Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2025

Reducing State Anxiety Using Working Memory Maintenance
Published on: July 19, 2017
Associations between expected and observed psychological responses to acute resistance exercise in analogue
Jennifer M Rice1,2,3,4, Brett R Gordon5, Jacob B Lindheimer6
1Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland. Jennifer.rice@ul.ie.
Abstract:
The role of expectations in psychological responses to acute resistance exercise (RE) is largely unknown. This study quantified associations between expectations regarding psychological responses to exercise and observed state anxiety and mood responses after acute RE among adults with and without Analogue Generalized Anxiety Disorder (AGAD). Acute RE was nested into week one of an eight-week RCT of RE among 56 young adults with AGAD (n = 25) and non-AGAD (n = 31). 23 young adults were randomized to the intervention group and 33 to seated quiet rest. State anxiety and mood were measured pre and 10 min-post acute RE or seated quiet rest (QR). Expectations were measured pre acute RE or QR. Spearman's rho quantified associations between expectations and mood responses. There were no associations in the acute RE sample between expectations of psychological outcomes and experienced psychological outcomes (all rho: -0.05 to 0.16) and the QR sample (all rho: -0.07 to 0.22). The measurement of Expected Psychological Outcomes of Exercise (EPOE) was not specific to RE modality alone, possibly influencing participants' responses. These preliminary findings suggest that post-acute RE mood responses are independent from expectations of psychological outcomes, which is paramount when promoting RE as a potential treatment/therapeutic option to improve mood. Future research should focus on expectations of psychological responses specifically to acute and chronic RE.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Psychological Responses to Stress
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Anxiety: Overview
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Panic Disorder
Exercise 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

