EFFECTS OF DIFFERING INTENSITIES AND FORMATS OF 12 MONTHS OF EXERCISETRAINING ON PSYCHOLOGICAL OUTCOMES IN OLDER ADULTS

The 12-month effects of exercise training on psychological outcomes in adults ages 50-65 years were evaluated. Ss (N = 357) were randomly as signed to assessment-only control or to higher intensity group, higher intensity home, or lower intensity home exercise training. Exercisers showed reductions in perceived stress and anxiety in relation to cont rols (p < .04). Reductions in stress were particularly notable in smok ers. Regardless of program assignment, greater exercise participation was significantly related to less anxiety and fewer depressive symptom s, independent of changes in fitness or body weight (p < .05). It was concluded that neither a group format nor vigorous activity was essent ial in attaining psychological benefits from exercise training in heal thy adults.