28th Annual Student Research Conference
Exploration of the effect of water on mood and enjoyment of moderate exercise: Is it an eye or an ear thing?
Hannah L. Runez*, Nikki Moss, and Mason Slater
Dr. Jennifer R. Hurst, Faculty Mentor
Recent literature has explored the beneficial psychological effects of exercise in naturalist environments (Bowler et al., 2010; Thompson et al., 2011). Additional studies suggest exercise near or on water produce greater positive benefits to self-esteem and mood (Barton & Pretty, 2010). The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the visual and auditory characteristics of water on overall mood and enjoyment of moderate exercise. Thirty-seven participants completed two trails of moderate exercise, one with visual and one with auditory stimuli of water completing pre and posttests for mood and enjoyment. Results suggested only the visual stimuli produced significant positive change in tension, fatigue, and total mood as well as producing higher enjoyment. The study utilized a variety of water photos for the visual condition, so its unclear whether the benefits produced were a result of the unique qualities of water or just changing the visual stimuli.
Keywords: Exercise, Water, Mood, Enjoyment, Naturalistic Environment
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 110-1
Location: MG 2090
Time: 8:00