Acute Effects of Moderate versus High-Intensity Strength Exercise on Attention and Mood States in Female Physical
Hela Znazen1, Maamer Slimani2,3, Atyh Hadadi1
1Department of Physical Education and Sport, College of Education, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
The presumed benefits of exercise/physical activity on the brain are an important public health issue. However, the experimental approach to understanding the effects of physical activity on the brain, and more particularly on cognitive functions, has only been studied recently. In particular, females remain underrepresented in the research, despite having a specific training/exercise adaptation/response. The aim of the present study was to examine the acute effects of high- and moderate-intensity strength exercise (3 sets of 8-10 repetitions and 3 sets of 6 repetitions, respectively, with each session lasting approximately 30 min) on attention and mood states in female physical education students. Forty-six female physical education students (Mage = 20.02 ± 1.05 years, MBody Mass Index = 21.07) volunteered to participate in this study. They were divided into three groups: a moderate-intensity strength exercise group (MISEG: n = 15), a high-intensity strength exercise group (HISEG: n = 16), and a control group (CG: n = 15). Attention and psychological states were assessed using the d2 test, Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) questionnaire, respectively, before and after each session. The data showed that in the MISEG attention increased, in terms of concentration (p = 0.05). RPE values, fatigue and confusion were higher for the HISEG than the CG (p < 0.05) and the MISEG (p < 0.05). Vigour was higher for the MISEG than other groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, moderate-intensity resistance exercise is an appropriate method to improve attention in female participants. The elevated cognitive performance may be due to the changes in RPE and mood states (fatigue, vigour and confusion subscales).
More Related Videos
07:40Impact of High-intensity Interval Exercise and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise on the Cardiac Troponin T Level at an Early Stage of Training
Published on: October 10, 2019
10:08Effects of a Novel Neuromuscular Training Intervention on Jump, Sprint, and Change of Direction in Adult Female Soccer Players
Published on: June 10, 2025
Related Concept Videos
01:26Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
01:25Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the...
01:27Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle