The effects of stretching exercise on affective states and cognitive function in inactive people

Abstract

Chronic physical inactivity has a potential to induce negative affective states and impair cognitive function. In contrast, it has been suggested that exercise at moderate intensity improves affective states and cognitive function. Nevertheless, moderate exercise may induce stress responses in those who are physically inactive, which implies that moderate exercise may not be appropriate to improve affective states and cognitive function for the inactive population. 　Stretching is a common form in general fitness, and may reduce anxiety and improve affective states. Hence, we expected that acute stretching is beneficial to affective states and cognitive function, particularly in inactive people. However, it is unclear how stretching alters affective states and cognitive function in inactive people. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of acute stretching on affective states and cognitive function in inactive people. 　Nineteen subjects participated in the present study. They performed a cognitive task（Trail Making Test: TMT） and answered questionnaires（Mood Check List-short form 2: MCL-S.2 and WASEDA）before and after stretching or rest （control）for 10 min. The order of stretching and control was counter-balanced. MCL-S.2 was used to assess pleasantness, relaxation, and anxiety, and WASEDA was used to assess negative affect, positive engagement, and tranquility. Saliva levels of immunoglobulin A（IgA）were measured before and after stretching or rest. 　Reaction time in the TMT significantly decreased after stretching. Pleasantness and positive engagement increased after stretching. These alterations were not observed in the control condition. Stretching did not affect salivary IgA. These results suggest that improvements in cognitive performance may be associated with positive affective states induced by acute stretching. In conclusion, the present results suggest that stretching improves affective states and cognitive function in inactive people.