Abstract

In this report, exercise in the form of jogging and swimming is proposed as an important stress-reduction technique. Because of the similar task charcteristics in jogging and swimming, the author and her associates have investigated the benefits of swimming. It appears that swimming, like jogging, is an effective stress-reduction technique. People who elect to swim treport tension, anxiety, depression, anger, and confusion, and more vigor, after swimming than before. These significant changes for men and women from a nonclinical population tend to be short-term rather than long-term. Praticipants need to exercise regularly to maintain the benefits. It is interesting to note that beginning as well as intermediate swimmers report stress reduction. However, adverse environmental conditions during practice may negate swimmings stress-reduction qualities. Verf.-Referat