Total Mood Disturbance Research Articles

Optimizing performance and mood state in competitive swimmers through tapering strategies.

Tapering is a concept that is of great importance in relation to performance, due of its great effect on the psychological and physical condition of the swimmer. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the effect of two-week of tapering characterized by a progressive training volume reduction on mood state and swimming performance in competitive swimmers. Twenty-four competitive male swimmers were randomly assigned into two groups. Experimental group (age = 16.9 ± 0.5 years) and control group (16.1 ± 0.4 years). The mood subscales (tension, depression, anger, fatigue, confusion and vigor), total mood disturbance and swimming performance (50-m front crawl) were measured in pre and posttest. Our findings revealed a significant improvement in mood subscales (20.8 to 47.8%), total mood disturbance (14.4%) and in swimming performance (3.5%) after 2 weeks of tapering training. A significant correlation was observed between the total mood disturbance and the 50 m front crawl (r = -0.63) only in the experimental group. It was concluded that a progressive reduction in training volume with a maintain of intensity could improve mood state and swimming performance. In addition, a change in total mood disturbance could affect swimming performance. Swimming coaches are advised to include tapering period according to the standards we mentioned earlier before competitive swimming to improve mental state, which helps the swimmers to overcome the negative influences of overtraining and therefore they can promote sprint-swimming performance.

Do changes in mood and anxiety mediate exercise-induced reductions in alcohol cravings? An exploratory study.

Exercise is increasingly used as adjunct treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Evidence suggests that moderate-to-high-intensity exercise can ameliorate cravings. We explored the potential mediating effects of changes in mood states in the relationship between exercise intensity and alcohol cravings. Secondary analyses of a nested single-arm trial within a randomized controlled trial (FitForChange). In total, 117 sedentary adults (68.4% female, M = 52 ± 12 years) with clinician diagnosed (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition) AUD and indications of craving (Desire for Alcohol Questionnaire) completed a 12-min submaximal cardiorespiratory fitness test on a cycle ergometer. Assessments of craving, mood states (POMS), and state anxiety (STAI-Y1) were taken immediately before, after, and 30 min after exercise. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were included as indirect measures of exercise intensity. The med4way command in Stata was used to explore mediating and interaction effects of improvements in total mood disturbance (TMD) and state anxiety. Improvements in mood and anxiety did not mediate the effect of higher exercise intensity on reductions in alcohol craving. A significant reference interaction was found between "hard" (or greater) exertion and anxiety improvements (β = -1.06, 95% CI [-1.50, -0.61]). Participants whose anxiety reduced during exercise had two times higher odds of reduced cravings when exercising at a higher intensity than participants whose anxiety worsened (OR = 2.04, 95% CI [1.12, 3.72]). Reductions in anxiety may partly explain the positive effect of higher exercise intensity on alcohol cravings. The findings are preliminary and require replication in future studies. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Consuming Caffeinated or Non-Caffeinated Energy Shots has No Effect on Mood or Performance

Introduction: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of two different energy drinks on mood as well as mental and physical performance. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation, subjects (n=60, 22 male, 38 female) were assigned to a caffeinated energy shot (Alpha Brain), a non-caffeinated energy shot (Ginger Rescue), or a placebo with no caffeine. Subjects were pre-tested on the psychomotor vigilance task (PVT), which is a measure of sustained attention, Profile of Mood States, and handgrip strength. Consequently, they consumed either the Alpha Brain shot, Ginger Rescue shot, or the placebo. One hour post-consumption, the assessments were repeated. Results: There were no between-group differences (p>0.05) for any of the assessments regarding the change score (M±SD): PVT – Alpha Brain -3±15 msec, Ginger Rescue -21±60 msec, Placebo 1±21 msec; Total mood disturbance score – Alpha Brain -7.0±14.5, Ginger Rescue -4.1±11.1, Placebo -0.7±8.5; Peak handgrip – Alpha Brain 0.3±3.5 kg, Ginger Rescue 0.3±4.5 kg, Placebo -0.6±3.1 kg. Conclusions: The acute consumption of an energy shot, regardless of whether it is caffeinated, did not affect mood, handgrip strength, or sustained attention.

