examine the interaction of acute and chronic responses.
... Researchers identified that social determinants of health represent the most modifiable set of targets for nonpharmacological intervention to prevent the onset of mental health disorders. One of these modifiable lifestyle behaviors that can play an evident role in the prevention and management of mental health is being physically active and performing regular exercise in daily life [5]. Earlier meta-analysis indicated that regular aerobic exercise results in moderate increases in self-reported affect [5,6]. ...
... One of these modifiable lifestyle behaviors that can play an evident role in the prevention and management of mental health is being physically active and performing regular exercise in daily life [5]. Earlier meta-analysis indicated that regular aerobic exercise results in moderate increases in self-reported affect [5,6]. A further review showed that the association between physical activity and mental health in young people is evident with small to moderate effects [7]. ...
Background
Wearable technology is used by consumers worldwide for continuous activity monitoring in daily life but more recently also for classifying or predicting mental health parameters like stress or depression levels. Previous studies identified, based on traditional approaches, that physical activity is a relevant factor in the prevention or management of mental health. However, upcoming artificial intelligence methods have not yet been fully established in the research field of physical activity and mental health.
Objective
This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of studies that integrated passive monitoring of physical activity data measured via wearable technology in machine learning algorithms for the detection, prediction, or classification of mental health states and traits.
Methods
We conducted a review of studies processing wearable data to gain insights into mental health parameters. Eligibility criteria were (1) the study uses wearables or smartphones to acquire physical behavior and optionally other sensor measurement data, (2) the study must use machine learning to process the acquired data, and (3) the study had to be published in a peer-reviewed English language journal. Studies were identified via a systematic search in 5 electronic databases.
Results
Of 11,057 unique search results, 49 published papers between 2016 and 2023 were included. Most studies examined the connection between wearable sensor data and stress (n=15, 31%) or depression (n=14, 29%). In total, 71% (n=35) of the studies had less than 100 participants, and 47% (n=23) had less than 14 days of data recording. More than half of the studies (n=27, 55%) used step count as movement measurement, and 44% (n=21) used raw accelerometer values. The quality of the studies was assessed, scoring between 0 and 18 points in 9 categories (maximum 2 points per category). On average, studies were rated 6.47 (SD 3.1) points.
Conclusions
The use of wearable technology for the detection, prediction, or classification of mental health states and traits is promising and offers a variety of applications across different settings and target groups. However, based on the current state of literature, the application of artificial intelligence cannot realize its full potential mostly due to a lack of methodological shortcomings and data availability. Future research endeavors may focus on the following suggestions to improve the quality of new applications in this context: first, by using raw data instead of already preprocessed data. Second, by using only relevant data based on empirical evidence. In particular, crafting optimal feature sets rather than using many individual detached features and consultation with in-field professionals. Third, by validating and replicating the existing approaches (ie, applying the model to unseen data). Fourth, depending on the research aim (ie, generalization vs personalization) maximizing the sample size or the duration over which data are collected.
... For example, it has been reported that individuals who frequently engage in physical activity experience fewer days of poor mental health when compared to sedentary individuals (i.e., individual who spend six or more hours per day sitting or lying down and lack significant physical movement on a daily basis)-mental health improvement being associated with exercise sessions of 45 min/ three to five times per week 86 and for periods of six months or longer 87 . Even low-intensity aerobic programs (i.e., 30-35 min/3-5 days per week for a period of 10-12 weeks) and moderate-intensity physical activity (i.e., a minimum of 150 min/week) are efficient in increasing positive emotions and well-being 88 . Hence, suggesting that the current recommendations 89 and the amount of physical activity in the initiative evaluated here, are effective for physical health but not for promoting character development or well-being 90 . ...
... Hence, suggesting that the current recommendations 89 and the amount of physical activity in the initiative evaluated here, are effective for physical health but not for promoting character development or well-being 90 . Indeed, the total amount of physical activity offered to the participants throughout the 10-week project "Health for Everyone-Sport, Culture, and Integration" was probably insufficient to generate relevant positive changes in character traits and life satisfaction 88 . Comparing the results of the present study with those in our previous evaluation of the same main population 72 , it is plausible to suggest that physiological health can be improved with this low amount of physical activity, but that longer and more frequent and intensive activities are needed to generate changes in people's self-concept or character and their subjective well-being 87 . ...
Asylum seekers’ traumatic experiences in combination with discrimination, social isolation, and exclusion in the host country leads to low adherence from health and integration initiatives. Along with their inability to seek health care and physical inactivity, this situation increases their mental illness and, most importantly, decreases their well-being. In fact, the lack of well-being (e.g., life satisfaction) is a better marker of mortality and morbidity than the presence of mental illness. In this context, one of the major single determinants of well-being is character, a dimension of personality that stands for self-regulation, adaptation, and intentional conscious behavior (i.e., goals and values). Host countries often implement integration initiatives including activities aiming to attenuate mental illness, but only a handful are evaluated and reported, with even fewer addressing character development, increases in life satisfaction, or adherence. Our aim was to evaluate the integration initiative “Health for Everyone—Sport, Culture, and Integration”, a 10-week physical activity community project. Specifically, we investigated changes in life satisfaction and character traits (i.e., Self-Directedness, Cooperativeness, and Self-Transcendence) and if these variables, at baseline, predicted adherence and changes in physiological health (i.e., cardiorespiratory fitness, skeletal muscle mass, body fat mass, and visceral fat). Participants (n = 269) answered (pre and post measurements) the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Short Character Inventory, and undertook physiological tests. In addition, their attendance to the physical activity sessions was registered throughout the project (i.e., adherence). Participants showed no significant increases in Self-Directedness, Cooperativeness, or life satisfaction, but significant decreases in Self-Transcendence. Moreover, higher life satisfaction and lower Self-Transcendence at baseline predicted higher adherence to the activity. However, neither character traits nor life satisfaction predicted changes in physiological health. We argue that low frequency physical activity initiatives may improve this population’s physical health because participants probably have a sedentary life and low levels of physical health due to their asylum conditions (e.g., unemployment, low income, poor housing and social network). Furthermore, physical activity per se may not improve the well-being of asylum seekers. Hence, promoting well-being and character development might require person-centered initiatives focusing on the whole individual in order to fit programmes to the needs and life situation of this population.
... For example, regular participation in physical activities can elevate levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which are related to emotional well-being [18,19]. Furthermore, exercise can provide a sense of accomplishment and control, contributing to greater positive affect and subsequently better cognitive function [20]. ...
... Furthermore, it is possible that positive affect itself is directly related to cognitive function through neurobiological mechanisms, such as increased neuroplasticity and the release of neurotransmitters that enhance cognitive performance [13,44,45]. Thus, individuals with high levels of positive affect may experience less cognitive decline due to chronic pain regardless of their level of physical activity [20]. ...
Fibromyalgia, characterized by chronic pain and cognitive impairments, significantly impacts patients’ quality of life. Physical exercise has been shown to improve cognitive functions and reduce pain severity. Additionally, positive affect enhances cognitive flexibility and facilitates better adaptation to chronic pain, suggesting that combining physical activity and positive affect could mitigate cognitive deficits in fibromyalgia patients. Objectives: The objective of this work is to explore the relationship between pain severity and cognitive performance through time spent doing moderate physical activity while taking into account the role of positive affect in fibromyalgia. Methods: This prospective study was structured into two phases of evaluation. First, pain severity, positive affect, and time spent performing moderate physical activity were evaluated, and one week later cognitive performance (assessed through the Stroop test) was also evaluated. The final sample consisted of 231 women with fibromyalgia. Moderated mediation analyses were performed using PROCESS. Results: The moderated mediation model showed that the effect of moderate physical activity on the relationship between pain severity and cognitive performance was significant for low levels of positive affect but not for moderate or high levels. That is, the indirect effect of pain intensity on cognitive performance through time spent doing moderate physical activity only has an effect when patients with fibromyalgia present low levels of positive affect. However, there was no significant indirect effect in the simple mediation model. Conclusions: The findings of this study underscore the importance of considering the level of positive affect when examining the impact of moderate physical activity on cognitive performance in women with fibromyalgia.
... Exercising encompasses engagement in competitive, self-developmental or recreational sports activities, and its health benefits are indisputable (Pedersen & Saltin, 2015;Rasciute & Downward, 2010;Warburton, Nicol, & Bredin, 2006). In particular, the positive effects of exercising on mental health have been vastly evidenced (Ekkekakis, Parfitt, & Petruzzello, 2011;Reed & Buck, 2009;Reed & Ones, 2006). Exercising is recognized as a healthy way to improve mood (Brown et al., 2005;Checkroud et al., 2018) and benefits self-evaluations (Martin Ginis, Jung, & Gauvin, 2003). ...
... Using qualitative analysis, it was revealed that though the participants engaged in exercising primarily for health-related reasons, the outcome they reported was mainly linked to empowerment. The results corroborated existing studies pointing to sports engagement as an essential factor of one's fitness (Pedersen & Saltin, 2015;Rasciute & Downward, 2010) and mental health (Ekkekakis et al., 2011;Reed & Buck, 2009); many participants pointed to mood improvement as particularly significant (Brown et al., 2005;Checkroud et al., 2018). What is more, exercising was reported to assist women to feel stronger, more potent, able and efficacious, supporting previous studies that conclude that exercising stimulates enhancement in physical and mental abilities (Cantor & Bernay, 1992;MacKinnon et al., 1987;Sebire et al., 2009). ...
Despite recent efforts towards equality, there are still gender disparities in Middle Eastern societies, where women are often discouraged from viewing themselves as autonomous, competent and self‐determining individuals due to the internalization of traditional gender norms. Research on women's empowerment in multicultural and non‐Western societies is scarce. In the absence of other interventions, exercising has been effective in increasing women's psychological and physical strength. The present study focused on women ( N = 250) living in a non‐Western and multicultural environment, aiming to assess whether (a) self‐stereotyping negatively correlates with factors of empowerment (operationalized as a sense of autonomy, agency and self‐efficacy) and exercising, (b) exercising is positively associated with factors of empowerment and (c) if exercising would mediate the hypothesized relationship of self‐stereotyping on empowerment. Secondly, the study also qualitatively explored the subjectively reported exercising motives and outcomes. The results of quantitative analyses confirmed that self‐stereotyping was negatively correlated with autonomy and agency, but not with physical self‐efficacy. Exercising was positively correlated with all the factors of empowerment and negatively with self‐stereotyping. The structural equation modelling supported the intermediary role of exercising in the associations between self‐stereotyping and autonomy and agency. The qualitative analysis revealed that although the participants principally exercised for health‐related motives, the reported outcome was primarily reflective of experiences of empowerment. The findings could be used to inform current policies and interventions geared towards women to support and promote their physical and psychological well‐being.
... Studies consistently reported the enhancement of basic cognitive functions due to exercise (e.g., executive control, memory, and attention; Erickson et al., 2019;Etnier et al., 1997;Ludyga et al., 2016;Wilke et al., 2019), an effect that is accompanied by increased psychological well-being such as positive affect (Rebar et al., 2015;Reed & Buck, 2009), higher life expectations, as well as increased mental and physical health (Lee et al., 2012;Lubans et al., 2016;Marker et al., 2018;Miles, 2007;Peluso & Guerra de Andrade, 2005). ...
... Positive-activated affect (PAA) might serve as a possible psychological mechanism explaining the positive effects of physical activity on creative ideation performance. Reed and colleagues reported a positive relationship between acute and chronic physical activity with PAA (Reed & Buck, 2009;Reed & Ones, 2006; see also Schwerdtfeger et al., 2010). This is in line with the dual-mode theory, which assumes that physical activity of moderate intensity such as walking is associated with PAA during and after physical activity. ...
Research indicated an association of acute and chronic physical activity with creative ideation performance. However, no study to date applied ecologically valid ambulatory methods with the potential to generalize these positive relationships to everyday life contexts. This study assessed acute and chronic physical activity (i.e., number of steps assessed via acceleration sensors) as well as creative ideation performance (in the verbal and figural domain) with an ecological momentary assessment approach in a sample of 157 young adults. We found that both single bouts of walking and walking regularly were associated with more original verbal ideas. Positive affect did not mediate this association; however, for figural creativity, the indirect path of acute physical activity via acute positive affect was significant. Although the relationship between walking and creativity seems to be domain-specific, the study findings suggest that the positive effects of physical activity on creativity transfer to everyday life contexts.
... Past studies have proven a positive correlation between physical activity and life satisfaction Maher et al., 2015;Zayed et al., 2018). The mechanisms that connect physical activity and life satisfaction are thought to involve the release of hormones such as endorphins, which play a crucial role in overall bodily health (Dishman & O'Connor, 2009), reduction in depression symptoms (Craft & Perna, 2004;Schuch et al., 2018), promotion of cognitive development (Hillman et al., 2008), positive emotions (Reed & Buck, 2009), and overall wellbeing (Steptoe & Butler, 1996). However, the precise mechanisms underlying this relationship require further investigation. ...
... contributions(Dishman & O'Connor, 2009) and psychological benefits(Craft & Perna, 2004;Reed & Buck, 2009;Steptoe & Butler, 1996) lead to increased life satisfaction. Possibly, the positive psychological and physiological contributions of the increase in the level of physical activity individuals cause individuals to have a more positive outlook on life (O'Brien et al., The Link of Physical Activity & Life Satisfaction Yıldırım & Özgökçe Pamukkale J Sport Sci, 14(3), 346-367, 2023 ...
The present study aimed to investigate the relationships between physical activity, life satisfaction, and the mediating roles of social physique anxiety and self-esteem. Furthermore, the study sought to assess the measurement invariance of the research model across gender and age. A total of 334 participants with a mean age of 29.43 ±8.17 years completed measures of physical activity, social physique anxiety, self-esteem, and satisfaction with life. Path analysis was employed to examine the associations between physical activity and life satisfaction, with social physique anxiety and self-esteem serving as mediators. The research model exhibited excellent fit based on the data fit index values. The results revealed that physical activity was negatively correlated with social physique anxiety and positively correlated with self-esteem and life satisfaction. Social physique anxiety displayed a negative association with self-esteem and life satisfaction. Furthermore, social physique anxiety mediated the relationship between physical activity and life satisfaction, while self-esteem mediated the relationship between social physique anxiety and life satisfaction. Physical activity exerted a direct effect on life satisfaction as well as an indirect effect through social physique anxiety and self-esteem. The findings underscore the importance of physical activity in reducing social physique anxiety and enhancing self-esteem and life satisfaction.
... To this aim, strategies such as positive psychology interventions [86] have been shown to reduce depressive symptoms while simultaneously enhancing overall well-being and resilience [87,88]. Additionally, exercisebased programs [89] have been associated with enhanced emotional regulation, increased self-efficacy, and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety [90,91]. ...
Background/Objectives: Identifying key psychological well-being factors in
morbid obesity is crucial for designing effective mental health and weight management interventions. This study explores the interconnections between the dimensions of psychological well-being in a large sample of adults with morbid obesity enrolled in an inpatient nutritional rehabilitation program. Methods: A sample of 3212 participants (F = 58%; mean age = 57.18 years; mean Body Mass Index = 43.40 kg/m2) completed the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI) upon admission to the clinic. A network analysis approach examined the relationships among the PGWBI dimensions (anxiety, depression, positive well-being, self-control, vitality, and general health). Results: Network analysis revealed that vitality and positive well-being exhibited the highest values across closeness (1.432; 0.353), strength (0.853; 0.917), and expected influence (0.853; 0917), indicating their key role in psychological well-being. Depression also demonstrated moderate relevance, suggesting its connection to other well-being factors, though it was not the primary determinant. In contrast, self-control and general health had negative strength and expected influence values (−0.660; −1.641), indicating a less central role in the network. Additionally, anxiety and depression displayed negative betweenness (−0.645), reinforcing their more peripheral position. Conversely, positive well-being and vitality showed the highest betweenness (1.291), highlighting their role as key connecting nodes within the well-being network. Conclusions: Findings suggest interventions targeting positive well-being and vitality may most effectively enhance psychological well-being in morbid obesity, emphasizing strength-based approaches that foster positive affect, motivation, and resilience rather than focusing solely on reducing distress or weight-related concerns.
... Positive affect, which involves emotions such as enthusiasm, alertness, and excitement [36], maybe less immediately influenced by light-intensity physical activities like walking. While numerous studies have demonstrated that physical activity can enhance positive emotions and overall mood [48][49][50], the intensity and duration of the walking intervention in this study were likely insufficient to stimulate the neurochemical changes required for a measurable increase in positive affect. ...
Objectives: Recent research has shown that college students experience high levels of stress from various sources, which contribute to heightened rates of psychological distress and make them particularly vulnerable to mental health issues. Hence, we conducted a study, aimed to analyze the influence of a mobile-based walking routine on mental health outcomes, such as perceived stress and positive and negative affect. Methods: The participants were divided into two groups: the walking group (N = 23) and the control group (N = 24). The walking group engaged in an approximately 25-min walking session for at least 3 days per week, which was carefully monitored and facilitated with the help of the Nike Run Club application. The statistical analysis of the quantitative data was carried out with the help of SPSS 25.0. In addition to calculating descriptive statistics, we conducted an independent samples t-test, a repeated-measures ANOVA, and a paired sample t-test to analyze the effectiveness of the intervention. Results: A repeated-measures ANOVA revealed that the walking group exhibited significant reductions in perceived stress (t = 2.03, p = 0.049, Cohen’s D = 0.60) and negative affect (t = 2.19, p = 0.033, Cohen’s D = 0.65) after the intervention, whereas the control group showed no significant changes across time in any of the proposed variables. Conclusion: The results of the study continue to be indicative of the positive effects of regular walking on perceived stress and negative affect, preserving its role as a straightforward and accessible tool for reducing stress and negative affect.
... Other studies have also found that regular physical activity significantly improves students' academic self-efficacy and performance [56]. Students who participate in physical activity perform better in terms of academic self-efficacy and academic achievement [57]. In summary, reducing mobile phone addiction among college students can promote participation in physical activity, enhance academic self-efficacy, and indirectly increase their learning engagement. ...
Background
With the widespread adoption of smartphones, mobile phone addiction has increasingly gained prominence among Chinese college students, exerting a profound and detrimental impact on their learning engagement. This study employs self-determination theory as a framework to examine the mechanisms through which mobile phone addiction affects students’ learning engagement. Specifically, it examines the mediating effects of physical activity and academic self-efficacy in this relationship.
Methods
This study was conducted from March to June 2024, using the Mobile Phone Addiction Scale, Learning Engagement Scale, Physical Activity Scale, and Academic Self-Efficacy Scale among college students from eight universities in Shaanxi Province. The survey was conducted using the Chinese online questionnaire platform “Questionnaire Star,”and 4,562 valid questionnaires were finally obtained. SPSS 29.0 and AMOS 29.0 were used for data analysis and structural equation model testing.
Results
The results revealed significant negative correlations between mobile phone addiction and learning engagement (r = -0.434, p < 0.01), physical activity (r = -0.732, p < 0.01), and academic self-efficacy (r = -0.338, p < 0.01). Conversely, there were significant positive correlations between learning engagement and physical activity (r = 0.335, p < 0.01), and academic self-efficacy (r = 0.717, p < 0.01). The study’s hypothesized model demonstrated a good overall fit, with indices including χ²/df = 4.213, RMSEA = 0.040, and GFI, AGFI, NFI, and CFI all exceeding 0.90. Mobile phone addiction was found to directly impact learning engagement (point estimate = -0.150, p < 0.001) and indirectly through three mediated pathways: physical activity (point estimate = -0.068, p < 0.001), academic self-efficacy (point estimate = -0.298, p < 0.001), and their chained effect (point estimate = -0.377, p < 0.001).
Conclusions
This research has expanded the theoretical framework and intervention approaches regarding the inter-relationship between mobile phone addiction and learning engagement. Increasing individuals’ physical activity levels and fostering their academic self-efficacy offers a means to alleviate the detrimental impact of mobile phone addiction on the learning engagement of college students.
... It is worth noting that the participants in this study were mainly engaged in low-intensity, minimally stressful activities, with an average score indicating a lower intensity of PA. However, according to Reed et al., the influence of exercise intensity on the correlation between PA and SWB appears to be marginal [60]. Cognitive neuroscience provides insights into the physiological basis of the benefits of PA on SWB, demonstrating how changes in brain structure and optimized function promote an integrated emotional response circuit. ...
This study examines the mediating roles of cognitive reappraisal (CR) and psychological resilience (PR) in the relationship between physical activity (PA) and subjective well-being (SWB) among left-behind children in China. A cross-sectional design was employed to collect data from 606 students in grades 4–9. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), and Adolescent Resilience Scale were used to collect data. The findings revealed a significant direct effect of PA on SWB and identified CR and PR as significant mediators in this relationship. In particular, the findings indicated that PA was associated with enhanced CR and PR, which in turn, were positively linked to SWB. The study elucidated the chain mediation pathway "PA → CR → PR → SWB," thereby underscoring the pivotal roles of CR and PR in the positive impact of PA on SWB among left-behind children. The findings indicate that PA plays a significant role in the SWB of left-behind children, with CR and PR identified as key mediators in this relationship. The study highlights the necessity of promoting PA, in conjunction with strategies to enhance CR and PR, as efficacious interventions for the enhancement of the mental health and well-being of left-behind children.
... Regular physical activity is associated with numerous physical benefits, including improved cardiovascular health (Warburton et al. 2006), enhanced muscular strength (Liu and Latham 2009), and better weight management (Jakicic and Otto 2005). Additionally, regular exercise has been shown to provide psychological benefits, such as reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression (Stathopoulou et al. 2006), enhancing mood (Reed and Buck 2009), and improving overall mental well-being (Penedo and Dahn 2005). However, these benefits can only be realized if physical exercise is performed consistently over time, highlighting the importance of exercise adherence among individuals, particularly college students, who are in a critical stage for developing lifelong habits. ...
Objective:
The aims of this study were to investigate the effects and mechanisms of physical exercise input, sports emotional intelligence, and sports self-efficacy on exercise adherence, and to examine the chain-mediating role of sports emotional intelligence→sports self-efficacy.
Methods:
The Physical Exercise Input Scale, Exercise Adherence Scale, Sports Emotional Intelligence Scale, and Sports Self-Efficacy Scale were used to investigate 1390 college students in three universities in the Henan Province.
Results:
(1) Physical exercise input was a significant positive predictor of exercise adherence (β = 0.29, t = 5.78, p < 0.001); (2) sports emotional intelligence and sports self-efficacy mediated the relationship between physical exercise input and exercise adherence; (3) physical exercise input influenced exercise adherence through the separate mediating role of sports emotional intelligence (β = 0.10, t = 5.98, p < 0.001), the separate mediating role of sports self-efficacy (β = 0.13, t = 2.64, p < 0.01), and the chain mediating role of sports emotional intelligence→sports self-efficacy (β = 0.09, t = 2.80, p < 0.01).
Conclusions:
(1) Physical exercise input can positively predict the level of sports emotional intelligence and sports self-efficacy of college students; (2) Physical exercise input can not only directly influence college students' exercise adherence but can also indirectly influence it through sports emotional intelligence or sports self-efficacy levels alone, as well as through the chain mediation of the two.
... While there has been a plethora of studies conducted assessing the relationship between psychological factors and aerobic training (Reed and Buck, 2009;DiLorenzo et al., 1999;King et al., 1989), there is a gap in our understanding of the association between psychological factors and participation in RT, and more specifically, barbell-based RT. The overarching goal of this study was to examine the relationship between basic psychological needs, behavioral regulation, self-efficacy, and a longitudinal barbell-based RT program for adults. ...
Background
Despite extensive research on the relationship between psychological factors and aerobic training, there remains a gap in understanding these relationships within resistance training (RT), particularly barbell-based RT. This study aimed to examine the associations between basic psychological needs, behavioral regulation, self-efficacy, and a longitudinal barbell-based RT program for adults.
Methods
Forty-three adults (M age = 45.09 ± 10.72) were recruited from the Competitive Edge resistance training program at a medical fitness center in Northwest Montana. The study followed an 18-week schedule: 8 weeks of training, 1 week of active recovery, and 8 additional weeks of training.
Results
The results reveal several significant findings. First, the basic psychological need for competence significantly increased from baseline (M = 5.06) to post-program (M = 5.30), (p = 0.017). Second, the composite score of the BREQ-3 significantly predicting muscular strength improvements in the deadlift (β = 3.64, p = 0.039). Third, both mastery (p = 0.021) and resilience (p = 0.007) self-efficacy subscales increased from baseline to post-program. Fourth, exploratory analyses indicated that the reasons to exercise scale predicted increases in muscular endurance with the weight management (β = 10.016, p = 0.046) and solitude (β = 6.792, p = 0.037) subscales.
Conclusion
These findings highlight the importance of psychological factors in predicting strength outcomes and muscular endurance, suggesting that psychological interventions may complement physical training to maximize benefits. This research contributes valuable insights into how psychological factors influence training outcomes, potentially guiding future interventions and program designs to better support strength development and endurance in resistance training contexts.
... It is worth mentioning that physical activity improves mood and this improvement may indirectly increase self-esteem. In particular, exercise has been shown to reduce depression and anxiety symptoms and positively affect mood in adolescent females [8]. In addition, the fact that exercise increases endorphin levels, which are neurotransmitters that promote feelings of happiness and wellbeing, draws attention as a factor that improves mood [9]. ...
In this study, the positive contributions of regular physical activity habits to the social development and self-confidence of young women are emphasized. In the search for scientific literature for this review, data from the US National Library of Medicine (PubMed), MEDLINE, and SportDiscus were used, and the terms "female adolescent health", "self-confidence", "physical activity", and "self-esteem" were used. The relevant literature has also taken its source from the research of relevant articles from reference lists derived from data searches. Self-esteem is defined as a person's general assessment of one's worth and is recognized as an important measure of psychological health. Since physical activity is any form of bodily movement performed to maintain or improve physical structure and general health, physical activity is thought to be associated with improved self-esteem in young adolescent females, and these two concepts are considered intertwined concepts. Regular exercise and physical activity are known to have numerous benefits for the physical and psychological development of young adolescent females. Exercise and sporting activities have been shown to help improve physical fitness, reduce depression, and increase self-confidence, and these positive effects help to create a psychological support system in young females. It is predicted that female adolescents who participate in physical activity during adolescence will have higher levels of self-esteem in adulthood compared to those who do not participate in physical activity. It is also accepted that female adolescents who develop physical activity habits during adolescence continue to carry positive sociopsychological and general health effects into adulthood.
... For military populations, the reduction in stigma and emphasis on physical activity may be especially important because stigma is a significant barrier to mental health care (Sharp et al., 2015), and physical fitness is a core component of service requirements (Department of Defense, 2022). Exercise also encourages social interaction (Brand et al., 2018) and improves positive affect (Reed & Buck, 2009), which are domains that may benefit less from standard care options for MDD and PTSD (e.g., Larsen et al., 2019;McClintock et al., 2011). Exercise may be especially relevant to those with multiple disorders given that it features key components of multiple evidence-based psychotherapies (e.g., behavioral activation, cognitive restructuring; Meyer et al., 2022). ...
Objective: Major depressive disorder (MDD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are commonly comorbid mental health disorders. Exercise performed in the natural environment has shown promise in relieving symptoms of each disorder separately; however, the effectiveness has seldom been studied in comorbid populations. Method: Data were derived from a randomized controlled trial of surf and hike therapy for active duty service members with MDD (N = 95). In this study, participants were grouped by comorbidity status (MDD, n = 37; MDD-PTSD, n = 58). Clinician-administered and self-reported measures were completed at preprogram, postprogram, and 3-month follow-up; a brief depression/anxiety measure was completed before and after each session. Results: Multilevel modeling results showed clinically significant decreases in depression severity across participants from pre- to postprogram (p < .001) and within exercise sessions (p < .001), with no further change through follow-up. No significant differences emerged in depression severity change over time by comorbidity status, intervention condition, or their three-way interaction. Those with PTSD showed reductions in posttraumatic stress symptoms from pre- to postprogram (p < .001), which did not differ by intervention condition; gains were maintained at follow-up. Remission rates from MDD and PTSD diagnoses (if applicable) were significant from pre- to postprogram for both MDD-only and MDD-PTSD groups (p < .001). These improvements were maintained at 3 months. Conclusions: Both surf and hike therapies can improve MDD and PTSD symptoms, regardless of comorbidity status, suggesting utility of these interventions among service members with one or both disorders.
... Participants in the Heat group experienced reduced joint pain and increased joint mobility, felt fitter and had improved mood. A commonly reported benefit of participating in regular exercise is increased positive-activated affect, or the feeling of having more energy 36 ; participants from the HIIE intervention reported an increase in perceived energy levels across the intervention, as did the Heat group. Whilst physiological alterations likely contribute to this positive-activated affect 37 , many HIIE and Heat participants anecdotally commented that they were able to sleep better and for longer at night, without waking due to pain and this may have also influenced perceived mood and energy levels. ...
Background: The purpose of the study was to examine the acute and adaptive analgesic effects of two separate therapies-hot-water immersion and upper-limb high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE)-in patients with severe lower-limb osteoarthritis. Methods: Eligible and consenting participants scheduled for hip or knee arthroplasty were randomized to hot-water immersion (Heat, n=27); 20-30 min immersed in 40C water followed by ~15 min light resistance exercise) or upper-limb high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE, n=25; 6-8 x 60 s intervals on a cross-trainer or arm ergometer at ~100% peak VȮ2, 60-90 s recovery); all for 36 sessions (3 sessions per week for 12 weeks). Joint pain (0-10 scale; 0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain) and accelerometry were assessed during and following acute exposure and across the intervention. Results: Joint pain decreased by 3 arbitrary units (AU) and 2 AU during an acute exposure of heat therapy and HIIE (p≤0.035); this acute analgesic effect was still evident in the final week of the intervention. These acute analgesic effects did not translate to reduced joint pain adaptively across the intervention (p=0.684), or improved daily step count in the 24-h following acute exposure (p=0.855) or across the intervention (p=0.604). Conclusions: The findings from this study highlight the acute analgesic effects of hot-water immersion and HIIE, and that patients with severe lower-limb osteoarthritis can participate in high-intensity upper-limb exercise, relatively pain free. Significance: This research reports several novel findings: 1) acute hot-water immersion has a potent analgesic effect in people with severe lower-limb osteoarthritis; 2) this acute effect is lost within one hour of exposure; 3) people with severe lower-limb osteoarthritis can perform cardiovascularly meaningful exercise via HIIE using predominantly the upper limbs, while decreasing joint pain; 4) reassuringly, the acute analgesic effect of hot-water immersion or HIIE persists across 12-wk of repeated exposure.
... Perhaps surprising are the findings that the COM and EXE groups did not experience statistically significant positive affective changes in response to their exercise intervention. These findings appear to be contradictory to evidence within able-bodied participants where reviews consistently highlight the efficacy of exercise and physical activity as determinants for adaptive affective change [67][68][69][70]. Furthermore, intervention programmes which combine "brain training" and physical activity also yielded promising findings concerning adaptive mood states. ...
Down syndrome (DS) is characterised by a duplication of chromosome-21 and is linked to co-occurring physical and mental health conditions, including low self-efficacy and disturbed mood states. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of an eight-week prescribed physical and/or cognitive training intervention on measures of mood disturbance, life satisfaction and self-efficacy in a population of adults with DS. Eighty-three participants (age 27.1 ± 8.0 years) from across five continents volunteered. Participants were assigned using matched groups based upon performance in a modified six-minute walk test to either an exercise (EXE) 3 × 30 min of walking/jogging per week, cognitive training (COG) 6 × 20 min per week, a combined group (COM) or the control (CON) who did not complete any intervention. Profile of Mood States (POMS) were assessed using a five-point scale across 65 categories pre- and post-study as well as upon completion of each week of the intervention. In addition, Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and self-efficacy using the Generalised Self-Efficacy scale (GSE) were recorded before and after the intervention. GSE increased for all participants by 1.9 ± 5.2 (p = 0.002) from pre- to post-intervention, while POMS showed significant changes for the whole group from pre- to post-intervention for tension (p < 0.001), depression (p < 0.001) and for anger (p < 0.001). In addition, significant correlations were observed between SWLS and ΔTMD, Δtension, Δanger, and Δfatigue (p < 0.05) for EXE. Both COG and EXE provide a framework for empowering enhancements in life satisfaction, self-efficacy and mood states fostering improvements in quality of life.
... Interestingly, this was observed despite a higher intensity being achieved than other conditions. This contrasts with most evidence which suggests increased intensity is associated with lower positive affect (23,47). However, listening to music can maintain or improve positive affect despite exercising at a higher intensity (9). ...
Substantial health benefits can be derived from walking at a moderate intensity cadence. To help regulate this cadence, three distinct aids exist 1) self-perception; 2) cadence prescription; 3) auditory cues. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and explore perceptions of these aids to promote moderate intensity walking and effects on affective states, thereby addressing an important research gap. Individualised moderate relative intensity waking cadence was determined for participants (n = 23, Mage = 26.35, SD = 10.11). A convergent mixed-methods design was employed. A within-persons repeated measures design was used to explore the effectiveness of three aids (general guidelines, cadence prescription, and music) on promoting moderate intensity physical activity and positive affective states. Perceptions of these aids were elicited through qualitative interviews and thematic content analysis. Main effects for condition on relative physical activity intensity (η² = .72) and positive affect (η² = .25) were observed. Music evoked significantly higher relative physical activity intensity than other conditions (p values < .01), and higher positive affect compared to the general guidelines condition (p = .038). A significantly greater proportion of participants achieved moderate relative intensity physical activity during the music compared to general guidelines condition (p = .03). Congruently, qualitative findings suggested that participants predominantly perceived music as most effective for promoting a moderate intensity cadence and positive affect. However, individual variability existed in ability to utilise this aid. Implications of the findings for practitioners seeking to promote a moderate intensity cadence and positive affect during walking are discussed.
... Research by demonstrated that regular aerobic exercise can lead to improvements in cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and executive function. Additionally, engaging in aerobic exercise has been associated with mood enhancement, as it can release endorphins and reduce stress and anxiety (Reed & Buck, 2009 other hand, primarily focuses on building muscle mass and may not have as direct an impact on cognitive function, but it can still improve mood by promoting feelings of accomplishment and self-confidence (Annesi, 2005). Flexibility exercises like yoga and stretching can contribute to improved cognitive function by promoting relaxation and reducing stress (Streeter, 2010), which can positively influence mood. ...
Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate comparison of different modes of exercise on cognitive function and mood among older adults in Mexico Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study on older adults in Mexico found that regular physical exercise, regardless of the mode, improved cognitive function, particularly memory and executive functions. Aerobic exercises like walking and swimming were effective in enhancing mood by reducing depression and anxiety symptoms. Resistance training benefited attention and concentration. Group exercise sessions and personalized programs boosted adherence and motivation, contributing to improved cognitive outcomes and mood among older adults in Mexico. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The cognitive reserve theory, the neurotrophic theory & the socioemotional selectivity theory may be used to anchor future studies comparison of different modes of exercise on cognitive function and mood among older adults in Mexico Develop practical guidelines for creating customized workout playlists based on individual preferences and exercise goals. Collaborate with workplace wellness programs to incorporate music into physical fitness initiatives. Advocate for policies that support the use of music in corporate fitness centers and wellness activities to improve employee engagement and well-being.
... Exercise has been proposed as a strategy to accomplish this goal. A large body of evidence shows that exercise increases positive affective states and it is negatively associated with anger, confusion, tension, and fatigue in the general population (Biddle et al., 2021;Reed and Buck, 2009;Reed and Ones, 2006). Furthermore, physical activity (PA) seems to play a preventative role against the development of depressive symptoms: individuals with a more sedentary lifestyle were more likely to develop depressive symptoms (Farmer et al., 1988;McDowell et al., 2018;Paffenbarger et al., 1994), while increases in PA may reduce risk for depression (Jerstad et al., 2010). ...
... Educational systems too often standardize sedentariness. Educators and administrators should be aware of the risks, especially when the flip side of sedentariness, exercise, is regularly linked to improvements in affect (Reed & Buck, 2009), focus and calm (Davis & Newlon, 2022), and improved cardiovascular health (Pinckard et al., 2019). Affect is suggested to improve alongside increases in essential neurochemicals, namely dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. ...
Look in the mirror. Leaders, if you agree with the scientific research and want to incorporate exercise and other active learning into the school day, ask yourself an honest question: Are you actually doing it? Does a traditional day in your educational environment allow for the benefits of movement or are students mostly subject to sedentariness? An easy self-check would be to give a simple report card
(Figure 2) to a set of students. Ask for their feedback. Have them fill out the second two columns to identify classes and level of activity in those classes. You might find some disturbing patterns. Change them. Or you might be pleasantly surprised that many of your teachers are intentionally folding level two activities into the day. Celebrate that. Either way, shining a light on the true activity levels that define the student experience is always helpful.
... Simultaneously, the peak experiences associated with physical activity play a role in diminishing negative emotions like anxiety, depression, and stress. This dual mechanism increases the overall level of positive emotions, ultimately improving individuals' subjective well-being [39] . ...
Background and objective: Subjective well-being stands as a pivotal and comprehensive psychological indicator reflecting an individual's quality of life, often intertwined with physical activity. However, the intricate mechanisms through which physical activity influences an individual's subjective well-being remain less explored. Currently, scant research delves into the impact of physical activity on subjective well-being concerning cardiac dimensions such as basic psychological needs and self-efficacy. Consequently, this study aims to investigate the influence of physical activity on the subjective well-being of college students, examining the chain-mediated effects of basic psychological needs and self-efficacy.
Methods: A total of 389 college students participated in this study, and data collection involved utilizing the Physical Activity Rating Scale, Subjective Well-Being Scale, Basic Psychological Needs Scale, and Self-Efficacy Scale. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 24.0 to explore the chain mediating roles of basic psychological needs and self-efficacy in the effects of physical activity on college students' subjective well-being.
Results: The findings revealed a significant positive correlation among physical activity, subjective well-being, basic psychological needs, and self-efficacy. Notably, physical activity influences college students' subjective well-being through the mediating roles of basic psychological needs and self-efficacy, with each playing a chain mediating role independently.
Conclusion: Basic psychological needs and self-efficacy as integral chain mediators in elucidating the effects of physical activity on the subjective well-being of college students.
... Ekkekakis et al. (2011) assume that especially states of positive valence and high activation increase this likelihood. That physical activity can have positive effects on the affective state has been demonstrated several times, as a consequence of both multiple bouts (Reed and Buck, 2009) and single bouts of physical activity (Niedermeier et al., 2021). Sport climbing describes climbing along a given climbing route, whereby the climber is secured using appropriate climbing equipment. ...
Introduction
Psychological research has shown that, among other variables, affective state, expectancy, and behavioral intention influence whether or not a (physically active) behavior is performed. Environmental effects during physical activity on affective state have been well studied; however, research regarding environmental effects on expectancy or intention is limited. Sport climbing is a form of physical activity that is performed both indoors and outdoors and is therefore considered as suitable to study environmental effects. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate environmental effects during sport climbing on affective state, expectancy, and intention. The nature of the relationship between some of these parameters should also be explored.
Methods
Using a within-subjects design, 48 participants were to climb both once indoors in a climbing gym and once outdoors at a crag. The design included questionnaire-based surveys at multiple time points. Affective state, expectancy, and behavioral intention were measured at different test time points.
Results
Two-factor repeated-measures ANOVAs revealed significant main effects of the factors environment (indoor – outdoor) and time (T1 – T2 – T3) for affective state, indicating more positive affective state during outdoor climbing. No environment*time interactions were found. Furthermore, significantly higher intention (d = 0.32; p = 0.032) was measured after the outdoor condition (M = 32.5, SD = 4.1) compared to the indoor condition (M = 31.2, SD = 4.7). Multiple linear regressions revealed that expectancies (measured before and after the session) significantly predicted post-climbing intention only indoors.
Conclusion
The results at least partly suggest environmental effects on behaviorally relevant variables during climbing. Outdoor climbing might provide more favorable characteristics for physically active behavior compared to indoor climbing. Health psychologists or public health professionals who focus on increasing physical activity for their clients could recommend outdoor climbing over indoor climbing.
... Physical activity likewise covaries with many personality variables (Allen et al., 2017;Sutin et al., 2016;Wilson & Dishman, 2015). Longitudinal studies show that changes in physical activity precede changes in both positive and negative affect (Emerson et al., 2018;Kanning & Schlicht, 2010;Reed & Buck, 2009;Wichers et al., 2012) and have effects on stress reactivity (Puterman et al., 2017). There is also experimental evidence suggesting that exercise interventions can change personality (Kingsbury & Bernard, 2022), including self-concept and self-esteem (Liu et al., 2015;Stoll & Alfermann, 2002). ...
Although health-related behaviors such as sleep, physical activity, and mindful relaxation relate to self-concept, the links between these behaviors and self-concept clarity (SCC) have not been explored. Here, we use experience sampling with an undergraduate sample (N = 155) to investigate how these behaviors predict SCC within persons and between persons and whether their daily links with SCC are moderated by general habits and personality traits. Sleep duration predicted next-day SCC levels, and subjective sleepiness/alertness was linked with SCC at momentary, daily, and between-person levels. Physical activity and mindful relaxation behaviors did not relate to SCC on average, although trait conscientiousness moderated these relationships. No relationships were moderated by self-reported habits. Results suggest that sleep may be especially important for ongoing subjective self-evaluation.
... Understanding the mediating factors in the relationship between physical activity and academic performance is essential. Recent research has explored various mechanisms, including improvements in executive functions [15], enhanced neural connectivity [16], and reductions in stress and anxiety [17]. These mediating factors help elucidate the pathways through which physical activity may influence cognitive abilities and academic success. ...
This detailed study investigates the relationship between physical activity and academic performance among students at Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU). Utilizing a mixed-method approach, we examine the potential links between physical activity levels, grade point (GP), and standardized test scores. Data from varied SNSU students reveal a positive correlation between physical activity and academic achievement, supported by regression analysis that controls for age, gender, and socioeconomic status. These findings underscore the potential cognitive benefits of regular physical activity and suggest implications for educational institutions in promoting both physical and academic well-being. While limitations exist, including the cross-sectional design and self-reported data, this research contributes to the ongoing dialogue on the intersection of physical activity and academic success, inspiring further exploration in this vital area of study.
... To evaluate if AccIB is more strongly associated with lower arousal and more positive affective states we assessed positive and negative activating and deactivating affect (e.g., Schwerdtfeger & Gerteis, 2014) by means of four items each. In accordance with Reed and Buck (2009), the positive activated affect means positive affect with high arousal (Russell, 2003). The positive activated affect (i.e., excited, enthusiastic, active, determined) was measured reliable across participants (R KRn = 0.95) and situations (R Cn = 0.66). ...
We present a novel ambulatory method, the Graz Ambulatory Interoception Task (GRAIT), to assess the accuracy of interoceptive beliefs (AccIB). This method captures both between- and within-person variations of AccIB by having participants counting perceived heartbeats in daily life. Reliability analyses showed high between-person (RkR = 0.99) and moderate within-person reliability (RCn = 0.62). Validity was supported by associations with an established laboratory task (r = 0.87). Within-person associations revealed that interoceptive sensibility, heart rate variability, and states of low arousal coupled with positive affect were linked to AccIB. Study 2 replicated these findings and showed a relationship between AccIB and self-control in everyday life, highlighting the importance of cardiac interoception and its relevance for health.
... Body image and related satisfaction are especially important in the so-called immanent sports (aerobics, gymnastics, RG, dance), as the main concept is the showing of the body during the performance. Aerobics routines have an effect on activity based on a report of a meta-analysis (Reed & Buck 2009). The relationship between personality traits and body image was confirmed by a comparative analysis as well (Allen & Walter, 2016). ...
The aim of the paper was to study aerobic gymnastics and gymnastics competitors parallel with a psychological skills point of view. Groups of adult elite female competitors in Aerobic Gymnastics (n=36) and Gymnastics (n=43) were compared in this study. The applied mechanism was the Test of Performance Strategy (TOPS), which was adapted to the Hungarian language (see Kalmar et al., 2015). The hypothesis was formulated that there are significant differences between the two samples as far as the differences between the two sports and the specific adaptations of their psychological skills are concerned. The statistical analysis resulted in a presentation of these differences. The main characteristics of the aerobics competitor sample are the use of wide-range automaticity to which a high value of relaxation is attached in the trainings (practice). Movements executed together with the same rhythm of music well serves this purpose. The values of emotional control are low, and negative thinking during the competitions is frequent. The high level of goal-setting, the frequent imagery and the application of self-talk are characteristics for the gymnastics sample. At the competition, emotional control and, during the training, concentration is high. It can be seen that the individual character of gymnastics favours the formation of these variables. The differences between the training (practice) and competition were also investigated in each sample. Fewer variables increased or decreased in aerobic gymnastics (in two cases) than in gymnastics (in five cases) during the competition compared to training. The dynamic changes in skills also show the differences between the two sports.
... Reed and Buck (2009) also pointed out that sports participation can affect individuals' attitudes towards participating in sports activities, enhance individuals' awareness of sports activities, and bring physical, psychological, and emotional pleasure to participants. 34 Participating in sport is an important part of the healthy life of college students. Even though most people are aware of the benefits, still very few people consistently participate in physical activity. ...
Purpose
The current college students have a lot of mental pressure due to their heavy study, life and work burdens, and the incidence of college students’ problems continues to rise. Sports are considered to be one of the best ways to improve the well-being of college students. However, the mechanism of college students’ well-being is still unclear. This article is intended to exploring the mechanism of action of Trait Mindfulness (TM) on well-being in college students.
Methods
Four hundred and ninety six college students were tested with Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale, Flow Experience Scale, Physical Activity Rating Scale, and Subjective Well-being Scale.
Results
College students’ trait mindfulness (TM) can predict well-being, college students’ trait mindfulness (TM) can have an indirect impact on well-being through flow experience, and college students’ trait mindfulness (TM) has an indirect impact on well-being through sports participation. In addition, flow experience and sports participation play a sequential mediating role between college students’ trait mindfulness (TM) and well-being.
