The effects of exercise on mood and cognitive functioning

Psychological measures of mood and perceptual speed were administered to 64 subjects prior to and immediately following involvement in either vigorous exercise or a hobby class which served as a contrast group. In general, results support the claim that physical activity is associated with incremental changes in mood and mental functioning. Although significant changes on several variables were also observed in the contrast group, the magnitude of change from pre- to post-testing was greater for the experimental group. The study suggests several important directions for future research.