Evaluation of a brief aerobic exercise intervention for high anxiety sensitivity.
Anxiety sensitivity, or the belief that anxiety-related sensations can have negative consequences, has been shown to play an important role in the etiology and maintenance of panic disorder and other anxiety-related pathology. Aerobic exercise involves exposure to physiological cues similar to those experienced during anxiety reactions. The present study sought to investigate the efficacy of a brief aerobic exercise intervention for high anxiety sensitivity. Accordingly, 24 participants with high anxiety sensitivity scores (Anxiety Sensitivity Index-Revised scores >28) were randomly assigned to complete either six 20-minute sessions of aerobic exercise or a no-exercise control condition. The results indicated that individuals assigned to the aerobic exercise condition reported significantly less anxiety sensitivity subsequent to exercise, whereas anxiety sensitivity scores among non-exercisers did not significantly change. The clinical research and public health implications of these findings are discussed, and several potential directions for additional research are recommended.
Broman-Fulks
Joshua J
JJ
Department of Psychology, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608, USA. bromanfulksj@appstate.edu
Storey
Katelyn M
KM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001007:Anxiety / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male