Effects of running and of an exercise class on anxiety

11 young adult men and 9 women in a running group, an organized exercise class (2 men and 10 women) and a group eating lunch at a YMHA (6 men and 4 women) were assessed as to pre- and post-State anxiety using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The three groups showed significant decreases in anxiety after the activity. This suggests that diversionary as well as causal influences may have been operative or an effect of testing.