Activation-Deactivation Adjective Check List Research Articles

The Effect of Aerobic Fitness on Psychological, Attentional and Physiological Responses during a Tabata High-Intensity Interval Training Session in Healthy Young Women.

The current study examines the effects of a Tabata high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session on affective, cognitive and physiological indicators in women of different fitness levels. A total of 28 adult women (aged 24.2 ± 1.5 years) completed a 20 m shuttle run test and were then assigned to higher fitness and lower fitness groups (HF and LF, n = 14 each) according to their predicted aerobic power. On a separate occasion, participants completed a 30 min Tabata workout (six 4 min rounds separated by 1 min passive rest). Each round included eight exercises (20 s exercise and 10 s rest). Affective, physiological and cognitive responses were assessed prior to, during and after the protocol. Heart rate and blood lactate concentration increased similarly in both groups over time throughout the workout (p < 0.001). Total Mood Disturbance was higher for LF (111.4 ± 15.7) vs. HF (102.9 ± 11.7) (p = 0.48), vigor showed a level by time interaction of p = 0.006 and Activation-Deactivation Adjective Check List factors deteriorated over time (p < 0.001). The Concentration Grid Test was better overall for HF (10.5 ± 3.6) vs. LF (8.6 ± 3.6) (p = 0.05). The Feeling Scale and Rating of Perceived Exertion worsened similarly in both groups over time (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively). Positive and negative affect and arousal did not differ between groups or change over time (p > 0.05). These results show that, despite the different levels of aerobic fitness, physiological, metabolic, perceptual and affective responses were similar in the two groups of women during a 30 min Tabata session. This may imply that affective responses during this type of HIIT are independent of aerobic fitness.

Psychological Responses To Acute Exercise: A Comparison Of Lower Body Positive Pressure Treadmill And Cycling

Acute aerobic exercise has been shown to improve mood and affect in active adults. Lower body positive pressure treadmills (LBPPT) have been utilized to reduce loading on the musculoskeletal system and to provide an alternative to running and cross-training. While the biomechanical and physiological responses to the LBPPTs have been well-researched, little is known about psychological responses and how this compares to other forms of exercise. PURPOSE: To investigate mood, affect, and self-efficacy, following an acute, hard-intensity exercise session and compare these responses between three modalities: cycling, LBPPT running and treadmill running (NT). METHODS: 10 active adults (average age = 30 years, SD = 10.4 years) completed a 30min, high-intensity exercise session on each of three modalities in a randomized order: bike, LBPPT, and NT. Intensity was determined as 85% age-predicted maximum heart rate. Before and after each session, feeling, arousal, affect and self-efficacy were determined using the Feeling and Arousal scale (FAS), Activation-Deactivation Adjective Checklist (ADACL), and Generalized Self-efficacy survey (GSE). RESULTS: From baseline to post-exercise, there was a significant increase in feeling (2.4 ± 0.31 vs. 3.33 ± 0.29, p=0.021), arousal (3.23 ± 0.23 vs. 4.07 ± 0.31, p=0.006), and self-efficacy (31.83± 0.83 vs. 33.97± 1.16, p= 0.013) across all three modalities. However, when compared among the three modalities, there was no observed significant change in self-efficacy values from baseline to post-exercise (p=0.708). For affect (ADACL), there was an observed significant increase in energetic arousal (25.9 ± 1.12 vs. 29.43 ± 1.36, p= 0.023) and a decrease in state anxiety (20.93± 1.73 vs. 17.367± 1.08, p= 0.041) from baseline to post-exercise across all modalities, however, this did not significantly differ among the modalities. There were no other significant changes in affect observed. CONCLUSION: Self-efficacy, feeling, energetic arousal, and anxiety improves following acute, hard intensity exercise sessions; however, these changes do not differ based on exercise modality. Psychological responses to acute exercise differs between runners and non-runners. Future research should investigate how these responses may differ between the two groups based on modality.

