High and low intensity exercise and psychological mood states

Abstract

This paper reports the results of two field experiments which examined the effects of running at different intensities on mood states. Two different groups of regularly exercising male subjects ran either 5.0 km or 1.7 km on running trails familiar to the subjects at both high and low intensity. Psychological mood states, including stress and arousal, were measured just before and immediately after running in a mixed blocks experimental design. Analysis of mood data allowed comparisons of high and low intensity running and fast and slow runners to be made. Running at high intensity over both distances increased arousal levels. Running the shorter distance at high intensity also produced increases in stress and serious-playful scores. Differences were found in mood response between fast and slow runners. Order effects were only checked for in the second experiment and some order effects concerned with the stress and serious-playful mood states were found. The findings are discussed in terms of theoretical models which emphasise the importance of individual interpretation of mood states, like stress and arousal, in mood experience.