Abstract des Autors

Psychological changes associated with 16-wk moderate and low intensity exercise training programs, two of which possessed a cognitive component, were evaluated. Subjects were healthy, sedentary adults, 69 women (mean age = 54.8+/-8.3 yr) and 66 men (mean age = 50.6+/-8.0 yr). Participants were randomly assigned to a control group (C), moderate intensity walking group (MW), low intensity walking group (LW), low intensity walking plus relaxation response group (LWR), or mindful exercise (ME) group - a Tai Chi type program. Women in the ME group experienced reductions in mood disturbance (tension, P<0.01; depression, P<0.05; anger, P<0.008; confusion, P<0.02; and total mood disturbance, P<0.006) and an improvement in general mood (P<0.04). Women in the MW group noted greater satisfaction with physical attributes (body cathexis, P<0.03), and men in MW reported increased positive affect (P<0.006). No other differences were observed between groups on measures of mood, self-esteem, personality, or life satisfaction. Equivocal support is provided for the hypothesis that exercise plus cognitive strategy training programs are more effective than exercise programs lacking a structured cognitive component in promoting psychological benefits. Verf.-Referat