Effects of aerobic activity on psychological mood states in college-age females

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effects of participation in 8 wks of aerobic activity on psychological mood states (tension, depression, anger, vigor, fatigue, confusion and total mood disturbance). 82 college-age females enrolled in the UW-La Crosse Intramural aerobic activity classes. Classes met 2/wk for 1 hr. The Profile of Mood States (POMS) was administered at the first class session and again after 8 wks. Attendance was recorded throughout the 8 wks. Ss were catagorized according to tests completed and attendance. Group 1 completed the pretest and attended < 15 classes. Group 2 completed both tests and attended < 15 classes. Group 3 completed both tests and attended> 15 classes. Oneway ANOVA's and MANOVA's along with ferquency distributions were compUted. Initially at least 50% of the Ss in each group scored better than the normative mean for all mood states with the exception of depression and vigor in Group 1 who scored below 50%. When the 3 groups were compared, the pretests of Group 1 indicated vigor to be sig (p < .05) lower compared to the other groups. There was no sig (p > .05) diff among Groups 2 and 3 on the pre- or posttests. After the 8 wks, Groups 2 and 3 reported sig (p < .05) less tension, less depression, less TMD and greater vigor. In addition Group 2 was sig (p <. 01) less confused. These results indicated that there were pyschological benefits obtained from participation in aerobic activity classes. In addition, it appears that negative mood profiles reported on the POMS during the pretest may possibly identify individuals who are more likely to drop out of an exercise program.