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Moderate physical exercise in the elderly is linked to approach-related emotions
Conference poster   Peer reviewed

Moderate physical exercise in the elderly is linked to approach-related emotions

T Vogt, Stefan Schneider, Christopher D Askew and H K Struder
14th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science Book of Abstracts, p.156
Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science, 14th (Oslo, Norway, 24-Jun-2009–27-Jun-2009)
European College of Sport Science
2009
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https://sport-science.org/View
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Abstract

Human Movement and Sports Science physical exercise elderly brain cortical activity
Introduction: Within the recent years numerous studies connected physical exercise to changes in brain cortical activity (Hollmann and Strüder, 2003; Schneider et al., 2009). In these studies a link of physical exercise and psychological parameters is often discussed, most recently referring to the model of frontal asymmetry (Coan and Allen, 2004; Davidson et al., 1979; Petruzzello et. al, 2006). However, so far most of this research dealt with inadequate exercise intensities for the elderly and applied comparatively intricate methods. In times of an aging society health aspects in physical exercise become more and more important. Therefore it is increasingly necessary to investigate the connection of physiological and psychological elements of exercise, in particular in the elderly. According to previous research this study tends to find changes within electroencephalographic (EEG) activity and mood after a moderate intensity walk in a group of elderly subjects. Methods: EEG on two frontal positions (Fp1 and Fp2) as well as actual state of mood was recorded before and after walking. Walking was conducted at self-selected pace for 45 to 60 min within a moderate intensity. Frontal asymmetry as a marker of approach-related emotions (Coan and Allen, 2004) was calculated using the equation (Fp2-Fp1)/(Fp2+Fp1) provided by Schutter and his colleagues (2008). Results: Results showed effects in both EEG and mood. Within the alpha-1 frequency range (7.5 - 10.0 Hz) a significant (p < .05) reduction of left-lateral frontal EEG activity was found. An increase in mood was reported after walking. Discussion: Referring to the model of frontal asymmetry, the reduction in the alpha-1 frequency range can be associated with approachrelated emotions. Recent studies provide similar enhancement of mood perception due to exercise (Ekkekakis et al., 2000; Ekkekakis and Petruzzello, 1999; Schneider et al., 2009). There is reason to speculate, that even moderate physical exercise programs, as they are common for the elderly, affect a general well-being. We were able to demonstrate this by a comparatively simple and economic method.

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