COFFEE VOLUME DOES NOT SUPPRESS APPETITE OR CHANGE PERCEIVED HUNGER IN HABITUAL CAFFEINE CONSUMERS

Caffeine is a heavily consumed substance that has several benefits, including appetite suppression and increased energy metabolism. PURPOSE: To determine the effect of caffeine amount and coffee volume on appetite profile, affective response, cognitive function, blood glucose levels and subsequent energy intake in female habitual caffeine consumers. METHODS: 19 healthy female (age: 24 ± 8, BF%: 24.9 ± 5.1) habitual caffeine consumers (255 ± 122 mg/day) ingested coffee of different volumes and caffeine amounts on four different occasions (C1: 237 ml/4 mg/kg; C2: 237 ml/6mg/kg; C3: 473 ml/4mg/kg; C4: 473 ml/6mg/kg) in a single blind, randomized, crossover design. Participants completed a visual analog scale (VAS) of appetite profile at pre, 0, 30 and 60 minutes. Affective response and cognitive function were assessed using the Activation-Deactivation Adjective Checklist (AD-ACL), Trail Making (TM) and Stroop tasks (ST) before and after the test drink. Blood glucose levels were measured at pre, 30 and 60 minutes. In addition, ad libitum breakfast was consumed at 60 minutes and 24-hour self-reported energy intake was recorded. A repeated measures ANOVA was used for analysis with significance accepted at p<0.05. RESULTS: A significant time (p<0.001), but not condition effect was observed in hunger (p=0.31), satiety (p=0.16), fullness (p=0.11), desire to eat (p=0.31) and prospective food consumption (p=0.19). No significant condition effect was observed in blood glucose levels (p=0.12), energy intake at breakfast (C1: 440 ± 213; C2: 400 ± 158; C3: 440 ± 226; C4: 386 ± 138 calories, p=0.43) or over 24-hours (C1: 16773 ± 532; C2: 1486 ± 434; C3: 1503 ± 321; C4: 1662 ± 505 calories, p=0.28). However, a significant interaction effect was observed in tiredness, calmness, energy and tension (p=0.02). In addition, a significant time (p<0.001) but not condition effect (p>0.05) was observed in TM, ST and state anxiety. Participants’ time to complete cognitive tasks decreased and state anxiety increased over time. CONCLUSIONS: Coffee volume may not have an effect on appetite suppression and perceived hunger, however, may modulate affective responses.

A comparison of task-based mental fatigue between healthy males and females

ABSTRACT Background: The issue of cognitive sex differences has been a topic of interest for researchers for several decades. The present study investigated the relatively new area of sex differences in mental fatigue. Methods: Mental fatigue was evaluated via a modified visual analogue mood scale (VAMS) and Activation Deactivation Adjective Checklist (AD-ACL) before and after a task designed to induce mental fatigue. The participants performed a reaction time task in three blocks of 17 min, without any rest time between the blocks. Results: Mental fatigue increased after each 17-min block for both sexes with no significant differences between males and females (P = .54). Females had slower reaction time within the first block but slightly faster reaction time within the second and third blocks (P ≤ .001). Conclusion: Although no significant differences in mental fatigue between male and female groups were found, the results may suggest that task unfamiliarity had a more negative influence on reaction times in females than males.

The Effect of Acute Aerobic Exercise on Attention and Affect in Middle-Aged Women

PURPOSE: To explore the effect of one bout of moderate intensity aerobic exercise on attention and affect in healthy middle-aged women. METHODS: Five healthy women, age 55.2 ± 8.9 years, BMI 30.2 ± 4.4 kg/m2, and percent body fat 35.5 ± 5.7% completed a 30-minute session of aerobic exercise on the cycle ergometer at a workload corresponding to 60% of VO2peak. Subjects also completed a 30-minute control session on the cycle ergometer at 0 Watts. Before and after both 30-minute sessions, participants completed two computerized tests of attention: The Digit Span Test and the Flanker Task. Performance on the Digit Span was assessed by examining the mean forward digit span and mean backward digit span achieved. Performance on the Flanker Task was assessed by examining the error proportion and mean reaction times for incongruent and congruent trials. Participants also completed the Activation Deactivation Adjective Checklist (AD-ACL) to assess affect (i.e. energy, tiredness, calmness, and tension) before and after both 30-minute sessions. RESULTS: Repeated-measures ANOVAs indicated that participants achieved a significantly higher forward vs. backward mean digit span (mean difference: 0.7 ± 0.2, p = 0.046) and that mean digit span performance significantly improved from pre- to post-session (mean difference: 0.5 ± 0.2, p = 0.033). Participants displayed a larger decrease in error proportion from pre- to post-session for the incongruent vs. the congruent trials of the Flanker Task (p = 0.058), as well as a significant decrease in mean reaction time pre- to post-session (mean difference: -23.0 ± 6.8 ms, p = 0.028) that was more pronounced for the congruent vs. the incongruent trials (p = 0.08). Participants also reported feeling significantly more energetic and less tired from pre- to post-session on AD-ACL subscale scores (mean differences: 3.5 ±0.9, p = 0.013 and -4.7 ± 1.8, p = 0.052, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Exploratory results suggest that 30 minutes of aerobic exercise may positively impact some aspects of attention in middle aged women. Participants reported feeling more energized and less tired after 30 minutes of activity. Additional ongoing investigation is needed to more clearly understand the impact of acute aerobic exercise on cognitive function in this population.

