Comparative Effects of Exercise Reduction and Relaxation Training on Mood States and Type a Scores in Habitual Aerobic Exercisers

Abstract

The comparative effects of exercise reduction and relaxation training on dysphoric mood states and Type A scores in persons who exercise beyond the American College of Sports Medicine's recommended guidelines for cardiovascular fitness were investigated. Using their scores on the Profile of Mood States and the Jenkins Activity Survey, 57 subjects were randomly divided into 3 matched groups based on age, gender, and exercise regimen. Subjects assigned to the control group maintained their current exercise regimen, those in the second group reduced their exercise regimen to include no more than 5 hours of aerobic activity per week, and those in the third group maintained their current exercise regimen and attended 5 1 1/2-hr. relaxation training sessions. Both inventories were administered again after 10 weeks. Multivariate analysis of covariance showed no statistically significant differences among group means on the dependent variables. Further research on the use of aerobic exercise and relaxation training as auxiliary treatments for anxiety and depression is recommended.