Evaluation of a Brief Aerobic Exercise Intervention for High Anxiety Sensitivity

ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Joshua Broman-Fulks Ph.D, Professor (Creator)
Institution
Appalachian State University (ASU )
Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/

Abstract: Anxiety sensitivity, or the belief that anxiety-related sensations can have negative consequences, has been shown to play an important role in the etiology and maintenance of panic disorder and other anxiety-related pathology. Aerobic exercise involves exposure to physiological cues similar to those experienced during anxiety reactions. The present study sought to investigate the efficacy of a brief aerobic exercise intervention for high anxiety sensitivity. Accordingly, 24 participants with high anxiety sensitivity scores (Anxiety Sensitivity Index-Revised scores >28) were randomly assigned to complete either six 20-minute sessions of aerobic exercise or a no-exercise control condition. The results indicated that individuals assigned to the aerobic exercise condition reported significantly less anxiety sensitivity subsequent to exercise, whereas anxiety sensitivity scores among non-exercisers did not significantly change. The clinical research and public health implications of these findings are discussed, and several potential directions for additional research are recommended.

Additional Information

Publication
Broman-Fulks, J. J., & Storey, K. M. (2008). Evaluation of a brief exercise intervention for high anxiety sensitivity. Anxiety, Stress, and Coping, 21(2): 117-128. (Jun 2008) Published by Taylor & Francis (ISSN: 1477-2205). DOI: 10.1080/10615800701762675
Language: English
Date: 2008

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