Conclusion
Flow experience and sports participation play a sequential mediating role between college students’ trait mindfulness(TM) and well-being. The current research results indicate that college students get well-being in sport activities. Trait mindfulness influences the behavioral tendency of sports participation through the mediation of thinking activities and cognitive function sequences. The results of this study provide a new literature reference for expanding the theory of positive emotion expansion and well-being. In addition, this study also provides an important basis for improving college students’ well-being and college education.
... Affect may play a role in creative PA interventions. Positive affect is related to producing more original ideas 114,115 , and it has been suggested that PA can reduce stress (negative effect) 116 . ...
Neuroplasticity research supports the idea that varied practice and new environments promote cognitive engagement and enhance learning. Expanding on a meta-analysis of the effect of physical activity interventions on cognition and academic outcomes, we reviewed and quantified the impact of task and environmental factors that foster creative physical activity. Interventions were considered as fostering creative physical activity to a greater extent if (1) they were varied, (2) relied less on technical acquisition, instruction or demonstration, (3) involved open spaces, props, or open-ended instructions, and (4) involved interactions with peers. A wide range of physical activities were considered, from dance to aerobic exercise across 92 studies in 5–12-year-old children. Creativity ratings of physical activity interventions were varied but did not associate with greater beneficial effects on executive functions (k = 45), academic achievement (k = 47), or fluid intelligence (k = 8). Studies assessing on-task behaviour (k = 5) tended not to foster creativity, while reversely studies assessing creativity tended to foster creative physical activities (k = 5). As a group, three studies that fostered more creative PA showed a small significant negative summary effect on cognitive flexibility. Considering qualitative differences in the physical activities performed in schools will improve our understanding of their mechanisms of impact. Future research should consider using more varied measures, including more proximal outcomes that involve body movements (e.g., a Simon Says task to measure inhibitory control).
... Prior research suggests that self-efficacy can be gradually developed through accumulated experiences of success (Salanova et al., 2012), mindfulness training (Sanaei et al., 2014), goal setting, and feedback (Schunk & Swartz, 1993). Likewise, activated positive affect can be cultivated by implementing wellness programs that promote aerobic exercise (Reed & Buck, 2009), mindfulness practice (Lindsay et al., 2018), and visualization techniques that invoke gratitude and idealized self-outcomes (Sheldon & Lyubomirsky, 2006). ...
... However, few studies have paid specific attention to a child's sports participation and its positive association with HRQoL (Tsiros et al., 2017;Moeijes et al., 2019). Sports participation may contribute to positive self-perception as well as enhance energy, vigor, pleasant mood, joy, and social skills, especially among girls (Liu et al., 2015;Reed et al., 2009;Peguero, 2008). ...
Objectives:
This study aimed to describe the relationship between body size, form, and composition, and children's lifestyle on health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
Methods:
This cross-sectional study comprised 1333 children (9.05 ± 0.75 years; 683 females) living in mainland Portugal. Objective anthropometric measures were collected. Parents answered a standardized questionnaire related with children's lifestyle (e.g., sport participation, screen- and sleep-time) and family socioeconomic status (e.g., parental education). HRQoL was measured using the Portuguese version of the KIDSCREEN-27. Scores were categorized into low and high using a sex-specific normative cut-off from European children. A healthier score was created including positive scores for body weight, abdominal obesity, sport participation, sleep- and screen-time.
Results:
Body size, form and composition were correlated with children's physical wellbeing. However, sex differences were found in which parameters were associated with wellbeing. Among boys, the body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, subscapular and suprailiac skinfold were most correlated with wellbeing, while waist circumference and subscapular skinfold showed the strongest correlations for girls. Sleep duration and sport participation revealed a significant relationship with girls' HRQoL. A logistic regression analysis (adjusted for parental education) revealed that boys scoring 4 or 5 in the healthier index had an increased likelihood of high HRQoL level compared to those fulfilling none.
Conclusions:
Future programs aimed at reducing obesity, particularly central obesity, and incorporating multiple health indicators and behaviors, such as sport participation and sleep duration may help improve children's health and wellbeing.
Background: Overweight and obesity are associated with adverse psychological outcomes, compromised body composition, and reduced quality of life (QoL). While exercise training has been proposed as an effective intervention, its impact on these outcomes remains unclear. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of exercise training on psychological outcomes, body composition, and QoL in overweight or obese adults. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed through July 2024, utilizing multiple databases. Random-effects models were used to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs) or mean differences (MDs), with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Thirty-one trials involving 2779 participants were included. Exercise training significantly improved mental health (SMD: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.39, p = .0003), depression (SMD: −0.52, 95% CI: −0.86, −0.18, p = .003), mood (SMD: 7.55, 95% CI: 10.78, 4.31, p < .00001), waist circumference (MD: −2.77 cm, 95% CI: −4.60, −0.94, p = .003), and lean body mass (MD: 1.16 kg, 95% CI: 0.62, 1.69, p < .0001). Improvements were also observed in various QoL domains, including social functioning ( p = .004), physical functioning ( p < .00001), vitality ( p = .003), general health ( p = .001), and environmental quality ( p < .00001). However, some psychological, body composition, and QoL variables did not show significant effects. Conclusion: Exercise training positively impacts psychological outcomes, body composition, and multiple QoL domains in overweight and obese adults. These findings highlight the importance of exercise in lifestyle interventions. Further research is needed to determine long-term and consistent effects.
Background
Emotional regulation is a critical component of emotional intelligence, particularly during the preschool stage, a key period for children's development. Previous studies have demonstrated that executive function mediates the effect of gross motor skills on emotional understanding. However, studies specifically focusing on children from rural areas and investigating the role of psychological resilience are limited. The present study fills this knowledge gap by examining the effect of gross motor skills on emotional regulation and the roles of executive function and psychological resilience among Chinese rural preschool children.
Methods
This study included 430 children (aged 61.01 ± 6.98 months, 48.8 % boys) and their teachers from three rural preschools in China. Children's gross motor skills, including locomotor and object control skills, were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development-3. Executive function was measured using the Head-Toes-Knee-Shoulder task, and emotional regulation was assessed using the Emotional Regulation Checklist. Furthermore, psychological resilience was examined using the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment. Demographic information was collected, and the cross-sectional relationships between gross motor skills and emotional regulation were investigated through mediation and moderation analyses.
Results
Gross motor skills, executive function, and psychological resilience were associated with emotional regulation (p < 0.05), after controlling for sex, age, and only-child status. Executive function was found to mediate the relationship between gross motor skills and emotional regulation, with a mediation effect of 0.045. Psychological resilience moderated the relationship between executive function and emotional regulation (β = 0.078, p < 0.05). Simple slope analysis, based on categorizing psychological resilience into high, medium, and low groups, revealed that preschoolers with a higher level of psychological resilience exhibited a significantly stronger predictive effect of executive function on emotional regulation (β = 0.202, p < 0.01).
Conclusions
Gross motor skills significantly affect emotional regulation development in rural preschoolers, with executive function acting as a mediator in this relationship. Psychological resilience was found to moderate the effect of executive function on emotional regulation. The findings suggest that enhancing gross motor skills through physical activities can benefit children by promoting the development of executive function, which is crucial for emotional regulation. On the basis of our findings, we recommend focusing on cost-effective physical activity interventions for motor skills development among rural children while also addressing the development of executive function and psychological resilience. Future efforts should include workshops to improve physical literacy of parents and teachers regarding children's gross motor skills promotion.
Evidence indicating that exercise benefits mental health symptoms across a range of mental health diagnoses spans decades of scientific literature; however, fewer studies have examined the impact of exercise on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Exercise is an accessible, cost-effective, and scalable treatment option that has the potential to improve both physiological and psychological symptoms among individuals with PTSD. The purpose of this chapter is to review empirical literature on the role of exercise in the treatment of PTSD. Researchers have demonstrated that exercise improves PTSD symptoms as both a stand-alone treatment and as an adjunct to cognitive behavioral and trauma-focused therapies. Additional research is needed to clarify mechanisms that account for the impacts of exercise on PTSD and to identify which components of exercise (e.g., type of exercise, dose, intensity, frequency) are the most beneficial.
The study of the affective impact of physical activity and exercise has a long and fraught history. In this chapter we outline some of the longstanding issues, in the hopes that research moving forward will be more mindful of these. Included are: (a) what we are actually trying to assess; (b) measurement issues; (c) the timing of affective measurement; (d) research that highlights what we know and don’t know; and (e) suggestions for moving forward.
Relevant studies indicate that sports increase happiness and helps protect mental health. However, the importance of physical activity in terms of its effects on happiness and mental health needs to be demonstrated. In this study, the purpose was to reveal the effect of doing regular physical activity in investigating the relations between happiness, mental well-being, stress, anxiety, and depression. Data were collected with the Perceived Stress Scale, Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, the short form of Oxford Happiness Scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. A total of 1715 people, 854 males, and 861 females, between the ages of 18-78 participated in the present study. When the results were examined in terms of the condition of physical activity, it was determined that the participants who do physical activity regularly had higher happiness and mental well-being scores than those who not doing regular physical activity, and their stress and depression levels were lower. No differences were detected between the anxiety levels in terms of doing regular physical activity conditions. Different squared multiple correlation coefficients were calculated in predicting happiness, in different models having been compared, and in groups that were formed regarding the physical activity participation condition. It was observed that negative emotional structures explained happiness better without mental well-being in the non-sporting group. The opposite result was obtained when mental well-being mediated the relation between negative emotional structures and happiness.
Background
The interplay of physical activity (PA) with affective well-being (AWB) is highly critical to both health behaviors and health outcomes. Current prominent theories presume AWB to be crucial for PA maintenance, and PA is evidenced to foster mental health. However, thus far, PA-AWB associations have mainly been researched in laboratory settings and with interventional designs, but the everyday life perspective had not been focused on, mostly due to technological limitations. In the course of digitization, the number of studies using device-based methods to research the within-subject association of physical activity and affective well-being (PA-AWB) under ecological valid conditions increased rapidly, but a recent comprehensive systematic review of evidence across populations, age groups, and distinct AWB components remained inconclusive.
Objectives
Therefore, we aimed to firstly review daily-life studies that assessed intensive longitudinal device-based (e.g., electronic smartphone diaries and accelerometry) and real-time PA-AWB data, secondly to develop and apply a quality assessment tool applicable to those studies, and thirdly to discuss findings and draw implications for research and practice.
Methods
To this end, the literature was searched in three databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus) up to November 2022. The systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines and had been pre-registered (PROSPERO id: CRD42021277327). A modified quality assessment tool was developed to illustrate the risk of bias of included studies.
Results
The review of findings showed that, in general, already short PA bouts in everyday life, which clearly differ from structured exercise sessions, are positively associated with AWB. In particular, feelings of energy relate to incidental (non-exercise and unstructured) activity, and PA-AWB associations depend on population characteristics. The quality assessment revealed overall moderate study quality; however, the methods applied were largely heterogeneous between investigations. Overall, the reviewed evidence on PA-AWB associations in everyday life is ambiguous; for example, no clear patterns of directions and strengths of PA-AWB relationships depending on PA and AWB components (such as intensity, emotions, affect, mood) emerged.
Conclusions
The reviewed evidence can fuel discussions on whether the World Health Organization’s notion “every move counts” may be extended to everyday life AWB. Concurrently, the PA-AWB relationship findings endorse prominent theories highlighting the critical role of AWB in everyday PA engagement and maintenance. However, the review also clearly highlights the need to advance and harmonize methodological approaches for more fine-grained investigations on which specific PA/AWB characteristics, contextual factors, and biological determinants underly PA-AWB associations in everyday life. This will enable the field to tackle pressing challenges such as the issue of causality of PA-AWB associations, which will help to shape and refine existing theories to ultimately predict and improve health behavior, thereby feeding into precision medicine approaches.
COVID-19 is still a world disaster; however, its vaccination is globally available. Liver and gastrointestinal disturbances occur in patients infected with COVID-19 at varying incidences. Aging decreases the functions of the liver. Thus, the elderly have a weaker response to the COVID-19 virus. The COVID-19 virus affects the liver directly through direct and indirect mechanisms. It directly affects the renin-angiotensin system or indirectly causes sepsis, uncontrolled immune reactions, drug-related hepatic injury, and cytokine storm. Also, COVID-19 vaccines and anti-drugs have adverse effects on the liver too. Thus, this review explores the effect of enhancing aerobic capacity as a nonpharmacological intervention on decreasing COVID- 19-induced liver injury. Enhancing aerobic capacity decreases COVID-19-induced liver injury through the following: 1) downregulating systemic and tissue ACE/ANG II/AT1R axis, upregulating ACE2/ANG 1–7/Mas axis, and moving the renin-angiotensin system to the direction of the ACE2/ANG (1–7)/Mas axis, 2) Improving mitochondrial function and oxygenation to body and lung tissues, causing a decrease in harmful oxidative reactions, 3) Increasing the processing of accumulated free radicals and inhibiting the acute respiratory distress syndrome, 4) Acting as an antioxidant to protect the liver from oxidative stress, 5) Increasing the effect of antiviral drugs and COVID-19 vaccines, which improves the function of immune biomarkers, decreases the viral load, and increases the body's defense against the virus, 6) Decreasing coagulation abnormalities and thrombosis. In conclusion, enhancing aerobic capacity may be an efficient nonpharmacological intervention to decrease COVID-19-induced liver injury in elderlies and regenerate the liver to its normal status after being infected by the COVID-19 virus. It also helps to strengthen the body's immunity for better effects of both COVID-19 vaccination and drugs.
Higher physical activity is generally associated with more favorable psychological functioning. However, the role of positive and negative affect in such associations is unclear. Accordingly, this cross-sectional study explored whether affect mediated the relationship of physical activity with psychological well-being (PWB) and psychological dysfunctioning (PD). Young Iranian adults (N= 200) completed self-rating questionnaires covering physical activity, positive and negative affect, and proxies of PWB and PD. Regression analyses indicated that higher physical activity levels, higher positive, and lower negative affect predicted proxies of PWB. The same (albeit in opposite direction) applied to proxies of PD. Structural Equation Modeling indicated that posi-tive and negative affect mediated the relationship between physical activity and PWB/PD. Ac-cordingly, change in affect might be an important mechanism behind the association of physical activity and PWB/PD. Future research should further explore this, across target populations and cultural contexts. Longitudinal and/or experimental studies are needed to disentangle causality.
Background:
While much is known about the effects of physical exercise in adult humans, literature on the oldest-old (≥ 85 years old) is sparse. The present study explored the relationship between self-reported engagement in physical exercise and cognition in the oldest-old.
Methods:
The sample included 184 cognitively healthy participants (98 females, MoCA mean score = 24.81) aged 85 to 99 years old (mean = 88.49 years). Participants completed the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) questionnaire and a cognitive battery including NIH-TB, Coding, Symbol Search, Letter Fluency, and Stroop task. Three groups of participants - sedentary (n = 58; MoCA mean score = 24; 36 females; mean age = 89.03), cardio (n = 60; MoCA mean score = 25.08; 29 females; mean age = 88.62), and cardio + strength training (n = 66; MoCA mean score = 25.28; 33 females; mean age = 87.91) - were derived from responses on CHAMPS.
Results:
Analyses controlled for years of education, NIH-TB Crystallized Composite, and metabolic equivalent of tasks. The cardio + strength training group had the highest cognitive performances overall and scored significantly better on Coding (p < 0.001) and Symbol Search (p < 0.05) compared to the sedentary group. The cardio + strength training group scored significantly better on Symbol Search, Letter Fluency, and Stroop Color-Word compared to the cardio group (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
Our findings suggest self-reported exercise in the oldest-old is linked to better performance on cognitive measures of processing speed and executive functioning, and that there may be a synergistic effect of combining aerobic and resistance training on cognition.
Although the empirical evidence for positive associations between physical activity, well-being, and mental health has improved in recent years, unconditional statements linking physical activity with positive effects on well-being and mental health should be treated with caution. This chapter first operationalizes the terms well-being and mental health and then demonstrates how they are embedded in a holistic, biopsychosocial model of health. These foundations provide guidance for conducting further research to understand the effects of physical activity on well-being and mental health. Building on this, theoretical approaches are presented to explain the empirical relationships. These theoretical approaches aim to identify relevant starting points for the targeted promotion of well-being and mental health through physical activity.
The purpose of present study was to examine the effects on psychological well-being of energy expended as a result of the exercise intervention. 33 older adults (M age = 68.6 yr., SD = 4.7) participated in three supervised water-based exercise sessions per week for 12 wk. Based on the relative changes in daily energy expenditure as measured by questionnaire between pre- and posttraining, the subjects were split into three groups. This classified each subject as either having experienced a relatively low change (n=11), moderate change (n=11), or high change (n = 11) in daily energy expenditure. Our data showed that the group with the greater increase in energy expenditure as a result of exercise, when compared pre- and posttraining, improved only on Depression–Dejection on the Profile of Mood States more than did the group with low change. Consequently, we concluded that the amount of energy expended was partially related to improvement in psychological well-being.
This field study used experience sampling procedures to examine the relationship of feeling states and affect to acute bouts of physical activity in women. Participants (N = 86) completed brief affect and feeling state measures (a) in response to random stratified pager tones and (b) before and after acute bouts of vigorous physical activity for 6 weeks. Analysis of averaged difference scores revealed that acute vigorous physical activity was associated with significant improvements in affect and feeling states, particularly in feelings of revitalization. Moreover, within-subject analyses indicated that the effects were moderated by preactivity scores, with the greatest improvements seen when women felt worst before activity.
At the heart of emotion, mood, and any other emotionally charged event are states experienced as simply feeling good or bad, energized or enervated. These states - called core affect - influence reflexes, perception, cognition, and behavior and are influenced by many causes internal and external, but people have no direct access to these causal connections. Core affect can therefore be experienced as free-floating (mood) or can be attributed to some cause (and thereby begin an emotional episode). These basic processes spawn a broad framework that includes perception of the core-affect-altering properties of stimuli, motives, empathy, emotional meta-experience, and affect versus emotion regulation; it accounts for prototypical emotional episodes, such as fear and anger, as core affect attributed to something plus various nonemotional processes.
Reported here are the results of the first effort to examine the effects of a dance-based aerobic exercise program for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Forty-three subjects with RA completed a 16-week program that met twice weekly for 2 hours. One hour was devoted to exercise consisting of 15 to 20 minutes of warm-ups, 20 to 30 minutes of dance-based aerobic exercise, and 15 to 20 minutes of mat work for muscle strengthening and flexibility. The second hour was devoted to discussion that emphasized participant problem solving. The combined exercise/problem-solving discussion program was called EDUCIZE. Analyses of pretest to posttest changes indicated no deleterious effects on disease activity. In fact, physician-assessed articular pain and swelling decreased significantly, as did 50-foot walk time, pain, and depression. Participants reported significant improvement in lower extremity function. Changes in vigor and fatigue approached significance. Perceptions of general health as well as four of five quality of life indices improved significantly. This study adds to the as yet limited literature that indicates that weight-bearing vigorous exercise is beneficial for people with arthritis. Controlled studies to validate the findings of this study appear warranted. Also important for future research is investigation of the influence of the problem-solving discussion component on program effects.
Physical activity has been consistently linked to better mental health greater positive affect and life satisfaction, less negative affect, anxiety, and depression (Petruzzello et al., 1991; McAuley and Rudolph, 1995). Brain activation patterns have been linked to dispositional affect: greater relative left anterior hemisphere activation relates to positive affect, and greater relative right anterior activation relates to negative affect (Davidson, 1992). In this study, measures of resting EEG frontal asymmetry, dispositional affect, and physical activity were obtained from 41 older adults. Frontal asymmetry significantly predicted positive affect. In the high active group (n = 21), frontal asymmetry significantly predicted affective valence and satisfaction with life; in the low active group (n = 20), it significantly predicted negative affect. Physical activity was also significantly related to better dispositional affect. These findings suggest that the relationship between frontal brain activity and dispositional affect is influenced by physical activity in older adults.
Affective states and the cognitive appraisal of exertion during exercise may determine whether or not an individual will persist at an activity. Relationships among affect, cognition, and sensory information (physiological cues) are predicted by the parallel-processing model. The purpose of this study was to examine (a) changes in affect and perceived exertion; (b) the relationship of affect to perceived exertion; and (c) the relationship of affect and perceived exertion to the physiological cues of heart rate, ventilation, and glucose during a two-hour run. Results revealed that as exercise continued, perceived exertion increased and affect became more negative. In addition, as running continued after 60 min the magnitude of the negative relationship of affect to RPE increased slightly. It was expected that as fatigue increased, physiological cues would become more salient and their relationship to perceived exertion and affect would increase. This did not occur. Instead RPE maintained a consistent moderate positive relationship with ventilation and demonstrated a moderate negative relationship with plasma glucose after 90 min of running. Whereas affect demonstrated a moderate positive relationship with plasma glucose after 90 min of running. These results demonstrated that while running at a moderate intensity affect became more negative, RPE increased and physiological cues related to affect and RPE differed as the run continued beyond 60 min.
Tests for experiments with matched groups or repeated measures designs use error terms that involve the correlation between the measures as well as the variance of the data. The larger the correlation between the measures, the smaller the error and the larger the test statistic. If an effect size is computed from the test statistic without taking the correlation between the measures into account, effect size will be overestimated. Procedures for computing effect size appropriately from matched groups or repeated measures designs are discussed.
Most research on the effects of exercise on mood and personality has been conducted with men. Increased women's participation, particularly in running, prompted this study of the reactions of 464 women to tunning. The findings supported the claim that vigorous but not exhaustive exercise is most beneficial for enhancement of mood. Females running an average of 24 miles a week had healthier profiles on McNair's Profile of Mood States than those running 52 or 15 miles a week.
One of the assumptions underlying recent physical activity recommendations is that lower doses of activity (i.e. intensity and duration) are more enjoyable for the average person, thus leading to higher involvement and adherence rates. However, the veracity of this hypothesis can be questioned, since little is actually known regarding the association between activity doses and affective responses. The few preliminary attempts at the conceptual delineation of the dose-response relationship, all centred around an ‘inverted-U’notion, are reviewed and criticised as lacking empirical foundation. Available meta-analyses, as well as the empirical literature on the role of exercise intensity and duration, are examined.
Increased intensity appears to be associated with reduced positivity of affect during and immediately following an exercise bout. Intensity effects appear to be attenuated during recovery. Fitness and training status appear to become significant mediators of the exercise-affect relationship only at high intensities. With intensity being kept constant, different exercise bout durations have not been shown to have a differential impact on pre- to post-exercise affective changes. Recommendations for future research include: (i) a shift from categorical to dimensional conceptualisations and operationalisations of affect; (ii) the examination of psychological theories on the association between activation and affect (e.g. extraversion-introversion, sensation seeking, type A behaviour pattern and related self-evaluative tendencies, reversal theory, optimal stimulation theory, multidimensional activation theory and self-efficacy); (iii) the systematic and theory-based examination of in-task and post-exercise affective responses; (iv) the incorporation of the parameter of fitness and/or activity status in research designs; and (v) the re-evaluation of methods for selecting exercise intensity levels.
