PSYCHOLOGICAL RESPONSES TO BRIEF EXHAUSTIVE CYCLING EXERCISE IN THE MORNING AND THE EVENING

The purpose of this investigation was to examine whether psychological responses to exhaustive exercise would vary if the exercise was perfo rmed in the AM or PM. Sixteen men completed the State-Trait Anxiety In ventory and the Profile of Mood States before and following two exhaus tive exercise sessions in the AM (0630-0930h) and the PM (1700-2000h). Data were analyzed with a 2 (condition = incremental, constant) x 2 ( time of day = AM, PMA) x 2 (trial = pre, post) repeat ed measures ANOV A. Results indicated that there was a significant time of day effect ( P<0.05), as well as a significant condition by trial interaction (P<0. 05) for vigor Vigor was found to be higher in the PM before the consta nt power exhaustive exercise session, and decrease significantly follo wing the session. There teas also a significant trial effect (P<0.05) for fatigue. Fatigue was found to increase following the constant powe r exhaustive exercise sessions in the AM and PM. There were no signifi cant changes in state anxiety, tension, depression, anger confusion or the composite measure of mood following exhaustive exercise in the AM or the PM. It is concluded that anxiety and mood responses to brief e xhaustive cycling exercise are similar whether the exercise is perform ed in the morning or evening.