An exploration of factors predicting the effects of aerobic conditioning on mood state

This study explored variables which predict effects of an aerobic exercise program on mood. Adult members of an eight-week conditioning program improved significantly in mood, in comparison with non-exercising controls, immediately after and three months after the program. Mood improvement was predicted by initial mood, with improvement limited to the most mood-disturbed subjects. It was not, however, predicted by improvement on cardiovascular or other physical indices, by other psychological or demographic ratings, or by beliefs and expectations about physical fitness or about mood state.