This study assessed the short-term psychological effects of an exercise training program for 267 healthy elderly volunteers randomly assigned to either a bicycle group that trained three times a week for 4 months or an attention control group that met once a week during the 4-month period. A second aim was to identify predictors of favorable change in either physiological performance in stress-test parameters or in behavioral attributes at the conclusion of training. Psychological assessment procedures included indicators of basic mental health, perceived quality of life, and activity level. One-way repeated-measure multivariate analysis of variance tests revealed only one significant univariate interaction effect: The exercising group showed significantly greater improvement in an index tapping report of feeling better from pretest to posttest as compared to controls. The directions of change for all other measures were uniformly in favor of exercisers but did not approach statistical significance. Behavioral and psychological variables were also found to be irrelevant in predicting improvement in physiological performance at Time 2. These data suggest that exercise program effects on psychological and behavioral indicators were very modest for older adults with very high levels of functioning.
The affective changes associated with acute exercise have been studied extensively in exercise and health psychology, but not in affective psychology. This paper presents a summary of the relevant findings and a tentative theoretical model. According to this model, affective responses to exercise are jointly influenced by cognitive factors, such as physical self-efficacy, and interoceptive (e.g., muscular or respiratory) cues that reach the affective centres of the brain via subcortical routes. Furthermore, the balance between these two determinants is hypothesised to shift as a function of exercise intensity, with cognitive factors being dominant at low intensities and interoceptive cues gaining salience as intensity approaches the individual's functional limits and the maintenance of a physiological steady-state becomes impossible.
Interest in acute exercise-induced feeling states has intensified in recent years, signaling the need for development of domain-specific measures of these constructs. In response to this call, 2 exercise-specific measures of feeling states have been introduced-namely, the Exercise-Induced Feeling Inventory (EFI; Gauvin & Rejeski, 1993) and the Subjective Exercise Experiences Scale (SEES; McAuley & Courneya, 1994). Although certain subscales of the 2 instruments are unique, a number of similar constructs exist both within and between instruments. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to (a) combine the EFI and SEES scales into a single, more encompassing instrument and (b) investigate potential factor redundancy within and between the 2 instruments. Initial correlational analyses indicated that the Positive Well-Being subscale of the SEES and the revitalization and Positive Engagement subscales of the EFI were highly correlated. Similar results were obtained for the Fatigue (SEES) and Physical Exhaustion (EFI) subscales. These findings provided the impetus for the construction of the Physical Activity Affect Scale (PAAS), an instrument consisting of the Psychological Distress subscale of the SEES and the subscales of the EFI. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated support for 4 components of exercise-induced affect that were subsequently labeled positive affect, negative affect, fatigue, and tranquility. The PAAS appears to be an improvement over the EFI and SEES in that it is a more encompassing measure of exercise-induced feeling states with less component redundancy than its predecessors.
This paper highlights the use of the Profile of Mood States (POMS) in physical activity research by reviewing and synthesizing literature generated in exercise settings. The results of many studies using the POMS have supported the relationships between exercise and acute mood changes in normal populations and between exercise and chronic mood changes in clinical populations. Based on the multitude of studies utilizing the POMS, Berger and colleagues developed a preliminary taxonomy containing enjoyment, mode, and practice guidelines to help maximize the mood benefits associated with exercise. The POMS also has been employed to identify underlying mechanisms that may promote mood alteration. Unfortunately, there is no conclusive evidence that identifies a single mechanism or group of mechanisms as consistently influencing the exercise-mood relationship. Although knowledge of the relationship between exercise and mood alteration is substantial, much remains to be studied. Promising avenues for future investigation of exercise include mood changes in specific populations, environmental influences on mood alteration, and personal characteristics impacting mood alteration.
Caffeine. Candy. Sex. Shopping. Smoking. Whether we realize it or not, all of us have strategies for self-medicating ourselves when we feel threatened or overwhelmed by tension or tiredness. But why does one person respond to pressure by going for a five-mile run, while another indulges in a five-hour drinking marathon? Why do some of us crave companionship, while others just want to be alone? And what really helps most to reduce tension and increase energy, a brisk ten-minute walk, twenty minutes of meditation, or two hours of watching TV? In this fascinating new book, nationally known psychologist Robert E. Thayer serves as an expert guide through the latest research into moods and mood management, offering proven techniques for putting today’s most important breakthroughs to work in our day-to-day lives. Thayer, whose own work on the biopsychology of moods has been widely discussed in the leading scientific journals - as well as in the pages of Reader’s Digest, Prevention, USA Today, McCall’s, Good Housekeeping, Men’s Health, Redbook, and hundreds of other magazines and newspapers - evaluates the hard scientific evidence as he reveals which behaviors energize and empower us, and which sabotage our best interests. (Just five or ten minutes of walking, for example, can enhance mood for an hour or more, while sugar snacking, Thayer shows, causes more tension than it reduces.) Thayer argues that when we learn to see moods as vital barometers of our whole psychology and physiology, rather than mysterious, purely emotional reactions to events around us, we not only understand ourselves better, we have the opportunity to substantially improve our personal effectiveness, both mentally and physically. Thayer offers compelling evidence that our moods - particularly feelings of energy and tension - are closely tied to the rhythms of our evolutionary past. They are directly affected by our health, the food we eat, the amount of sleep we get, exercise (or lack of it), and the time of day. We learn why problems seem more serious late at night, and why a simple disagreement with a co-worker or spouse is more apt to turn into an emotional flare-up at certain times of day. We investigate key differences in the most common ways men and women deal with bad moods, and probe the implications of these findings on our understanding of alcoholism and depression. Far from a shallow quick fix book, Everyday Moods: Energy and Tension is an in-depth exploration of the origins and influences of moods that affect us every day of our lives. It brings readers to a new understanding of the underlying biology of their daily cycles of energy and tension, and offers powerful recommendations for breaking self-destructive habits and leading a richer, more enjoyable life.
This paper documents the development and validation of the three-factor Subjective Exercise Experiences Scale (SEES), a measure of global psychological responses to the stimulus properties of exercise. Two of these factors correspond to the positive and negative poles associated with psychological health, Positive Weil-Being and Psychological Distress, whereas the third factor represents subjective indicants of Fatigue. The three-factor structure originally established by exploratory factor analysis using young adults was also supported in middle-aged exercising adults using confirmatory factor analytic techniques. Moreover, convergent and discriminant validity for the SEES subscales was demonstrated by examining relations with measures of affect regularly employed in exercise domain. The SEES may represent a useful starting point for more thoroughly examining exercise and subjective responses at the global level, and these dimensions of the scale may represent possible antecedents of specific affective responsivity.
The relationship between cardiorespiratory exercise and psychological well-being and mood state was studied in elderly women. Thirty-two sedentary Caucasian women 67 to 85 years of age were randomly assigned to either a walking or an attention-placebo control group; 30 completed all phases of the study. Intervention groups exercised 30 to 40 minutes 5 days a week for 12 weeks, with the walking group training at 60% heart rate reserve and the control group engaging in mild range-of-motion and flexibility movements that kept their heart rates close to resting levels. In a separate analysis, 12 highly conditioned elderly women 65 to 84 years of age who were active in endurance competitions were recruited at baseline for cross-sectional comparisons. At baseline they exhibited superior scores on the profile of mood states (POMS) and general well-being (GWB) schedule. Twelve weeks of moderate cardiorespiratory exercise improved the VO2max of the sedentary subjects 12.6% but did not result in improvement in POMS...
In this work we examine the effects of an 8-months aerobic and no-aerobic exercise program on psychological well-being, perceived effort and enjoyment in an initially sedentary elderly sample (aged 61-77 yrs). Ss were assigned to 1 of 4 groups: an aerobic exercise training group (n=34), a non-aerobic (yoga) training group (n=30), a social activity control group (n=23), or a waiting list control group (n=20). The Subjective Exercise Experiences Scale (SEES; McAuley & Courneya, 1994) was used to evaluate the global psychological responses induced by the exercise, the Perceived Exertion Scale (RPE-Scale; Borg, 1982) was used to measure the perceived effort, and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES; Kendzierski & DeCarlo, 1991) was used to evaluate the degree of satisfaction of the exercise. Results showed increments in the psychological well-being and in the satisfaction in both exercise groups compared to the control groups. The aerobic activity training group showed significant higher scorings in the psychological well-being, sensation of fatigue and enjoyment than the no-aerobic activity group.
Publication bias arises whenever the probability that a study is published depends on the statistical significance of its results. This bias, often called the file-drawer effect since the unpublished results are imagined to be tucked away in researchers' file cabinets, is potentially a severe impediment to combining the statistical results of studies collected from the literature. With almost any reasonable quantitative model for publication bias, only a small number of studies lost in the file-drawer will produce a significant bias. This result contradicts the well known Fail Safe File Drawer (FSFD) method for setting limits on the potential harm of publication bias, widely used in social, medical and psychic research. This method incorrectly treats the file drawer as unbiased, and almost always miss-estimates the seriousness of publication bias. A large body of not only psychic research, but medical and social science studies, has mistakenly relied on this method to validate claimed discoveries. Statistical combination can be trusted only if it is known with certainty that all studies that have been carried out are included. Such certainty is virtually impossible to achieve in literature surveys.
We investigated psychological differences in young old to very old women who were matched for several factors except for physical activity. Thirteen active and 12 inactive subjects (mean ages ± SE 80.9 ± 1.8 and 81.8 ± 1.4 years, respectively) were recruited from independent-living retirement centers using selecton criteria of: 70 years of age or older; Caucasian; absence of chronic disease, cancer, and mood-altering drugs; and Quetelet index <30 kg/m2. The active subjects habitually exercised an average of 123 ± 19 min a week and had followed their exercise program for 30.9 ± 9.4 years. The inactive subjects exercised 4 ± 3 min a week and reported 68.8 ± 8.6 years of inactivity. Between-group comparisons of nutrient intake, anthropometrics, aerobic power, and psychology revealed few significant differences. VO2max was not correlated with psychological variables. The number of minutes of exercise was negatively correlated with fatigue. The Quetelet index was positively correlated with three Profile of Mood States (POMS). There was a trend toward less depression and fatigue among the active subjects. Habitual moderate exercise was not associated with an increase in psychological well-being.
Two groups of 30 randomly selected males (15 yrs 5 mo to 18 yrs 6 mo) in a state industrial school for youthful offenders were administered pre- and posttreatment a battery of physiological and psychological measures by an exercise physiologist and a psychometrist. Measures included tests of cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength/endurance as well as the Self-Esteem Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory. The experimental group received a systematic physical fitness program delivered by counselors for 1.5 hrs/day, 3 days/wk, for 20 wks. Treatment included a counseling model previously used with delinquent adolescents. MANOVAs revealed significant differences between the groups on pretest measures in favor of controls. Significant differences on the posttest measures were found in favor of experimental Ss. Univariate analysis identified the areas of difference both physiologically and psychologically. (44 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).
This paper reports on the reliability, validity, and factor analysis of the subscales of the Thoughts and Real-Life Experiences Scale (THARL Scale). Two hundred and twenty-three subjects completed the THARL Scale. Of these, 86 subjects also completed anxiety, stress, depressive cognitions, well-being, and general psychological health scales. Six weeks later, 174 subjects completed the THARL Scale again. The four subscales of the THARL Scale were found to be reliable. Thought-related distress and real life related distress correlated positively with anxiety, stress, and depressive cognitions, and the thought-related positive affect and real life related positive affect correlated negatively with anxiety, stress, and depressive cognitions. High distress was associated with low well-being and low psychological health, and high positive affect was associated with high well-being and high psychological health. Results of multiple regression analyses showed that positive affect due to thoughts was the best predictor of anxiety, while positive affect due to day-to-day experiences was the best predictor of stress and depressive cognitions. Positive and negative affect caused by thoughts were the two significant predictors of well-being while negative affect caused by thoughts and positive affect caused by day-to-day experiences were the two significant predictors of general psychological health. It was concluded that the THARL Scale may be employed as an instrument for the diagnosis of psychological problems and emotional health.
