The purpose of this study was to assess the changes occurring in risky and running-based physical play using a two-dimensional mood scale and salivary stress markers, and to determine the differences between the two activities. Fifteen elementary school students participated in a risky play program (e.g., rock walking, wall climbing) and running-based physical play program (e.g., tag, relay race). Twodimensional mood scale and salivary stress markers were measured before and after each program. The results of the analysis showed that the participants’ vitality level increased, and their mood became livelier and more energetic after the physical play regardless of the physical play condition. Stability level did not change significantly in either condition. In a running-based physical play program, the mood states of the participants varied, with some participants reporting a more pleasant mood state and others reporting a decrease in mood state. Regarding the results on stress, chromogranin A levels were increased only in the risk exercise play condition. However, salivary amylase levels did not change significantly in either condition. These results indicate that mental stress increased in the risky play condition, despite the pleasant mood. The results suggest that risky play generates positive stress (eustress) for the children. Because differences in mood change and stress dynamics were observed depending on the type of physical play, it is recommended that children engage in a variety of physical play.