Hypoxia Worsens Affective Responses and Feeling of Fatigue During Prolonged Bed Rest.

Previous research, although limited, suggests that both hypoxia and bed rest influence psychological responses by exaggerating negative psychological responses and attenuating positive emotions. The present study investigated the effect of a 21-day prolonged exposure to normobaric hypoxia and bed rest on affective responses and fatigue. Eleven healthy participants underwent three 21-day interventions using a cross-over design: (1) normobaric hypoxic ambulatory confinement (HAMB), (2) normobaric hypoxic bed rest (HBR) and (3) normoxic bed rest (NBR). Affective and fatigue responses were investigated using the Activation Deactivation Adjective Check List, and the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, which were completed before (Pre), during (Day 7, Day 14, and Day 21) and after (Post) the interventions. The most negative psychological profile appeared during the HBR intervention. Specifically, tiredness, tension, general and physical fatigue significantly increased on days 7, 14, and 21, as well as at Post. After the HBR intervention, general and physical fatigue remained higher compared to Pre values. Additionally, a deterioration of psychological responses was also noted following HAMB and NBR. In particular, both hypoxia and BR per se induced subjective fatigue and negative affective responses. BR seems to exert a moderate negative effect on the sensation of fatigue, whereas exercise attenuates the negative effects of hypoxia as noted during the HAMB condition. In conclusion, our data suggest that the addition of hypoxia to bed rest-induced inactivity significantly worsens affective responses and feeling of fatigue.

A randomised crossover trial comparing Thai and Swedish massage for fatigue and depleted energy

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and social constructions of Thai massage (TM) and Swedish massage (SM) for patients experiencing fatigue or depleted energy.Method: Twenty participants were randomised to receive three once-weekly TM treatments and three once-weekly SM treatments, with crossover after three massages. Symptom checklists were administered at three time points and included Activation-Deactivation Adjective Check List and VAS Scale. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews and participants' diary entries. ResultsBoth massage types enhanced physical, emotional and mental wellbeing through improved sleep, relaxation, relief of stress and relief of muscular tension. TM alone showed specific energising and psychological stimulation results, along with carry-over effect and longer lasting benefits. Ninety-five percent of participants found relief from their initial reason presenting symptoms. ConclusionTM or SM can relieve symptoms of fatigue or low energy by releasing stress, promoting relaxation, relieving muscular aches and pains and improving energy. SM results in a larger effect in relaxation and improved sleep whereas TM results in a larger effect in energising, rejuvenating and mentally stimulating effects.

Heritability of the affective response to exercise and its correlation to exercise behavior

ObjectivesIndividual differences in adolescent exercise behavior are strongly influenced by genetic factors. The affective response to exercise is a potential source of these genetic influences. To test its role in the motivation to exercise, we estimated the heritability of the affective responses during and after exercise and the overlap with the genetic factors influencing regular voluntary exercise behavior. Design226 twin pairs and 38 siblings completed two submaximal exercise tests on a cycle ergometer and a treadmill and a maximal exercise test on a cycle ergometer. Affective responses were assessed by the Feeling Scale (FS), Borg's Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and the Activation-Deactivation Adjective Checklist (AD ACL). MethodsMultivariate structural equation modeling was used to estimate heritability of the affective responses during and after submaximal and maximal exercise and the (genetic) correlation with self-reported regular voluntary exercise behavior over the past year. ResultsGenetic factors explained 15% of the individual differences in FS responses during the cycle ergometer test, as well as 29% and 35% of the individual differences in RPE during the cycle ergometer and treadmill tests, respectively. For the AD ACL scales, heritability estimates ranged from 17% to 37% after submaximal exercise and from 12% to 37% after maximal exercise. Without exception, more positive affective responses were associated with higher amounts of regular exercise activity (0.15 < r < 0.21) and this association was accounted for by an overlap in genetic factors influencing affective responding and exercise behavior. ConclusionsWe demonstrate low to moderate heritability estimates for the affective response during and after exercise and significant (genetic) associations with regular voluntary exercise behavior. These innate individual differences in the affective responses to exercise should be taken into account in interventions aiming to motivate adolescents to adopt and maintain regular exercise.