Field Investigations on Subjective Perception, Physiological Responses, and Cognitive Performance under Increasing CO2 Concentration in an Underground Confined Space

The objective of this research was to explore the impacts of heightened CO2 concentrations on human health and wellness in an underground confined space. A total of 180 participants were subjected to CO2 concentrations ranging from 1000 to 10000 ppm within a confined underground environment. The study assessed not only subjective perceptions and physiological responses but also cognitive performance, integrating novel measures such as emotion, skin conductance (SC), and heart rate variability (HRV). The findings demonstrated a notable variation in thermal sensation votes (TSV) and perceived air quality acceptability with the change in CO2 concentration. A significant increase in total mood disturbance (TMD) of 1.5 units was observed at a CO2 concentration of 8500 ppm, compared to 1000 ppm. Cognitive performance remained consistent for concentrations below 8500 ppm; however, a substantial alteration was noted at 10000 ppm. In terms of task difficulty, numerical calculations were perceived to require 0.74 units more effort than letter searches. As CO2 concentration exceeded 7500 ppm, significant variances were noted in physiological parameters such as diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), LF/HF, MF/HF ratios, PNN 50, and frequency domains of HRV (LF, MF, and HF) in comparison to the parameters at 1000 ppm. At 8500 ppm, the LF and HF parameters were found to be 780 and 452.3 units, respectively, higher than at 7000 ppm. These findings suggest that high humidity, low temperature, and elevated CO2 concentrations collectively contribute to the significant human stress responses. This study is of interest as there are limited reported researches on the air quality in underground confined space.

Recipe for fatigue: sleep, work patterns, and well-being of galley workers on surface ships of the US Navy.

The purpose of the study was to compare the fatigue levels, work/rest patterns, health-related behaviors, and well-being of galley workers with other sailors on US Navy ships while underway. Analysis was based on a retrospective comparison of data from 3 fit-for-duty groups of sailors: 67 galley workers, 192 non-watchstanders, and 466 watchstanders. Participants completed questionnaires (Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS], Insomnia Severity Index [ISI], Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI], and Profile of Mood States [POMS]) and activity logs, and wore actigraphs. Galley workers slept MD = 6.57 (IQR = 1.42) h/d and worked MD = 12.8 (IQR = 2.42) h/d. Approximately 84% of the galley workers were classified as poor sleepers, ~57% reported having excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), and ~38% reported elevated insomnia symptoms. Compared to non-watchstanders, galley workers had worse scores on POMS (total mood disturbance, tension-anxiety, depression, anger-hostility, fatigue, and confusion-bewilderment), ESS, ISI, and PSQI. Compared to non-watchstanders, galley workers had a higher risk for symptoms of EDS (75%), symptoms of clinically relevant insomnia (126%), and for being classified as poor sleepers (27%). Galley workers slept less and worked on average 2h/d more than non-watchstanders. Compared to watchstanders, galley workers had worse ESS, ISI, and anger-hostility scores. More watchstanders napped compared to galley workers. Although they are considered day workers, the sleep patterns, fatigue levels, and mood of galley workers are comparable to, or worse than, watchstanders or other non-watchstanders. To ameliorate the effects of long work hours on sailor well-being, ship leadership should consider adopting strategies to improve galley workers' well-being.

Evaluation of landscape created by erosion control dam using physiological and psychological indicators.

This study demonstrated the effect of differences in the exterior of erosion control dams (ECDs) on humans. We recruited 34 university students. Participants sat 1.4 m away from the display while wearing a device for measuring heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability. They (i) took a rest while viewing a gray screen for one minute; (ii) viewed a randomly displayed image of one of the three ECDs' images for one minute; (iii) filled out questionnaires (using the semantic differential method and a profile of mood states) for five minutes; and (iv) took a rest to wash out residual sensitivity for five minutes. The process was repeated three times with three different ECD images. No significant difference was found between the participants' HRs measured before and while viewing the images of the three ECDs with different exterior materials, although the HRs were significantly reduced when viewing the wood-attached ECD compared with the concrete-exposed ECD. Participants perceived the concrete-exposed and stone-attached ECDs artificially, while they felt the wood-attached ECD naturally. In addition, the vigor score was significantly increased while total mood disturbance was significantly decreased when viewing the wood-attached ECD. However, there were no significant differences in other indicators, and participants' responses to the exteriors of the ECDs were positive overall. Our findings show that people do not physiologically and psychologically perceive ECDs negatively. Therefore, securing stability against sedimentary disasters should be a priority before using the landscape elements of an ECD.

