Author(s): Dr. Joseph O Otundo and Dr. Bennie Prince

Abstract: Research points to a connection between affect and physical activity (PA). However, there remains a gap in understanding the impact of PA environment on positive and negative affect, and motivation. A synchronous experiment was done with participants randomly assigned to interventional group ([n = 24] outdoor PA environment) and control group ([n = 23] indoor PA environment). Interventional task was a one mile jog and walk. Participants responded to positive affect and negative affect scale’ (PANAS) at baseline and post-intervention and motivation survey at post-intervention. Sample size and power output was determined by G-power. Descriptive statistics, repeated measures and independent sample T-tests were applied for data analysis. Results show a statistically significant decline in negative affect; statistically significant increase in positive affect; insignificant difference in the experimental and control post intervention positive affect t (42) =.76, p = 0.45; and negative affect; t (42) = .25, p = 0.80; and insignificant difference in outdoor (M = 4.11, SD =.63) and indoor (M = 4.22, SD=0.62) situational interest; t (38) = -.54, p = 0.58. In conclusion, one mile jog and walk lowers negative affect and increases positive affect. PA has positive effect on affect irrespective of the physical environment.

Pages: 20-25  |  119 Views  11 Downloads

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