One effect of rising health care costs has been to raise the profile of studies that evaluate care and create a systematic evidence base for therapies and, by extension, for health policies. All clinical trials and evaluative studies require instruments to monitor the outcomes of care in terms of quality of life, disability, pain, mental health, or general well-being. Many measurement tools have been developed, and choosing among them is difficult. This book provides comparative reviews of the quality of leading health measurement instruments and a technical and historical introduction to the field of health measurement, and discusses future directions in the field. This edition reviews over 100 scales, presented in chapters covering physical disability, psychological well-being, anxiety, depression, mental status testing, social health, pain measurement, and quality of life. An introductory chapter describes the theoretical and methodological development of health measures, while a final chapter reviews the current status of the field, indicating areas in which further development is required. Each chapter includes a tabular comparison of the quality of the instruments reviewed, followed by a detailed description of each instrument, covering its purpose and conceptual basis, its reliability and validity, alternative versions and, where possible, a copy of the scale itself. To ensure accuracy, each review has been approved by the original author of each instrument or by an acknowledged expert.
Coding is a critical part of research synthesis. It is an attempt to reduce a complex, messy, context-laden, and quantification-resistant reality to a matrix of numbers. Thus it will always remain a challenge to fit the numerical scheme to the reality, and the fit will never be perfect. Systematic strategies for evaluating coding decisions enable the synthesist to control for much of the error inherent in the process. When used in conjunction with other strategies, they can help reduce error as well. This chapter discusses strategies to reduce error as well as those to control for error and suggests further research to advance the theory and practice of this particular aspect of the synthesis process. To set the context, however, it is first useful to describe the sources of error in synthesis coding decisions.
Some methodologists have recently suggested that scientific psychology's overreliance on null hypothesis significance testing (NHST) impedes the progress of the discipline. In response, a number of defenders have maintained that NHST continues to play a vital role in psychological research. Both sides of the argument to date have been presented abstractly. The authors take a different approach to this issue by illustrating the use of NHST along with 2 possible alternatives (meta-analysis as a primary data analysis strategy and Bayesian approaches) in a series of 3 studies. Comparing and contrasting the approaches on actual data brings out the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. The exercise demonstrates that the approaches are not mutually exclusive but instead can be used to complement one another.
The purpose of the study was to develop an explanatory model of the exercise/ depression relationship using a rural-residing population of elderly aged 65 or older. Subjects were selected from the 3,673 persons who participated in the Iowa 65+ Rural Health Study. The 2,084 subjects with complete data, valid information about depressive symptoms, and ability to walk across a small room were divided into two cohort groups at baseline: those with few and those with more depressive symptoms. Logistic regression models using walking status, demographic variables, and chronic health conditions were developed to predict depressive symptoms for this population at a 3-year follow-up. Consistent with previous studies using mixed-age cohorts, physical activity was negatively associated with depressive symptoms. We concluded that the relationship between exercise and depressive symptoms may be manifested in both subjects with more and few depressive symptoms because both groups benefited from daily walking.
Exercise has been shown to improve walking ability in individuals with arterial claudication. This study compared the effects of an on-site supervised exercise program and a home exercise program on quality of life and psychological outcomes in these individuals. Sixty individuals were randomly assigned to a 12-week on-site or a 12-week home-based exercise program. Quality of life, mood and pain symptoms, and walking ability were examined at baseline, posttreatment, and at 6 months follow-up. Individuals in the on-site exercise program showed significantly greater improvements in walking ability. Although sample size limited the ability to detect significant differences between groups on quality of life and psychological measures, both groups were comparable on improvements in quality of life and in mood. These data suggest that a home exercise program with weekly feedback may provide improved quality of life and mood benefits for individuals with arterial claudication but does not provide improvements in walking equivalent to those provided by an on-site exercise program.
This study examined the effects of 6-week exercise programme, run by an occupational therapy student, on the psychological wellbeing and happiness of a group of 15 elderly community-dwelling women. The Memorial University of Newfoundland Scale of Happiness was used to measure the subjects' wellbeing both before and after the intervention and was also administered to a control group of 20 women.
The results indicated that the exercising women experienced a significant improvement in happiness and wellbeing while the controls did not. This finding appears to support the hypothesis that there is an association between physical exercise and mental health. Potential threats to the validity of the results are discussed.
BACKGROUND: The management of persistent, unexplained physical symptoms is challenging and often unsatisfactory for patients and doctors. Aerobic exercise training has benefited patients referred to secondary care with symptoms of chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. It is not known if this approach is either possible or beneficial for patients with the broader range of persistent, unexplained symptoms found in primary care. OBJECTIVES: To examine the feasibility and effects of aerobic exercise training in primary care patients with unexplained physical symptoms persisting more than 12 months. METHODS: Randomized comparison (n = 228) of aerobic exercise with stretching as control among patients recruited from primary care. Training comprised 20, one-hour, sessions led by NHS physiotherapists. Adherence to training was recorded along with two groups of outcome measures: (i) documented symptoms and health care use, monitored from six months before to six months after training; and (ii) self-reported measures including emotional state and perceived disability, assessed before, during and six months after training. RESULTS: Exercise training proved feasible: more than 70% of referred patients attended for assessment and were randomized to aerobic or control exercise; 78% of eligible patients attended the first session; and median attendance was 11 sessions for both programmes. Primary care consultations and prescriptions were significantly reduced in the 6 months after training; extent of reduction was related to attendance at training sessions, irrespective of type. Whilst self-reported measures improved similarly during both training programmes, improvements were unrelated to level of attendance. CONCLUSION: For primary care patients with persistent, unexplained physical symptoms willing to be involved in exercise training, aerobic exercise offers no benefits over non-aerobic exercise. Whilst the observed reduction in primary health care use following exercise training is potentially of practical importance in a group of patients characterized by high consultation rates, improvement in patients' subjective state was not clearly attributable to exercise training.
Recent findings indicate that frontal brain asymmetry may be a marker of for depression. However, the psychological predispositions that account linkage between frontal brain asymmetry and depression are unclear. approach-withdrawal hypothesis is the primary framework that has been to account for the linkages between frontal brain asymmetry and or emotional disorders. We review evidence consistent with this and suggest several directions for its extension. One such direction is to constrain the approach-withdrawal hypothesis by linking frontal asymmetry to the known functions of the prefrontal cortex. On this we propose that frontal brain asymmetry may be preferentially linked processes that promote the temporal continuity and shifting of or emotional priorities and the suppression of interference by sources of motivation or emotion. We review evidence from and neurobiological studies of depression that is broadly consistent with these predictions. We emphasise the need for future studies testing our hypotheses.
Rosenthan's (1979) concept of fail-safeN has thus far been applied to probability levels exclusively. This note introduces a fail-safeN for effect size.
The psychological and physical benefits of regular physical activity are well established. but the majority of research to date has focussed on younger male samples. Two studies examined the impact of menopausal status on the ability of women to derive psychological benefits from exercise. Regular exercisers, assessed immediately following an exercise class. scored significantly lower on negative mood dimensions and higher on positive mood than did non-exercisers, regardless of menopausal status. Regular exercisers also showed significant improvements in mood state when assessed before and after a single exercise session; again this effect was independent of menopausal status. The results suggest that the acute mood-enhancing effects of exercise are maintained despite the endocrine changes associated with menopause. It is argued that encouraging menopausal women to adopt appropriate exercise patterns may assist in the alleviation of psychological distress as well as providing physical benefits.
A meta-analysis was conducted on 40 studies (76 effects) in order to examine exercise training as a method of stress-management treatment for adults. It offered evidence of a low-to-moderate positive effect in anxiety reduction. Exercise training studies that examined change from pre to post-treatment and studies that examined both change over time and between group differences were examined separately. The unbiased weighted average effect sizes were .45 and .36, respectively. Thus, exercise training improved anxiety levels an average of .36 standard deviations over alternative or control conditions. Adults who were more likely to have a stressful lifestyle benefited more from the exercise training than those who did not. Recommendations are made for both practice and research.
Acute bouts of aerobic exercise have been associated with modest reductions in self-reported state anxiety. Some have speculated that certain intensity or duration thresholds must be achieved before such reductions in anxiety can occur. Additionally, most of the previous research has focused on anxiety reduction or alleviation of negative affect with little concern for the positive affect enhancing potential of exercise. The purposes of the present study were to (1) determine whether anxiety reduction differs at two levels of exercise duration; and (2) examine both positive and negative responses to exercise. Sixteen males completed two (15 min, 30 min) randomly ordered exercise bouts (treadmill running at 75% VO2max) on separate days.
Affective responses were assessed before, immediately after, and at 5, 10, 20, and 30 min after the exercise bouts. State anxiety was reduced equally for both durations of exercise, positive affect did not change, and 30 min of running reduced negative affect. The results are discussed in terms of implications for delineating mechanisms to explain such effects.
Following an acute myocardial infarction, evaluation of a patient's own perceptions of health, including mood state, provides useful information about the efficarcy rehabilitation when data aravailable for patients randomized to both control and intervention. Data are presented on the Profile of Mood States (POMS) in 187 patients, with mild to moderate scores for Spielberger state anxicty and/or Beck depression, who were randomized within 6 wk of acute myocardial infarction to usual care or to brief cardiac rehabilitation lasting 8 wk and who were followed-up during the 12 months following the acute event. REpeated measures multivariate analysis of covariance identified significant main as well as time effects in POMS scores over 12 months. Repeatedmeasures analysis of variance over the 12 months demonstrated significant improvement for both depression and anxiety in both groups. At 8 wk, improvement was greater in the rehabilitation patients than usual car patints but only in the tension-anxicty, depression-dejection and vigor-activity dimensions of POMS and only in anxicty in those patients withabove mean anciety scores. Overall, rehabilitation and control patients showed similar and significant improvements in anxicty, depression and in mood stats over the duration of the 12-months trial (C)1995The American College of Sports Medicine
This paper proposes an alternative to both meta-analytic and traditional reviews. The method, “best-evidence synthesis,” combines the quantification of effect sizes and systematic study selection procedures of quantitative syntheses with the attention to individual studies and methodological and substantive issues typical of the best narrative reviews. Best-evidence syntheses focus on the “best evidence” in a field, the studies highest in internal and external validity, using well-specified and defended a priori inclusion criteria, and use effect size data as an adjunct to a full discussion of the literature being reviewed.
We used data from a 12-year panel survey of a nationally representative sample of married individuals (not couples) and structural equation modeling to investigate the process of spillover between marital quality (satisfaction and discord) and job satisfaction among married individuals. We considered three questions: whether job satisfaction and marital quality are related over the long term, whether influence flows primarily from work to family or if there is a pattern of mutual effects between job satisfaction and marital quality, and whether job satisfaction and marital quality are related in similar ways for married women and married men over the long term. We found that marital quality and job satisfaction are related over the long term and that marital quality is the more influential of these domains. We found evidence of both positive and negative spillover from marital quality to job satisfaction over the long term. Specifically, increases in marital satisfaction were significantly related to increases in job satisfaction, and increases in marital discord were significantly related to declines in job satisfaction. Finally, our results indicated that these processes operate similarly for married women and married men.