Sleepy and grumpy go hand in hand for US Navy Sailors.

The study explores how sleep, sleep-related practices, and behaviors, in addition to various demographic and occupational characteristics, are related to overall mood of US Navy sailors when they are underway. Longitudinal assessment of US Navy sailors performing their underway duties (N = 873, 79.2% males, median age 25 years). Participants completed standardized questionnaires, wore wrist-worn actigraphs, and completed daily activity logs. Sailors who reported worse profile of mood states (POMS) total mood disturbance scores had shorter sleep duration, worse sleep quality, and more episodes of split sleep. The group with worse mood also reported more symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness as well as more symptoms of insomnia. In addition to sleep results, sailors with worse mood also tended to be younger, more likely to use nicotine and tobacco products, and less likely to have an exercise routine when compared to sailors with better POMS scores. Finally, the group with worse POMS scores included more enlisted personnel, tended to work more hours per day, and were more likely to stand watch-especially on rotating watch schedules. The results found significant associations between the sleep practices and mood of sailors aboard US Navy ships. Numerous other demographic and occupational factors were also strongly associated with mood. This paper is part of the Sleep and Circadian Rhythms: Management of Fatigue in Occupational Settings Collection.

Effects of sleep quality in early pregnancy on pregnancy outcomes and mood state.

To clarify the relationship between quality of sleep and pregnancy outcomes and to explore how sleep quality affects mood state in the first trimester of pregnancy. This prospective cohort study enrolled pregnant women from June 2020 to June 2021. Maternal sleep conditions, daytime sleepiness, and mood state in the first trimester were assessed using four Chinese self-rating scales, namely, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Sleep Hygiene Practice Scale (SHPS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the abbreviated version of the Profile of Mood States (a-POMS). Participants were divided into an exposed group (PSQI score > 5, poor sleep quality group) and a non-exposed group (PSQI score ≤ 5, good sleep quality group). Maternal characteristics, pregnancy outcomes, and the relationship among sleep quality, sleepiness, and mood state were analyzed. Comparisons of sleep hygiene behavior variables between the two subgroups were also analyzed. A total of 2703 pregnantwomen were enrolled in the study. Poor sleep quality increased the probability of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (1.573, 1.315-1.863), liver function damage (1.467, 1.021-2.107), preterm delivery (1.468, 1.077-2.002), mild sleepiness (1.612, 1.357-1.915), and excessive sleepiness (2.134, 1.686-2.701). Poor maternal sleep quality was significantly associated with the occurrence of preterm premature rupture of membranes (1.947, 1.168-3.243) and perinatal death (1.003, 1.000-1.006). Additionally, a significant positive correlation between the PSQI score and the total mood disturbance (TMD) score was revealed by Spearman's correlation analysis (r = 0.378, P < 0.01). Enter Regression analysis demonstrated that sleep quality (R2 = 0.390, P < 0.01) and sleepiness (R2 = 0.234, P < 0.01) exerted significant direct effects on mood state during pregnancy. Furthermore, Spearman's correlation analysis indicated a positive association between the PSQI score and the SHPS total score (r = 0.227, P < 0.01). Poor sleep quality is significantly associated with elevated rates of maternal mood disturbances, obstetric complications, and adverse outcomes in infants. The findings suggest that it may be useful toprovide comprehensive sleep assessment and education on sleep hygiene during the early stages of pregnancy.

Mood disturbance and tau pathology in older women at risk for Alzheimer’s disease

