A randomised control trial of physical activity in a perceived environment on self-esteem and mood in UK adolescents.
This study assessed whether exercising whilst viewing natural or built scenes affected self-esteem (SE) and mood in adolescents. Twenty-five adolescents participated in three exercise tests on consecutive days. A graded exercise test established the work rate equivalent to 50% heart rate reserve for use in subsequent constant load tests (CLTs). Participants undertook two 15-min CLTs in random order viewing scenes of either natural or built environments. Participants completed Rosenberg's SE scale and the adolescent profile of mood states questionnaire pre- and post-exercise. There was a significant main effect for SE (F(1) = 6.10; P < 0.05) and mood (F(6) = 5.29; P < 0.001) due to exercise, but no effect of viewing different environmental scenes (P > 0.05). Short bouts of moderate physical activity can have a positive impact on SE and mood in adolescents. Future research should incorporate field studies to examine the psychological effects of contact with real environments.
School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK. cjwood@essex.ac.uk
Carly
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Wood
Caroline
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Angus
Jules
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Pretty
Gavin
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Sandercock
Jo
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Barton
D000293:Adolescent; D000339:Affect; D004777:Environment; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012649:Self Concept