Aerobic fitness and leisure physical activity as moderators of the stress-illness relation

Exercise as a moderator of the stress-illness relation was examined by expl oring leisure physical activity and aerobic fitness as potential "buffers" of the association between minor stress on physical and psychological sympt oms in a sample of 135 college students The goal was to gather information regarding the mechanisms by which exercise exhibits its buffering effects. Researchers have examined both physical activity and physical fitness in an attempt to demonstrate this effect; however; whether both of these compone nts are necessary; to achieve the protective effects against stress is unkn own. This study examined engaging in leisure physical activity and having h igh aerobic fitness to determine if both were necessary for the stress-buff ering effects or if one factor. M'as more important than the other. Finding s suggested a buffering effect for leisure physical activity against physic al symptoms and anxiety associated with minor stress. This effect was not f ound with depression. Additionally, there was no moderating effect for aero bic fitness on physical or psychological symptoms. Collectively, the data s uggested that participation iii leisure physical activity as opposed to lev el of aerobic fitness is important to the stress-buffering effect of exerci se. Implications for exercise prescription are discussed.