10- Stress and Exercise

Question 1

What are the two main physiological explanations as to why exercise may improve stress response ?

Answer 1

1) exercise changes HPA axis and SNS- lower cortisol and catecholamine levels in those who exercise (direct)
2) may increase endogenous opioid activity, resulting in better mood (indirect)

Question 2

What are the two theories when it comes to exercise changing HR change ?

Answer 2

1) Response to stress is the same, but you start at a lower number. (fit 60 to 80, non fit 80 to 100)
2) Response to stress smaller, and start lower (fit 60 to 70, non fit 80 to 100)

Question 3

how is exercise related to telomere length?

Answer 3

if active, telomere length the same whether stressed or not (according to perceived stress scale)

sedentary: telomere length shorter if stressed
1 unit increase in perceived stress scale related to 15 fold increase in odds of having short telomere length

Question 4

what was the main exercise listed in ppl who reported high exercise lvl ?

Answer 4

walking

Question 5

PTSD symptoms after exercise intervention?

Answer 5

decrease (although no control group)

Question 6

OCD symptoms after exercise intervention ?

Answer 6

decrease

Question 7

GAD symptoms after exercise intervention ?

Answer 7

CBT or CBT + exercise
walking group : only small change in depression scores
greater symptom relief