A psychobiological approach to the investigation of exercise-related affect

Although it is well documented that exercise participation is associated with affective benefits, the mechanisms underlying this relationship are not clearly understood. The purpose of the present study was to take a psychobiological approach to the investigation of exercise-related affect. Specifically, the relationships between physical activity level, self-efficacy, cortisol responses, and affective change associated with an acute bout of treadmill running were examined. Subjects for the study comprised 60 (50 male; 10 female) undergraduate students who participated in a 30 minute treadmill trial at 60% VO$\sb{2\rm max}$. The results indicated that physically active subjects demonstrated enhanced affective responses compared to less active subjects. Also, active subjects possessed higher levels of self-efficacy (p $<$.001) pre- and post-exercise compared to their less active counterparts. Furthermore, post-exercise cortisol levels were lower in the physically active subjects (p $<$.05).

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Kinesiology and Community Health

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Rudolph, David Leslie

Contributors dc:contributor

• McAuley, Edward

• Psychology, Psychobiology
• Education, Physical

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 1994 Rudolph, David Leslie

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

AAI9503304
(UMI)AAI9503304

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/22616