Abstract

This study explored the relationship between swimming and the reduction of psychological stress (N=74). College students serving as their own controls (N=36) were randomly assigned alternately to a swimming or record-keeping activity in the pool area. The stressreducing influences of class atmosphere, student interaction, and time away from the classroom were indentical in both swimming and the control activity of keeping records. Inclusion of a lecture-control class (N=38) provided information about possible seasonal and testing effects. Participants completed the State Anxiety Inventory and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) before and after each activity. In partial support of the time-out hypothesis, women reported less anxiety after class regardless of whether they swam or kept records. Men reported no changes in anxiety. Record keepers tended to report a bigger decrease in anxiety during week 6 than week 13. Thus, record keeping might have lost some of its appeal on the second occasion. Swimmers reported short-term increases in fatigue, the only significant mood change on the POMS. Exercise heart rates averaged 81 of age-adjusted maximum heart rate; they swam more intensely than recommended. Fatigue might have negated the psychological benefits of exercise. These prelimiary results suggested that exercisers who wish psychological benefits should avoid high intensity exercise. Verf.-Referat