AEROBIC EXERCISE, MOOD STATES AND MENSTRUAL-CYCLE SYMPTOMS

This study examined the effects of regular, moderate exercise on mood states and menstrual cycle symptoms. A group of female regular exercis ers (N = 97), and a second group of female non-exercisers (N = 159), c ompleted the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ) and the Differenti al Emotions Scale (DES-IV) premenstrually, menstrually and intermenstr ually. Multivariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVAs) revealed signifi cant effects for exercise on negative mood states and physical symptom s, and significant effects on all measures across menstrual cycle phas e. The regular exercisers obtained significantly lower scores on impai red concentration, negative affect, behaviour change and pain. No diff erences were found between groups on positive affect and other physica l symptoms.