Mood changes following exercise

26 participants completed a mood measure to assess anger, confusion, depression, fatigue, tension, and vigor immediately before and immediately after two exercise sessions. Analysis showed significant mood enhancement for each exercise session. Follow-up univariate results indicated that Depressed mood scores were reduced significantly and Fatigue scores increased significantly following the first exercise session. Scores after the second exercise session indicated that Depressed mood decreased significantly. There was no interaction. Results lend support for the notion that exercise reduces depressed mood scores. It is suggested that researchers should consider the mechanisms that produce changes in mood following exercise.