Research published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine (November 1999) examined the relationship between physical activity and stress in 135 college students. The study found that students who exercised regularly demonstrated better stress coping and reported 37% fewer physical symptoms compared with students who did not exercise regularly. Sedentary students also exhibited 21% higher anxiety levels than those who engaged in regular physical activity.
The effects of exercise on mood have also been studied. Research published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness (December 2001; 41:539–545) evaluated mood changes in 80 volunteers participating in an aerobics class. Prior to the class, participants completed a mood assessment, which identified 52 individuals as being in a depressed mood. The assessment was repeated after the class. Following the exercise session, participants reported reductions in fatigue, tension, and feelings of anger.
Short-term cognitive effects of exercise have also been explored. A report presented at the annual meeting of the Society of Psychophysiological Research in Montreal, Canada (October 18, 2001) examined the thinking ability of 20 adults aged 18 to 24 years after 30 minutes of running. Participants completed computer-based cognitive tests before and after exercise, with brain activity measured using electroencephalography (EEG). The post-exercise assessments showed faster decision-making, accompanied by measurable changes in brain wave patterns.
