The Effects of Physical Fitness on Physiological Arousal and Self-Reports of Stress

Fitness level and trait anxiety were used as independent variables in a multiple regression study with physiological arousal and self-reported anxiety to a stressor as the dependent variables. Fitness level was determined by an established rating system of frequency, type, and duration of aerobic activity in which the subject reportedly engaged. Trait anxiety level was assessed by the trait portion of the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Sixty undergraduate subjects were exposed to a situational stressor of reciting a memorized paragraph while viewing themselves being videotaped. Outcome measures of systolic blood pressure and self-reported distress were taken at various points throughout the study. Multiple regression/correlation was done to determine the relationship between fitness level and trait anxiety, and the relationship between systolic blood pressure and self-reports of distress. Significant finding included unique and joint contributions of fitness and trait anxiety to a lowering of Likert scale scores after the stressor. It was also found that sex and age uniquely and jointly contributed to the total change in blood pressure from the baseline to the posttreatment