Investigating the psychological effects on mood in university students when comparing different environments settings during low intensity workouts

Abstract

Exercise plays an important role in maintaining a healthy mental state, as it triggers the release of endorphins. The purpose of this present study was to compute the effect that exercising in an indoor and outdoor condition has on general mood. This was assessed using a Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS). Furthermore, the study explored the effect of exercise on enjoyment levels when exercising indoor versus outdoor. Within this study, there were 50 participants collected however, six withdrew for medical reasons. Each participant was assigned a BRUMS test to complete before and after completing a 10-minute low intensity workout video. They were also asked a simple five-point Likert scale questionnaire concerning their enjoyments levels during the exercise. Results showed that there was a significant main effect of time thus, mood improved after exercising. However, only mood subsection vigour had a significant main effect of condition. There was a difference in mood scores when exercising indoor versus outdoor. Furthermore, vigour had a significant interaction effect of condition and time therefore, both exercising and being outdoor saw significant improvements. Subsequently, the study conducted displayed the potential for using low intensity workout sessions in combating the rise of mental health issues.