THE IMPACT OF MUSIC-INDUCED AFFECT AND AROUSAL ON OLDER ADULTS' ATTENTION

Declines in attention can occur with both normal and pathologic aging conditions such as dementia (e.g., Belleville, Chertkow, & Gauthier, 2007). Existing literature shows that attention can be improved with training (e.g., Sohlberg & Mateer, 2001). Background music is an accessible and typically enjoyable tool that may exogenously facilitate attention and counteract some of the attentional declines in older adults who are healthy or in pre-clinical stages of Alzheimer's Disease. Two particular properties of a musical piece - (1) mode (i.e., major, minor, or atonal), and (2) tempo (i.e., stimulative or sedative) - influence affect, arousal, and cognitive function; These properties may interact with older adults' prioritized affective goals, ultimately enhancing or hindering cognitive performance on attention-demanding tasks (e.g., Husain, Thompson, & Schellenberg, 2002; Mather & Carstensen, 2005; Thayer, Hansen, Saus-Rose, & Johnson, 2009). Six musical pieces were selected to represent different combinations of mode and tempo. Older adults (i.e., 65 - 80 years-old; n = 22) complete the Multi-Source Interference Task assessing selective attention (MSIT; Bush & Shin, 2006) at baseline and under the six counterbalanced musical conditions. In each condition, participants self-report their motivation and effort, as well as their affect and arousal on the Activation-Deactivation Adjective Checklist (Thayer, 1986). MSIT performance (i.e., accuracy and reaction times) is analyzed in a repeated-measures ANCOVA, with MSIT performance and self-reported motivation and effort at baseline as covariates. Mediated regression analyses assess whether MSIT performance is mediated by arousal and/or affect. Results indicate which specific type of musical piece may counteract older adults' declines in selective attention. Implications are discussed and are relevant to personal and community selections of background music to facilitate older adults' performance on daily attention-demanding tasks.

Severe hypoxia during incremental exercise to exhaustion provokes negative post-exercise affects

The post-exercise emotional response is mainly dependent on the intensity of the exercise performed; moderate exercise causes positive feelings, whereas maximal exercise may prompt negative affects. Acute hypoxia impairs peak O2 uptake (V̇O2peak), resulting in a shift to a lower absolute intensity at the point of exhaustion. Hence, the purpose of the study was to examine whether a severe hypoxic stimulus would influence the post-exercise affective state in healthy lowlanders performing an incremental exercise to exhaustion. Thirty-six male lowlanders performed, in a counter-balanced order and separated by a 48-h interval, two incremental exercise trials to exhaustion to determine their V̇O2peak, while they were breathing either room air (AIR; FiO2: 0.21), or a hypoxic gas mixture (HYPO; FiO2: 0.12). Before and immediately after each trial, subjects were requested to complete two questionnaires, based on how they felt at that particular moment: (i) the Profile of Mood States-Short Form, and (ii) the Activation Deactivation Adjective Check List. During the post-exercise phase, they also completed the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory. V̇O2peak was significantly lower in the HYPO than the AIR trial (~15%; p<0.001). Still, after the HYPO trial, energy, calmness and motivation were markedly impaired, whereas tension, confusion, and perception of physical and general fatigue were exaggerated (p≤0.05). Accordingly, present findings suggest that an incremental exercise to exhaustion performed in severe hypoxia provokes negative post-exercise emotions, induces higher levels of perceived fatigue and decreases motivation; the affective responses coincide with the comparatively lower V̇O2peak than that achieved in normoxic conditions.

Robert E. Thayer (1935-2014).