AbstractBackgroundNeuropsychiatric symptoms, particularly depression, have been associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarkers in individuals on the AD continuum. Although mood changes are a clinical manifestation of AD, research examining how the spectrum of common mood symptoms relates to AD biomarkers is limited. We examined the association between mood disturbance and tau pathology measured with positron emission tomography (PET) in older women at risk for AD and particular mood domains driving any associations.MethodParticipants included 18 women (Mage = 71.5, SDage = 3.3 years) with higher AD genetic risk (polygenetic hazard score ≥50th percentile) and mild impairment on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment who had completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire and a PET Scan as part of a larger research study. Those with formal psychiatric or neurodegenerative diagnoses were excluded. The POMS assessed six mood subcategories. The Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) was calculated as the sum of Tension, Depression, Anger, Fatigue, and Confusion subscores, minus the Vigor subscore. Tau standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) were calculated for each Braak region of interest (ROI) (i.e., Braak 1‐2: transentorhinal stage, Braak 3‐4: limbic stage, and Braak 5‐6: isocortical stage). Linear regression models were conducted with TMD as the predictor and each Braak‐derived ROI as the outcome while controlling for age. Significant relationships were further probed by repeating analyses with each POMS subcategory as the predictor.ResultHigher POMS TMD scores significantly predicted higher tau‐PET SUVRs in Braak 1‐2 (β = 0.73, p&lt;0.01), Braak 3‐4 (β = 0.88, p&lt;0.001), and Braak 5‐6 (β = 0.72, p&lt;0.01) (Figure 1). Further analysis showed that the Tension subscore significantly predicted tau‐PET in all three regions (Figure 2) and Confusion significantly predicted tau‐PET in Braak 1‐2 and Braak 5‐6 (Figure 3).ConclusionMood disturbance was consistently associated with higher tau across all Braak regions in older women with higher AD risk. These relationships were strongest when reflecting the combination of mood symptoms, but tension may have a stronger influence than other subcategories. Longitudinal research should be done to assess the directionality of this relationship and to explore whether treatments for mood symptoms may have protective effects on Alzheimer’s pathogenesis before diagnosis.

Endocannabinoid and psychological responses to acute resistance exercise in trained and untrained adults.

This study examined the effects of acute resistance exercise on circulating endocannabinoid (eCB) and mood responses in trained and untrained healthy adults. Thirty-two healthy adults (22.1 ± 2.9 years) were recruited from trained (reporting resistance exercise at least twice per week for ≥ previous three months) and untrained (performing no resistance exercise for ≥ previous three months) groups. Participants (13 male, 19 female) completed three sets of resistance exercise (16 repetitions at 50% 1-repetition max, 12 repetitions at 70% 1-repetition max, 8 repetitions at 80% 1-repetition max). Resistance machines targeted the legs, chest, back, and abdominal muscles. Mood states, affect, and circulating eCB concentrations were evaluated before and after resistance exercise. There were significant decreases in AEA, PEA, and OEA levels following acute resistance exercise (p <0.05; ds = -0.39, -0.48, -0.65, respectively), with no significant group differences or group by time interactions. 2-AG did not change significantly. Positive affect increased significantly following resistance exercise (p = 0.009), while negative affect decreased (p <0.001). Depressive symptoms, anger, confusion, and total mood disturbance decreased significantly (p <0.05), while vigor increased significantly following resistance exercise (p = 0.005). There were no significant group differences or group by time interactions for any psychological outcomes. These results indicate that acute resistance exercise may reduce eCB and related lipid concentrations, which is opposite to the increase in lipids typically observed with acute aerobic exercise. Furthermore, psychological improvements occur after resistance exercise regardless of decreases in eCBs, supporting the notion that psychological changes with exercise likely occur through a wide variety of biological and environmental mechanisms.

Effect of Time-Restricted Eating versus Daily Calorie Restriction on Mood and Quality of Life in Adults with Obesity.

The purpose of this secondary analysis is to compare the effects of two popular weight loss regimens, time-restricted eating (TRE) and daily calorie restriction (CR), on mood and quality-of-life measures in adults with obesity. Ninety participants were randomized to one of three interventions for 12 months: 8 h TRE (eating only between 12:00 and 8:00 p.m., with no calorie counting); CR (25% energy restriction daily); or no-intervention control group. Questionnaires were administered to measure mood (Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and Profile of Mood States (POMS)) and quality of life (Rand 36-Item Short Form) at baseline and month 12. Body weight decreased in the TRE group (-4.87%, 95%CI: -7.61, -2.13) and CR group (-5.30%, 95%CI: -9.06, -1.54) versus controls, with no difference between TRE and CR. The BDI-II depression score did not change in the TRE or CR group, versus controls, by month 12. Likewise, there were no changes in any of the POMS subscales (tension, depression, anger, fatigue, anger, confusion, or vigor) or the total mood disturbance score in the TRE or CR group versus controls. As for quality of life, there were no significant changes in the SF-36 constructs of mental health, bodily pain, and general physical health in the TRE or CR group versus controls. However, there was a trend towards increased vitality in the TRE group (7.77 [95% CI: 0.15, 15.39] p = 0.05) relative to controls. There were no associations between changes in body weight, physical activity, mood, and quality of life in any group by the end of the study. These findings suggest that TRE and CR produce similar degrees of weight loss, but impact neither mood nor quality of life in adults with obesity over 12 months. Future well-powered studies will be needed to confirm these findings.

