Influence of Acute Physical Activity and Relaxation on State Anxiety and Blood Lactate in Untrained College Males

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the acute effects of physical activity and relaxation on state anxiety and blood lactate. Thirty male Ss performed resistance exercise (N= 15) or cycling (N = 15) for 50 min at 70 % of maximum, while 30 additional male Ss practiced autogenic relaxation (N = 15) or rested quietly (N = 15) in a sound chamber for 50 min. Assessment of state anxiety and blood lactate was performed before, 5 -10 min and 60 min following treatments. The data were analyzed with a repeated measures ANOVA for multi-factor experiments, and results indicate a significant group by trial interaction for state anxiety (p < 0.0001) and lactate (p < 0.0001). Post-hoc analysis revealed that:

1. lactate increased (p < 0.001) immediately following resistance exercise and fell to baseline levels 60 min post exercise;

2. state anxiety was decreased (p < 0.01) at 5 - 10 min following autogenic relaxation and quiet rest; and

3. a reduction (p < 0.001) in state anxiety was noted at 60 min following cycling.

is concluded that:

1. comparable anxiolytic effects occur following aerobic exercise (cycling), autogenic relaxation and quiet rest, but the effect persists for a longer period of time following aerobic exercise; and

2. accumulation of lactate does not influence state anxiety in normal individuals.

Key words

Anxiety - relaxation - exercise - blood lactate