This article memorializes Robert E. Thayer (1935-2014). He was an internationally recognized leader in research into human mood, with influence inside and outside of the academy. In articles and books he advanced our understanding of the bases of human moods and the role mood plays in everyday life. His seminal work examined the biopsychology of mood, including a range of factors such as energy, tension, and arousal. He also developed a mood-related measure, the Activation-Deactivation Adjective Check List (1964).

The Relationships Between Suggestibility, Influenceability, and Relaxability

This research explores the relationships between relaxability and various aspects of suggestibility and influenceability. The Jacobson Progressive Muscle Relaxation procedure was used to induce relaxation. Tests of direct suggestibility, relating to the susceptibility of overt suggestions, and indirect suggestibility, referring to indirect hidden influence, as well as self-description questionnaires on suggestibility and the tendency to comply were used. Thayer's Activation-Deactivation Adjective Check List, measuring various kinds of activation and used as a pre- and posttest, determined the efficacy of the relaxation procedure. Indirect, direct, and self-measured suggestibility proved to be positively related to the ability to relax, measured by Thayer's subscales relating to emotions. Compliance was not related to relaxability. The results are discussed in terms of the aspects of relaxation training connected with suggestibility.

Acute effects of brisk walking on affect and psychological well-being in individuals with type 2 diabetes

Aim To investigate the effects of an acute exercise bout on affect and psychological well-being in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Method Sixteen patients (mean BMI 28.6 kg/m 2) took part, on separate days, in two randomly ordered conditions, in a within-subject design: a 20 min semi-self-paced brisk walk or passive control (sitting with the opportunity of reading). Ten minutes before, during (5, 10, 15, 20 min) and following (5, 10, 15, 20, 180 min) each, participants completed the Felt Arousal Scale (FAS) for affective activation and the Feeling Scale (FS) for affective pleasure/valence. The Activation Deactivation Adjective Check List (Tense Arousal and Energetic Arousal) was also completed before and after each condition. Heart rate and Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) were assessed during exercise. Glucose levels were obtained from participants before and after exercise and control. Results Repeated measures ANOVAs revealed significant condition by time interaction effects for FS, FAS, Energetic Arousal (EA) and Tense Arousal (TA). Brisk walking increased FS (15 min after exercise p = 0.020; 20 min after exercise p = 0.034) and FAS (all time points after baseline). EA was significantly higher 5 min after the exercise session ( p = 0.029) in comparison to the control situation. Conclusions This study demonstrated that an acute exercise bout has positive influences on affect and psychological well-being. The usefulness of exercise to elevate affective responses (activation and pleasure) should be highlighted when promoting exercise interventions in subjects with type 2 diabetes.

Heart Rate Variability and Psychological Recovery from Exhaustive Exercise: an Exploratory Investigation

PURPOSE: Increased high frequency (HF) modulation of heart rate variability (HRV) is associated with high cardiac parasympathetic tone, while low HRV has been linked to a variety of chronic negative affective states, as well as mood disturbance following exercise withdrawal (Weinstein et al., 2007). Therefore, HRV has the potential to explain interindividual variability in anxiety and affective responses to acute exhaustive exercise, independent of cardiovascular fitness (which is also associated with high HRV). METHODS: Ten male and ten female healthy participants (age 30.7 ± 9.26 years) completed an incremental exercise test to volitional exhaustion. Participants were fitted with a Lead II ECG at rest for 20 min pre-exercise to collect HRV data. Assessments of affect (Activation-Deactivation Adjective Check List) and anxiety (State Anxiety Inventory) were made pre-exercise (pre-ex) and 10 minutes post-exercise (post-ex). Peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak; ml.kg.min-1) was measured using indirect calorimetry. RESULTS: From pre- to post-ex, significant (p<.01) reductions in calmness (13.85 ± 3.33 vs. 10.45 ± 4.24) and tiredness (11.9 ± 4.18 vs. 7.65 ± 2.72) were observed, as was an increase in energy (10.25 ± 4.38 vs. 15.35 ± 3.39). The impact of the normalized HF HRV power on post-ex affect and anxiety were assessed using a series of hierarchical regression analyses. Controlling for fitness and baseline affect or anxiety, results indicated that HF HRV power explained variation in post-ex calmness (B =.517; R2change = 0.264; p<.05) and state anxiety (B = -.493; R2change = 0.223; p<.05). CONCLUSION: Normalized HF HRV was positively associated with calmness and negatively associated with anxiety after exhaustive exercise, when baseline fitness and calmness/anxiety were controlled for. These preliminary data suggest that variation in cardiac parasympathetic modulation may help explain some individual variability in the post-exercise recovery of affective states.

