Archived Abstracts
The Effects of Aerobic Exercise Intensity Levels on Acute State Anxiety
Location
Sydnor Performance Hall, Schewel Hall
Access Type
Campus Access Only
Entry Number
5
Start Date
4-8-2020 9:30 AM
End Date
4-8-2020 9:45 AM
Department
Exercise Physiology
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects that varying aerobic exercise intensity levels have on acute state anxiety. Previous studies have shown contrasting results for the most beneficial exercise intensity when attempting to decrease state anxiety, and this study adds to the knowledge we have on this topic matter. In this experiment, participants completed two exercise sessions where they engaged in 10 minutes of aerobic activity on a treadmill. The exercise sessions tested one of two exercise intensities: light or vigorous. The intensity levels were achieved and monitored by calculating each subjects heart rate reserve and using the corresponding ACSM intensity percentages for heart rate. The subjects completed State-Trait Anxiety Inventories pre-exercise, 5 minutes post-exercise, and 30-minutes post-exercise so the change in state anxiety based off exercise intensity could be measured. This data will be beneficial to future research conducted on exercise intensity’s effect on state anxiety and preliminary data suggests that exercise may lead to a decrease in state anxiety.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Jill LucasDr. Nancy CowdenDr. Steve Smith
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The Effects of Aerobic Exercise Intensity Levels on Acute State Anxiety
Sydnor Performance Hall, Schewel Hall
The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects that varying aerobic exercise intensity levels have on acute state anxiety. Previous studies have shown contrasting results for the most beneficial exercise intensity when attempting to decrease state anxiety, and this study adds to the knowledge we have on this topic matter. In this experiment, participants completed two exercise sessions where they engaged in 10 minutes of aerobic activity on a treadmill. The exercise sessions tested one of two exercise intensities: light or vigorous. The intensity levels were achieved and monitored by calculating each subjects heart rate reserve and using the corresponding ACSM intensity percentages for heart rate. The subjects completed State-Trait Anxiety Inventories pre-exercise, 5 minutes post-exercise, and 30-minutes post-exercise so the change in state anxiety based off exercise intensity could be measured. This data will be beneficial to future research conducted on exercise intensity’s effect on state anxiety and preliminary data suggests that exercise may lead to a decrease in state anxiety.