Dr. Brown et al., CHRONIC PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF EXERCISE AND EXERCISE PLUS COGNITIVESTRATEGIES, Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 27(5), 1995, pp. 765-775
Psychological changes associated with 16-wk moderate and low intensity
exercise training programs, two of which possessed a cognitive compon
ent, were evaluated. Subjects were healthy, sedentary adults, 69 women
(mean age = 54.8 +/- 8.3 yr) and 66 men (mean age = 50.6 +/- 8.0 yr).
Participants were randomly assigned to a control group (C), moderate
intensity walking group (MW), low intensity walking group (LW), low in
tensity walking plus relaxation response group (LWR), or mindful exerc
ise (ME) group-a Tai Chi type program. Women in the ME group experienc
ed reductions in mood disturbance (tension, P < 0.01; depression, P <
0.05; anger, P < 0.008; confusion, P < 0.02; and total mood disturbanc
e, P < 0.006) and an improvement in general mood (P < 0.04). Women in
the MW group noted greater satisfaction with physical attributes (body
cathexis, P < 0.03), and men in MW reported increased positive affect
(P < 0.006). No other differences were observed between groups on mea
sures of mood, self-esteem, personality, or life satisfaction. Equivoc
al support is provided for the hypothesis that exercise plus cognitive
strategy training programs are more effective than exercise programs
lacking a structured cognitive component in promoting psychological be
nefits.