The Surfing Affect on Mood and Well-Being
A Review by Alyssa Bialowas
Exercise-induced affect (EIA) is a cycle that includes various characteristics of physical activity and is often composed of positive affect, negative affect, tranquility, and fatigue (Crussemeyer et al., 2017). EIA has been explored in the recent past but has focused on mainstream land sports such as running, walking, and cycling. It has been determined that physical activity has a positive impact on a person’s well being, and has a significant impact on a person’s psychological state. Affect can be described as the positive or negative feelings created by a specific stimulus. In the physical activity/exercise domain, the affect model consists of two axes, valence (pleasure-displeasure), and activation (arousal-sleepiness). This model suggests that exercise is capable of regulating mood due to energetic arousal and the reduction of tense arousal.
Related Article: Think Positive Thoughts For A Better Workout
The Study
Several studies have investigated the effects of exercise on affect, and found that single, acute bouts of exercise have been shown to increase positive affect, tranquility, and positive well-being while decreasing negative affect, depression, and anxiety. No research has been found pertaining to the influence of board sports on affect.
This study examined the effect of a single 30-minute surfing bout on EIA in 107 adult volunteers. In addition, researchers sought to determine if a change in affect was similar based on surfing history, surfing frequency, and surfing skill level. To assess EIA, each participant completed the Physical Activity Affect Scale (PAAS) prior to and immediately following the 30-minute surf session.
The Results
The results of the study indicated that a 30-minute bout of surfing significantly increased positive affect and tranquility, and decreased negative affect and fatigue in participants. The greatest increases were found in positive affect and fatigue.
Takeaway
The results of this study are consistent with existing literature surrounding EIA regarding the effects of short, acute bouts of exercise. Varying types of exercise and summer sports activities should be considered to promote physical literacy and improved psychological states. Positive affect and tranquility occurred post-surfing while decreasing negative affect. The psychological benefits associated with surfing should not be overlooked.
Related Article: A Short Workout Might Be All You Need
You Might Like:
Home Based Exercise Goals – Improve Your Fitness and Mental Fortitude
In this time of uncertainty and isolation it is easy to become despondent and disheartened. To sit on the couch day after day, watching your health, fitness, and mental state decline. To simply give up....
Can HIIT Improve Mental Health?
High intensity interval training (or HIIT for short) has fast become one of the most common forms of exercise on the planet. Used by athletes and regular gym goers alike, it has been applauded for...
3 Benefits of Exercise and Mental Health
Alyssa Bialowas The Mental Benefits of Exercise While the physical benefits of exercise are well documented, there are numerous mental health benefits of exercise. If you’ve ever left a workout feeling on top of the...
The Surfing Affect on Mood and Well-Being
A Review by Alyssa Bialowas Exercise-induced affect (EIA) is a cycle that includes various characteristics of physical activity and is often composed of positive affect, negative affect, tranquility, and fatigue (Crussemeyer et al., 2017). EIA...
The Trick Stress Plays on Your Metabolism
Gillian White – BSc, MSc., PhD Candidate A sheep in wolf’s clothing: The mean trick stress plays on your body’s metabolism. University of Toronto, Department of Exercise Sciences For most people reading this article, it’s a...
Exercise Affects Symptoms Of OCD
Catherine O’Brien Throughout my research, one theme has continued to emerge: exercise has powerful effects that can be used for treatment of various psychological impairments. While my current research focuses largely on healthy populations, I...References:
Crussemeyer, J., Kress, J., & Pittsinger, R. (2017). “The Effect of a Single Bout
of Surfing on Exercise-Induced Affect.” International Journal of Exercise
Science, 10, 7, 989-999.
