How Acute Exercise Affects Food Choices in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Heselton Hyeon Jung, Persson Annelie, Boron Julie Blaskewicz
Primary Institution: University of Nebraska Omaha
Hypothesis
Does acute exercise impact perceived stress and decision-making related to food choices in older adults?
Conclusion
Acute exercise may temporarily increase perceived stress in older adults when making food choices.
Supporting Evidence
- Acute exercise is associated with improved cognitive performance related to decision-making.
- Previous research indicated that acute exercise reduced perceived stress in young adults.
- The study found no main effect on food amount preference or preferred timing of consumption.
Takeaway
When older people exercise, they might feel more stressed about what food to choose right after, even though exercise usually helps reduce stress.
Methodology
Thirty-one healthy older adults completed 45 minutes of aerobic exercise and a resting control condition, with perceived stress and food preferences assessed before, immediately after, and 30 minutes post-condition.
Limitations
The study suggests the need for replication and further investigation into the sources and duration of increased stress.
Participant Demographics
Healthy older adults, average age 68.67, 54.8% female, average BMI 26.16.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.02
Statistical Significance
p=0.013
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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