Physiological and psychological responses to transitions between urban built and natural environments using the cave automated virtual environment

Observational and experimental studies have illustrated that exposure to greenness is beneficial to long-term health and well-being. In the urban context, however, more evidence is needed for a better understanding of the short-term health impacts of nearby nature. To address this limitation, we investigated the dynamic influence of transitions between built and natural environments on urban residents using Cave Automated Virtual Environment (CAVE) immersive virtual reality technology. In this experiment, we filmed two pairs of 360° 8K videos of geographically adjacent built and natural environments in Boston, MA to mimic real-life environmental exposure of urban residents, and created virtual immersive stimuli with an 8K-resolution curved panoramic screen accompanied with a 7.2 Dolby Surround 360° audio system. We recruited 171 participants in a randomized crossover experiment to evaluate physiological and psychological responses to transitions between urban built and natural environments. Our psychological results indicate significant reductions in negative mood dimensions, total mood disturbance, and transient anxiety, during the transition from built to natural environments; and increases during the transition from natural to built environments. In addition, we observed participants showed more emotional responses to nature through physiological measures. Lastly, we found that contextual factors that were rarely tested in previous studies, including differential physical health conditions, underlying stress levels, formative experience with nature, and growth environments, might influence the extent of stress recovery. This study provided empirical evidence from the health perspective for promoting nearby nature in urban built environments.

Effects of Short-Term Natural Environment Exposure on Preservice Teacher Well-Being

This study explores changes in well-being for 16 preservice teachers in natural and simulated professional development environments. The Rumination Questionnaire and Profile of Mood States (POMS) were used as indicators of well-being. A follow-up survey assessed changes in preservice teachers’ well-being strategies four months later. Compared to the professional development setting, the natural environment positively affected rumination and POMS scales of Tension-Anxiety, Confusion-Bewilderment, Esteem-Related Affect, and Total Mood Disturbance. Follow-up data found that participants agreed that spending time in natural settings improved their well-being; however, time constraints limited doing so. Conclusions suggest that preparation programs consider including nature-based experiences as one strategy for developing teacher well-being. &#x0D; Keywords: Preservice Teachers, Well-Being, Resilience, Environment, Professional Development

Preliminary research of the effectiveness of acupuncture (spoon needle) on stress relief of Japanese expatriates in a developing country Myanmar: A retrospective study.

This was a preliminary retrospective study to clarify the effectiveness of traditional Japanese acupuncture on the stress level of Japanese expatriates who studied or worked in Myanmar. Total 22 Japanese expatriate patients were selected for this study. The profile of mood states second edition-adult short form scale was used to evaluate the stress-relief effect of acupuncture before every treatment. Negative mood (tension and confusion) and total mood disturbances significantly decreased after acupuncture treatment. Regarding the influence of background, the experience of staying abroad significantly influenced the efficacy of the acupuncture treatment. These results indicate that acupuncture treatment can relieve stress experienced by Japanese expatriates. The results also suggest that the experience of staying abroad might be one of the leading factors that can modulate the effects of treatment.

Effects of lactotripeptide ingestion and physical activity intervention on the fatigue status of middle-aged and older adults: a randomized controlled trial

This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects of eight weeks of lactotripeptide (LTP) ingestion, physical activity (PA) intervention, and combined intervention on the fatigue status of middle-aged and older adults. A total of 78 middle-aged and older adults (63 ± 8 years of age) were randomly assigned to four groups: placebo, LTP, placebo with PA intervention (placebo + PA), and LTP with PA intervention (LTP + PA). All participants ingested the placebo or LTP tablets daily (three tablets/day). The placebo + PA and LTP + PA groups participated in a weekly supervised exercise class and were instructed to increase their moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA at home. The visual analog scale, Brief Fatigue Inventory, Profile of Mood States second edition (POMS2), and Beck Depression Inventory second edition (BDI-II) were administered before and after the intervention. No significant interactions or main effects were observed between LTP ingestion and PA intervention on any of the fatigue scales. The main-effect analyses revealed that the PA intervention improved the total mood disturbance score of the POMS2 (F = 5.22, P = 0.03) and BDI-II score (F = 4.81, P = 0.03). After the post hoc paired comparisons, the total mood disturbance and BDI-II scores improved more with the combined intervention than with the PA intervention alone (percentage difference between the effect of combined intervention and PA intervention alone was 3.7% for total mood disturbance score and 13.7% for BDI-II score). The present study suggests that eight weeks of LTP ingestion and PA intervention did not have a significant effect on fatigue status. However, the PA intervention improved mood status and depressive symptoms, and these effects were enhanced by LTP ingestion.

