Abstract
Research studies investigating the time of day that individuals engage in exercise have not specifically targeted sedentary females or their preferred time of day to engage in exercise. Previously published studies have implemented cohorts that include both males and females and/or have focused on hormonal influences and daily patterns. Perceived energy and activation levels (for example: active, calm, and sleepy) have yet to be investigated as determinants of exercise time of day preference factors. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to determine if exercise time of day effects mood in sedentary adult females. METHODS: Eight females aged 23 ± 9.23 years, height 164.78 ± 8.74 centimeters, weight 76.81 ± 18.94 kg, BMI 28.03 ± 5.29, participated in a Pre/Post within subjects testing research design. Prior to participating each participant had their height, weight, and BMI measured and then completed the Activation-Deactivation Adjective Checklist which is self-reported measure of energy, wakefulness, tension, and calmness. Following a familiarization trial, every participant completed three trials (morning, midday, and afternoon) consisting of a five-minute warm up, fifteen minutes of cardio of their choosing, a fifteen-minute strength circuit, and a five-minute cool down with at least 24-48 hours between trials. After each trial participants completed the Activation-Deactivation Adjective Checklist. Separate repeated measures ANOVA was used for statistical comparisons with p £ 0.05 used for significance. RESULTS: No significant difference were demonstrated for any of the areas assessed by the Activation-Deactivation Adjective Checklist in comparison to time of day. CONCLUSION: Results from this preliminary data indicates that there is not an optimal time of day that sedentary females prefer to engage in physical activity and time of day does not appear to be a psychological barrier to physical activity engagement. Further data collection may identify factors that influence mood states and address psychological barriers to physical activity participation.
Recommended Citation
Andrusick, Autum; Martin, Julia; Whitehead, Robyn T.; and Whitehead, Malcolm T.
(2026)
"Preliminary Data on The Effect of Exercise Time of Day in Sedentary Young Adult Females,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2:
Iss.
18, Article 187.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss18/187
Included in
Health and Physical Education Commons, Medical Education Commons, Sports Sciences Commons