The Exercise and Affect Relationship: Evidence for the Dual-Mode Model and a Modified Opponent Process Theory

This study examined the relationship between exertion level and affect using the framework of opponent-process theory and the dual-mode model, with the Activation-Deactivation Adjective Checklist and the State Anxiety Inventory among 14 active and 14 sedentary participants doing 20 min of treadmill exercise at speeds of 5% below, 5% above, and at lactate threshold (LT). We found a significant effect of time, condition, Time × Condition, and Time × Group, but no group, Group × Condition, or Time × Group × Condition effects, such that the 5% above LT condition produced a worsening of affect in-task compared with all other conditions whereas, across conditions, participants experienced in-task increases in energy and tension, and in-task decreases in tiredness and calmness relative to baseline. Posttask, participants experienced mood improvement (decreased tension, anxiety, and increased calmness) across conditions, with a 30-min delay in the above LT condition. These results partially support the dual-mode model and a modified opponent-process theory.

The acute effects of arm ergometry on affect

The primary purpose of this study was to test the predictions of the dual-mode model using arm ergometry as the exercise modality. It was hypothesized that changes in affect during exercise would be greater in high (105% VT)- and low (80% VT)-intensity exercise conditions than in a control condition, while differences in affect would be observed between exercise conditions. Study participants were 24 physically active men. A within-subjects design was used. Affect was measured using the Activation–Deactivation Adjective Check List and the State Anxiety Inventory. Cognitive (i.e. self-efficacy and enjoyment) and physiological (i.e. heart rate, pain and perceived exertion) mediators of the exercise–affect relationship were also examined. Results showed that during exercise, changes in affect were greater in the exercise conditions than the control condition, and affective valence in the exercise conditions declined relative to the control condition. In partial support of the dual-mode model, self-efficacy mediated the relationship between below-VT exercise and affect, whereas pain mediated the relationship between above-VT exercise and affect. These findings highlight the importance of exercise intensity to the affective benefits of exercise.

CHRONOTYPE, SLEEP LOSS, AND DIURNAL PATTERN OF SALIVARY CORTISOL IN A SIMULATED DAYLONG DRIVING

The study focused on chronotype-related differences in subjective load assessment, sleepiness, and salivary cortisol pattern in subjects performing daylong simulated driving. Individual differences in work stress appraisal and psychobiological cost of prolonged load seem to be of importance in view of expanding compressed working time schedules. Twenty-one healthy, male volunteers (mean ± SD: 27.9 ± 4.9 yrs) were required to stay in semiconstant routine conditions. They performed four sessions (each lasting ∼2.5 h) of simulated driving, i.e., completed chosen tasks from computer driving games. Saliva samples were collected after each driving session, i.e., at 10:00–11:00, 14:00–15:00, 18:00–19:00, and 22:00–23:00 h as well as 10–30 min after waking (between 05:00 and 06:00 h) and at bedtime (after 00:00 h). Two subgroups of subjects were distinguished on the basis of the Chronotype Questionnaire: morning (M)- and evening (E)-oriented types. Subjective data on sleep need, sleeping time preferences, sleeping problems, and the details of the preceding night were investigated by questionnaire. Subjective measures of task load (NASA Task Load Index [NASA-TLX]), activation (Thayer's Activation-Deactivation Adjective Check List [AD ACL]), and sleepiness (Karolinska Sleepiness Scale [KSS]) were applied at times of saliva samples collection. M- and E-oriented types differed significantly as to their ideal sleep length (6 h 54 min ± 44 versus 8 h 13 min ± 50 min), preferred sleep timing (midpoint at 03:19 versus 04:26), and sleep index, i.e., ‘real-to-ideal’ sleep ratio, before the experimental day (0.88 versus 0.67). Sleep deficit proved to be integrated with eveningness. M and E types exhibited similar diurnal profiles of energy, tiredness, tension, and calmness assessed by AD ACL, but E types estimated higher their workload (NASA-TLX) and sleepiness (KSS). M types exhibited a trend of higher mean cortisol levels than E types (F = 4.192, p < .056) and distinct diurnal variation (F = 2.950, p < .019), whereas E types showed a flattened diurnal curve. Cortisol values did not correlate with subjective assessments of workload, arousal, or sleepiness at any time-of-day. Diurnal cortisol pattern parameters (i.e., morning level, mean level, and range of diurnal changes) showed significant positive correlations with sleep length before the experiment (r = .48, .54, and .53, respectively) and with sleep index (r = .63, .64, and .56, respectively). The conclusions of this study are: (i) E-oriented types showed lower salivary cortisol levels and a flattened diurnal curve in comparison with M types; (ii) sleep loss was associated with lower morning cortisol and mean diurnal level, whereas higher cortisol levels were observed in rested individuals. In the context of stress theory, it may be hypothesized that rested subjects perceived the driving task as a challenge, whereas those with reduced sleep were not challenged, but bored/exhausted with the experimental situation. (Author correspondence: mmoginsk@cyf-kr.edu.pl)

Predicting affective responses to exercise using resting EEG frontal asymmetry: Does intensity matter?

Affective responses to exercise may be important for improving adherence to regular programs of exercise. The present study sought to determine whether resting frontal EEG asymmetry, an individual difference measure of affective style, is predictive of affective responses to exercise performed at distinct intensities standardized relative to a metabolic landmark (i.e., the ventilatory threshold, VT). Resting EEG was collected from 30 participants and used to predict affective responses following treadmill running at three exercise intensities: below-VT, at-VT, and above-VT. Affect was assessed [via Activation–Deactivation Adjective Check List, yielding measures of Energetic Arousal (EA) and Tense Arousal (TA)] before, immediately following exercise, after 5min cool down, and 10 and 20min post-cool down. Resting mid-frontal asymmetry (F4–F3) significantly predicted EA immediately following below-VT exercise; resting lateral frontal asymmetry (F8–F7) predicted EA at 20min post-cool down. Resting mid-frontal asymmetry predicted in EA immediately following and following cool down in above-VT exercise. As a whole, frontal asymmetry was predictive of affective responses following exercise, namely greater relative left frontal activity predicting lower EA. This was opposite to the predictions of the valenced motivation model, but may provide some support for the motivation direction model. This is based on the fact that low EA could be indicative of approach motivation, especially at higher exercise intensities.

Affective Responses to Increasing Levels of Exercise Intensity in Normal‐weight, Overweight, and Obese Middle‐aged Women

At least 60 min of daily physical activity (PA) are recommended for weight control, a target achieved by only 3% of obese (OB) women. The purposes of this study were to examine (i) the affective responses of normal-weight (NW), overweight (OW), and OB middle-aged sedentary women to exercise of increasing intensity and (ii) the relationship of affective responses to self-efficacy and social physique anxiety. The women participated in a graded treadmill protocol to volitional exhaustion while providing ratings of pleasure-displeasure and perceived activation each minute. The Activation Deactivation Adjective Check List (AD ACL) was also completed before and after exercise. The affective responses of NW and OW women did not differ. However OB women gave lower pleasure ratings during the incremental protocol and reported lower Energy scores immediately after the protocol. Social physique anxiety, but not self-efficacy, was inversely related to pleasure and energy. The lower levels of pleasure and energy experienced by OB than nonobese women could account in part for their dramatically low levels of PA participation. Modifying the cognitive antecedents of social physique anxiety might be a useful intervention strategy.

Cortical lateralization patterns related to self-estimation of emotional state.

The relationships between subjectively-reported emotional state and hemispheric laterality were investigated. Participants' emotional state was modified using emotional slides. Self-estimation of Energy Arousal and Hedonic Tone (positive valence) as well as Tense Arousal (negative valence) was derived from the Activation-Deactivation Adjective Checklist and the UWIST Mood Adjective Checklist. Energy arousal was found to be associated with right frontal dominance in the alpha2 (10-12 Hz) band, together with left frontal dominance in the beta2 (16-24 Hz) band. It was also related to left alpha2 dominance in the central and centro-parietal cortex. The effects for the Hedonic Tone scale were limited to a frontal beta2 effect. Surprisingly, no effects of state estimates from the tension scales were observed. It can be concluded that selected qualities of subjective emotional state measured by adjective lists can be related in specific ways to hemispheric laterality, as measured by EEG methods.