Indoor overheating influences self-reported symptoms and mood-state in older adults during a simulated heatwave: Effects of mid-day cooling centre use

Public health agencies recommend that older adults without home air-conditioning visit cooling centres to mitigate physiological strain from high ambient temperatures during heat waves. However, there is little evidence regarding their influence on self-reported environmental symptoms and mood-state after returning to the heat. MethodsForty adults (64–79 years) underwent a daylong laboratory-based indoor overheating simulation (9-hours, heat index: 37 °C) with (cooling, n = 20) or without (control, n = 20) a 2-hour air-conditioning intervention (hours 5–6). Mean skin and core temperature areas under the curve (AUC, hours 0–9) were used to assess cumulative thermal strain. Group differences in total symptom scores and subjective heat illness (68-item environmental symptoms questionnaire) as well as total mood disturbance and energy index (40-item profile of mood states questionnaire) were evaluated at end-heating (adjusted for pre-exposure scores). ResultsCooling reduced mean skin and core temperature AUCs by 4.0 [0.1, 0.8] and 1.6 [0.4, 2.8] °C·hour compared to control (both p < 0.048). However, at end-heating neither mean skin nor core temperatures differed between groups (both p > 0.999). Total symptom scores and subjective heat illness were 0.58-fold [0.44, 0.77] and 0.56-fold [0.40, 0.78] lower in the cooling compared to control group (both p < 0.001). Mood disturbance was 0.91-fold [0.83, 0.99] lower for cooling than control (p = 0.036), although energy index was not different between groups (p = 0.141). ConclusionCooling centres can have sustained positive effects on perceived thermal strain and mood-state in older adults after returning to the heat. However, continued vigilance and use of appropriate countermeasures to mitigate physiological strain from indoor overheating should be encouraged as body temperatures can rapidly return to pre-cooling levels.

Additional Health Benefits Observed following a Nature Walk Compared to a Green Urban Walk in Healthy Females

Chronic stress and obesity are major public health concerns and represent significant risk factors for a plethora of non-communicable diseases. Physical exercise represents a valuable health intervention in both cases, providing benefits for mental and physical health, as well as appetite regulation. While the emerging field of ‘green exercise’ suggests that the presence of nature may amplify the benefits of exercise, the quality of evidence has been questioned. To address this, we recruited 22 healthy females to complete a crossover randomised trial comprising a 75 min walk in both a forest and urban area, separated by 2–7 days. Markers of mood (Profile of Mood States), stress (sympathetic-adreno-medullar [resting heart rate, blood pressure] and hypothalamic–pituitary axis activation [salivary cortisol]) and eating behaviour (energy intake and salivary ghrelin) were measured before and after each walk. While both walking interventions improved mood and reduced physiological stress, the nature intervention (but not the urban intervention) also led to further improvements in total mood disturbance, depression, confusion and esteem-related affect (F(1,21) ≥ 4.98, p ≤ 0.037). Salivary ghrelin (F(20) = 0.229, p = 0.637) and energy intake (t(20) = −0.54, p = 0.60) did not respond differently in the two environments. Overall, while walking improved mood and physiological stress in both environments, walking in a forested environment provided additional benefits for mood not seen following the urban walk.

The Effects of Dynamic and Static Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku) on Physiological and Psychological Health in Males and Females

