Acute effects of aerobic exercise on mood and hunger feelings in male obese adolescents: a crossover study

• Main Authors: Lofrano-Prado Mara, Hill James O, Silva Humberto José, Freitas Camila Rodrigues, Lopes-de-Souza Sandra, Lins Tatiana, do Prado Wagner
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2012-07-01
• Series: International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
• Subjects: Nutrition; Physical activity; Exercise psychology; Pediatrics
• Online Access: http://www.ijbnpa.org/content/9/1/38
• ISSN: 1479-5868

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The aim of this study was to determine the acute effects of exercise intensity on anxiety, mood states and hunger in obese adolescents.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Subjects were eight male obese adolescents (age 15.44 ± 2.06y; BMI 33.06 ± 4.78 kg/m²). Each subject underwent three experimental trials: 1) Control, seated for 30 min; 2) Low intensity exercise (LIE) - exercise at 10% below ventilatory threshold (VT); 3) High intensity exercise (HIE) - exercise at 10% above VT. Anxiety (STAI Trait/State), mood (POMS) and hunger (VAS) were assessed before and immediately after the experimental sessions. Comparisons between trials and times were assessed using Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests, respectively. Associations between variables were described using a Spearman test.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The largest increase in hunger was observed after LEI (914.22%). Both exercise sessions increased anxiety, fatigue and decreased vigor (<it>p</it> < 0.05).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Acute exercise bouts are associated with negative changes in anxiety and mood, and with increases in hunger in obese adolescents.</p>