Subjective exercise experiences during and after high and low intensity exercise in active and inactive adult females. Some preliminary findings

AIM: To investigate the relationship between subjective exercise experiences and exercise intensity in active and inactive females. METHODS: Participants consisted of 8 inactive and 8 active female volunteers who completed the Subjective Exercise Experience Scale pre-exercise, 10 min during and 5 min after low and high intensity exercise. RESULTS: A series of 2x2x3 (Group x Condition x Time) between-participants repeated measures analysis of variance revealed a significant Condition x Time interaction for Psychological Well-being scores (p<0.01). During exercise participants reported significantly higher Psychological Well-being scores in the low intensity compared to high intensity exercise condition. In the high intensity exercise condition participants reported higher Psychological Well-being scores per exercise than before or during exercise. Time main effects were also recorded for Psychological Well-being (p<0.05) and Psychological Distress scores (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: These preliminary findings indicate that exercise may positively influence psychological states irrespective of participants' activity status.