Influence of aerobic exercise activity and relaxation training on coping with test-taking anxiety

Abstract

Abstract This study compared the effects of three types of activity on coping with test-taking anxiety. A total of 52 undergraduate students were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: aerobic exercise, relaxation training, or control (i.e., magazine reading). State anxiety was measured three times during the experiment using an abbreviated version of the Multiple Affect Adjective Checklist. Analysis using a 2x3 (sex by group) analysis of variance found that aerobic exercise and relaxation training were associated with reduction of general and test-taking anxiety. Men reported lower test-taking anxiety and responded better to aerobic exercise, whereas women responded better to magazine reading. Implications and suggestions for research were discussed.