THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RECREATIONAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND STATE AND TRAIT ANXIETY

Physical activity is associated with better mental health, but the literature does not distinguish which types of activity (e.g. recreational versus other types) are more strongly associated with better mental health. Physical activity has benefits for reducing levels of anxiety. However, the level of the trait anxiety of STAI-Y (p<.05) related to frequency and type of recreational physical activity. Conclusions: there is significantly less research about the effects of physical activity on anxiety. As a consequence, there is not enough evidence to draw conclusive connections between exercise and anxiety is not enough evidence to draw conclusive connections between exercise and anxiety. Limitations: The use of self-rating measures which bears the risk of an under-or overestimation of symptoms.