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dynamic and static forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) on the physiological and psychological health of males and females. Dynamic pre-test and post-test forest bathing was performed on 11 participants (5 males and 6 females) as a single group in a forest environment. In addition, a randomized controlled trial involving 20 participants (10 males and 10 females) was conducted to evaluate static forest bathing in both forest and urban environments. Various physiological indicators, including systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse, heart rate variability (HRV), and self-assessed psychological indicators such as profile of mood states, were measured. Dynamic forest bathing resulted in a significant increase in the natural logarithmic value of the high frequency (lnHF) of HRV and significantly decreased ratio of the natural logarithmic value of the low frequency (lnLF) to lnHF (lnLF/lnHF) of HRV. Static forest bathing not only had the effects of dynamic forest bathing but also significantly decreased the participants’ SBP, DBP, and pulse. Both dynamic and static forest bathing enhanced human parasympathetic nervous system activity and reduced sympathetic nervous system activity, particularly affecting females. Negative mood state scores (tension, anger, fatigue, depression, and confusion) and total mood disturbance scores significantly decreased after forest bathing. In contrast, positive mood state (vigor) scores significantly increased, indicating an enhancement in positive mood. These improvements in mood were particularly pronounced in male individuals. Short-term exposure to a forest environment has positive effects on both physical and mental health of individuals. The extent of these improvements varied according to factors such as engagement in physical activity and gender.

The effect of sleep restriction, with or without high-intensity interval exercise, on behavioural alertness and mood state in young healthy males.

Mood state and alertness are negatively affected by sleep loss, and can be positively influenced by exercise. However, the potential mitigating effects of exercise on sleep-loss-induced changes in mood state and alertness have not been studied comprehensively. Twenty-four healthy young males were matched into one of three, 5-night sleep interventions: normal sleep (NS; total sleep time (TST) per night = 449 ± 22 min), sleep restriction (SR; TST = 230 ± 5 min), or sleep restriction and exercise (SR + EX; TST = 235 ± 5 min, plus three sessions of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE)). Mood state was assessed using the profile of mood states (POMS) and a daily well-being questionnaire. Alertness was assessed using psychomotor vigilance testing (PVT). Following the intervention, POMS total mood disturbance scores significantly increased for both the SR and SR + EX groups, and were greater than the NS group (SR vs NS; 31.0 ± 10.7 A.U., [4.4-57.7 A.U.], p = 0.020; SR + EX vs NS; 38.6 ± 14.9 A.U., [11.1-66.1 A.U.], p = 0.004). The PVT reaction times increased in the SR (p = 0.049) and SR + EX groups (p = 0.033) and the daily well-being questionnaire revealed increased levels of fatigue in both groups (SR; p = 0.041, SR + EX; p = 0.026) during the intervention. Despite previously demonstrated physiological benefits of performing three sessions of HIIE during five nights of sleep restriction, the detriments to mood, wellness, and alertness were not mitigated by exercise in this study. Whether alternatively timed exercise sessions or other exercise protocols could promote more positive outcomes on these factors during sleep restriction requires further research.

POMS and eye movement: Two indicators for performance in athletics

BackgroundRegularly and scientifically participating in athletics is beneficial for physical and mental health. Mood or emotions are important component of psychology and a major indicator of physical and mental health. Positive and negative mood or emotions can have a strong impact on physical responsiveness. The aim of the present study was to explore whether mood or emotional state influence performance in athletics. MethodsMood, analyzed by Profile of Mood States, and emotional state, reflected by eye movement (looking at times and length), were used to predict track or field performance in training and competition. Results1. The profile of track training (except 3rd week) resembled an iceberg profile (highest vigor scores) and the profile on the 3rd week resembled a “melting” iceberg profile, in which positive mood (vigor and self-esteem) was decreased and negative mood, particularly depression and anger, was significantly increased. The profile of field training almost overlapped, with the exception of depression decreasing markedly on the 3rd and 4th weeks. 2. Positive mood overpowered negative mood, particularly following a track competition; positive emotions exceed negative emotions following track and field competition. 3. The results of the regression analysis showed that an improvement in track performance was negatively correlated with a rise in total mood disturbance (TMD), and field performances were positively correlated with positivity of emotion, as tested by eye movement. 4. Good performance in track events appeared to be associated with decreased vigor and increased fatigue during 3rd and 4th track training; decreased depression and fatigue, and increased vigor as well as low observe length of watching negative emotional pictures (NEPs) before track competition. A good performance in field events appeared to be associated with anger decrease and confusion increase, increased fixation counts of watching positive emotional pictures (PEPs), and decreased fixation and observe counts of watching NEPs before field competition. ConclusionsThe present study proved that different indicators appeared to measure different sport performances: More indicators of Profile of Mood States inclined to predict track performance, while more eye movement indicators could predict field performance. Mixed methods could provide a better understanding of performance than a single approach alone. These findings provided theoretical support and supplementary data for practical applications in the design of comprehensive training programs.