Kinesiology, Vol. 34. No. 1., 2002.
Original scientific paper
Acute anxiolytic and mood balancing effects of aerobic gymnastics: relationship to age, personal traits and initial anxiety levels
Inga Neissaar
; Institute of Sport Pedagogy, University of Tartu, Estonia
Maris Kikas
; Institute of Exercise Biology, University of Tartu, Estonia
Anu Järvekülg
; Institute of Exercise Biology, University of Tartu, Estonia
Mehis Viru
; Institute of Exercise Biology, University of Tartu, Estonia
Atko Viru
; Institute of Exercise Biology, University of Tartu, Estonia
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to establish the significance of personal traits, age, initial anxiety and affect levels in changes of state and trait anxiety and of any positive and negative affect during a 40- min session of aerobic gymnastics. Participants were 70 healthy women in age range from 17 to 57 years. The testing took place before and after the session with the aid of State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS). The examinees filled in the NEO- PI (Big Five Personality Inventory) and the Beck Depression Inventory on the next day. The session of aerobic gymnastics resulted in a reduced state anxiety and diminished negative affect level. The anxiolytic effect appeared to be promoted by high initial levels of state anxiety, pronounced negative affect before the session, and interaction of age with openness and conscientiousness. The dimi- nished negative affect level was related to the initial levels of state anxiety and negative affect level. Interaction of age, and initial levels of state anxiety and negative affect attributed 83% to the variance of the anxiolytic effect and 77% of the decrease in negative affect. In conclusion, the acute effects of aerobic gymnastics are reduced anxiety and a balancing mood. Both effects are promoted by initial high anxiety and mood imbalance.
Keywords
aerobic gymnastics; depressiveness; positive affect; negative affect; state anxiety; trait anxiety
Hrčak ID:
225363
URI
Publication date:
28.6.2002.
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