This study aimed to review studies exploring the effect of physical activity on affect in advanced age with a special focus on the moderating role of fitness improvement and mode of exercise and to examine those studies in relation to the potential mechanisms for explaining the physical activity-affect relationship. Studies were assembled through a computer search of online psychological, medical, and exercise science databases. Randomized controlled studies having as their purpose the examination of physical activity effects on affect, with a mean sample population age of at least 50 years, were included. Thirtynine studies were collated and divided into three groups: those applying aerobic activity, those applying strength training, and those applying non-specific physical activity. The main finding was that aerobic exercise and aerobic fitness do not moderate the effect of physical activity on affect. While fewer than 50% of the aerobic studies reporting fitness improvement also reported improvement in affect, over 50% of the strength training studies and of the non-specific exercise studies reported improvement in affect. Theories with a physiological orientation claiming that aerobic fitness is the mediator between physical activity and affect are not supported, whereas theories with a psychological orientation maintaining that alterations in affect are not dependent on physiological alterations do receive support. It is argued that the differentiation between physiologically and psychologically oriented theories is arbitrary. It is recommended that the relationship between physical activity and affect be explored further, embracing a psychophysiological perspective in which the psychological and physiological perspectives are complementary.
Keywords Exercise mode . Aerobic fitness . Psychophysiological perspective . Old age
Background and rationalePeople are living increasingly longer, and the senior population aged 65 and older has been rising consistently over the past few decades [33]. While many factors, such as health, physical function, and independence, constitute components of quality of life in old age, psychological functioning is of particular significance, as it is crucial in determining the ability to maintain productivity, independence, and an active interaction with the environment [70]. The literature on the relationship between physical activity and psychological functioning in old age is continually expanding. However, while physical activity guidelines for physical fitness in old age are well documented (see [51]), the effect of physical activity on affect is less clear. The present paper focuses on this relationship, examining in particular whether exercise modality and fitness improvement serve as moderators.
Theoretical perspectiveThe literature on physical activity and psychological functioning in advanced age generally concentrates upon either cognition or affect (e.g., [1,70]). Cognitive function is dependent upon the central nervous system, which declines increasingly ove...