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Walking in (affective) circles: can short walks enhance affect?
P Ekkekakis1, E E Hall, L M VanLanduyt
1Department of Kinesiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 61801, USA. ekkekaki@uiuc.edu
Journal of Behavioral Medicine
|June 23, 2000
Summary
Short bouts of walking, even just 10-15 minutes, significantly improve mood and energy levels. This consistent finding suggests walking is an accessible way to boost affective well-being.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Science
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Current physical activity guidelines recommend moderate-intensity activities like walking.
- These recommendations assume moderate activities are more enjoyable and sustainable.
- However, the affective (emotional) impact of short walking bouts remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the affective responses to short (10-15 minute) walking sessions.
- To utilize the circumplex model of affect to measure emotional changes.
Main Methods:
- Four experimental studies were conducted.
- Participants engaged in short walking bouts (10-15 minutes).
- Affective responses were measured using self-report scales based on the circumplex model.
Main Results:
- Walking consistently led to increased activation and positive affective valence.
- A return to calmness and relaxation was observed during recovery.
- These findings were consistent across various measures, settings (lab/field), and participant groups.
Conclusions:
- Short walking bouts reliably enhance positive affect and activation.
- Walking offers a practical method for improving emotional well-being.
- The positive affective outcomes support the inclusion of short walks in public health recommendations.