ACUTE EFFECTS OF BETA-BLOCKADE AND EXERCISE ON MOOD AND ANXIETY

Objective-To measure the previously reported beta blocker induced adve rse changes in mood state and anxiety measures, and to determine if pr olonged aerobic exercise attenuates such mood modifications. Methods-A fter 4 days of drug treatment with comparable doses of propranolol (40 and 80 mg), metoprolol (50 and 100 mg), or placebo, mood (POMS) and a nxiety states (STAI) were assessed in healthy volunteers, before and a fter 1 h of treadmill walking exercise at 50% maximum oxygen uptake. R esults-Compared to placebo, resting ''tension'', ''depression'', and ' 'total mood disturbance)) were significantly higher on propranolol 80 mg, but all were reduced with exercise. ''Fatigue'' and ''confusion'' were also higher on propranolol, and were unaffected by exorcise. ''Fa tigue'' was also higher than placebo after exercise on metoprolol 100 mg. ''Anxiety'' was unaffected by drug treatment or exercise. Conclusi ons-The evidence that beta blockers, and particularly propranolol, hav e adverse effects on mood was confirmed. It would be preferable to pre scribe a beta blocker which does not adversely alter mood states. Howe ver, exercise significantly reduced the measures of ''tension'' and '' depression'' which were adversely increased by propranolol. Exercise p rescription may therefore not only be compatible with beta blockade, b ut a highly desirable adjuvant therapy.