MEMory and Exercise

Data was collected between August 2017 and August 2018. This experimental study examined the acute effect of exercise on mood, and depressotypic memory bias and state rumination. Trait rumination was tested as a possible moderator. A sample of non-regular exercisers (N = 100, healthy adults, recruited via Radboud University's SONA system) was randomized to exercise or rest. After a negative mood induction, the exercise condition cycled for 24 min at moderate intensity, while the rest condition rested. Negative and overgeneral memory bias, as well as positive and negative affect were assessed after exercise/rest. To capture the lingering of negative mood and state rumination, both were assessed multiple times throughout the study (mood using Likert scales). Using online questionnaires, participant’s self-provided information on their height in meters, weight in kilograms, age in years, and gender identification. Participants also completed the RRS, BDI-II, MRSI, IPAQ, 15-woordentest B, AMT and the SRET. Post intervention the PANAS was completed and the MRSI was administered for a second time.