The influence of exercise intensity and physical activity history on state anxiety after exercise

Whether acute exercise reduces state anxiety in an intensity-dependent manner has not been established. Most studies that have examined that question have not controlled for physical activity history, trait anxiety, or participants' expectancy of psychological benefits of physical activity. This study addressed those issues. We examined changes in self-rated anxiety after 20 min of cycling at light and hard intensities (40% & 75% (V) over dotO(2peak)), compared with 20 min of quiet rest. Young men were classified by fitness ((V) over dotO(2peak)) and a standardized interview as high (n = 13) or low (n = 13) active, and were statistically equated on trait anxiety (STAI-Y2) and psychological outcome-expectancy for exercise. Ratings of anxiety were obtained 20 and 5 min before and 5 and 25 min after conditions using a counterbalanced 2 (Group) x 3(Condition) x 4 (Time) design. Anxiety ratings also were obtained 5 min after a maximal exercise test and were compared with ratings taken 60 and 5 min before the test. The low active group reported less anxiety after light cycling, but higher anxiety immediately after maximal exercise. Future studies should control for trait anxiety, expectations of psychological benefits, and the interaction of activity history with exercise intensity in order to help resolve The current confusion regarding the circumstances in which anxiety is altered by acute exercise.