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Shimoda R, Amaya Y, Okamoto M, Soya S, Soya M, Koizumi H, Nakamura K, Hiraga T, Torma F, Soya H. Accelerated Fear Extinction by Regular Light-Intensity Exercise: A Possible Role of Hippocampal BDNF-TrkB Signaling. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2024; 56:221-229. [PMID: 38214538 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000003312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Growing concern exists worldwide about stress-related mental disorders, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), often linked to hippocampal dysfunctions. Recognizing this connection, regular light-intensity exercise (LIE)-such as yoga, walking, or slow jogging-may offer a solution. Easily accessible even to vulnerable individuals, LIE has been found to enhance hippocampus-based cognitive functions through the stimulation of neurotrophic factors like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). A prior study that demonstrated BDNF's role in extinguishing original fear memory further leads us to propose that a consistent LIE training might drive fear extinction learning, offering potential therapeutic benefits through BDNF signaling. METHODS Eleven-week-old Wistar rats underwent 4 wk of training under conditions of sedentary, LIE, or moderate-intensity exercise (MOE) after contextual or auditory fear conditioning. Subsequently, fear extinction tests were performed. We then administered intraperitoneal (i.p.) ANA-12, a selective antagonist of tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), or a vehicle to explore the role of BDNF signaling in exercise-induced fear extinction among the LIE rats. Following the regular exercise training, further fear extinction tests were conducted, and hippocampal protein analysis was performed using Western blotting. RESULTS Both LIE and MOE over 4 wk accelerated hippocampus-associated contextual fear extinction compared with sedentary. In addition, 4 wk of LIE with i.p. administered vehicle increased hippocampal BDNF and TrkB protein levels. In contrast, i.p. ANA-12 administration fully blocked the LIE-enhanced protein levels and its effect on contextual fear extinction. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal that LIE regimen promotes fear extinction learning, at least partially tied to hippocampal BDNF-TrkB signaling. This suggests that even regular light exercise could alleviate the excessive fear response in anxiety disorders and PTSD, providing hope for those affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Shimoda
- Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry and Neuroendocrinology, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, JAPAN
| | - Yuki Amaya
- Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry and Neuroendocrinology, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, JAPAN
| | | | - Shingo Soya
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, JAPAN
| | - Mariko Soya
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, JAPAN
| | - Hikaru Koizumi
- Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry and Neuroendocrinology, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, JAPAN
| | - Kengo Nakamura
- Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry and Neuroendocrinology, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, JAPAN
| | - Taichi Hiraga
- Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry and Neuroendocrinology, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, JAPAN
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McLeish AC, Hartson KR, Walker KL, Hart JL. Associations between sleep disturbance, physical activity, and anxiety sensitivity among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2023; 28:2512-2525. [PMID: 36799461 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2023.2179082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
The present study sought to examine associations between anxiety sensitivity and both sleep and physical activity among college students, who are particularly vulnerable to sleep disturbance, decreased physical activity, and the development of psychopathology, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were 683 college students (Mage = 20.33, SD = 3.58; 72% female; 70.3% White) who completed self-report measures online for course credit. Results indicated that after controlling for the effects of age, gender identity, and race, greater sleep disturbance was significantly associated with higher overall anxiety sensitivity (7% unique variance; β = 0.27, t = 6.67, p < .001) as well as its three subdomains (physical concerns: 4% variance; β = 0.21, t = 4.97, p < .001; cognitive concerns: 6% variance; β = 0.25, t = 6.17, p < .001; social concerns: 6% variance; β = 0.26, t = 6.22, p < .001). Additionally, more time spent walking was associated with greater anxiety sensitivity physical concerns (1% variance; β = 0.11, t = 2.52, p = .012) and greater vigorous intensity physical activity was associated with lower anxiety sensitivity social concerns (1% variance; β = -0.13, t = -2.76, p = .006). These findings suggest that sleep problems may be more universally relevant to anxiety sensitivity than physical activity and interventions to promote healthier sleep may be useful for decreasing anxiety sensitivity in college students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison C McLeish
- Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | | | - Kandi L Walker
- Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Communication, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Joy L Hart
- Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Communication, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
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3
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Helman TJ, Headrick JP, Stapelberg NJC, Braidy N. The sex-dependent response to psychosocial stress and ischaemic heart disease. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1072042. [PMID: 37153459 PMCID: PMC10160413 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1072042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress is an important risk factor for modern chronic diseases, with distinct influences in males and females. The sex specificity of the mammalian stress response contributes to the sex-dependent development and impacts of coronary artery disease (CAD). Compared to men, women appear to have greater susceptibility to chronic forms of psychosocial stress, extending beyond an increased incidence of mood disorders to include a 2- to 4-fold higher risk of stress-dependent myocardial infarction in women, and up to 10-fold higher risk of Takotsubo syndrome-a stress-dependent coronary-myocardial disorder most prevalent in post-menopausal women. Sex differences arise at all levels of the stress response: from initial perception of stress to behavioural, cognitive, and affective responses and longer-term disease outcomes. These fundamental differences involve interactions between chromosomal and gonadal determinants, (mal)adaptive epigenetic modulation across the lifespan (particularly in early life), and the extrinsic influences of socio-cultural, economic, and environmental factors. Pre-clinical investigations of biological mechanisms support distinct early life programming and a heightened corticolimbic-noradrenaline-neuroinflammatory reactivity in females vs. males, among implicated determinants of the chronic stress response. Unravelling the intrinsic molecular, cellular and systems biological basis of these differences, and their interactions with external lifestyle/socio-cultural determinants, can guide preventative and therapeutic strategies to better target coronary heart disease in a tailored sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa J. Helman
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, NSW, Sydney, Australia
- Correspondence: Tessa J. Helman
| | - John P. Headrick
- Schoolof Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Nady Braidy
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, NSW, Sydney, Australia
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4
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Osuji E, Prior PL, Suskin N, Frisbee JC, Frisbee SJ. The relationship between anxiety sensitivity and clinical outcomes in cardiac rehabilitation: A scoping review. Am J Prev Cardiol 2022; 12:100376. [PMID: 36164331 PMCID: PMC9508349 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpc.2022.100376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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5
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Galbraith MK, DeWolfe CEJ, Bartel S, Olthuis JV, Watt MC, Stewart SH. Do anxiety sensitivity and impulsivity interact in predicting exercise involvement in emerging adult drinkers and cannabis users? Cogn Behav Ther 2022; 51:243-256. [PMID: 35080192 DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2021.1998211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety sensitivity (AS; i.e. fear of arousal-related sensations) and impulsivity (i.e. tendency to act quickly without regard for longer-term consequences) represent risks for low physical activity participation. Theoretically, higher impulsivity may exacerbate the negative exercise behaviours of high AS individuals given the tendency of impulsive individuals to favour immediate (e.g. watching TV) over delayed rewards (e.g. the benefits of exercise). Our goal was to investigate the main and interactive effects of AS and impulsivity on physical activity levels at varying exercise intensities. Participants were 178 emerging adults (Mean age = 21.9; 68.8% women). Higher AS was associated with less engagement in vigorous intensity exercise. Moderator analyses revealed an AS x impulsivity interaction: high AS predicted significantly less engagement in moderate intensity exercise at low impulsivity levels and marginally more engagement in moderate intensity exercise at high impulsivity levels. Finally, higher impulsivity was associated with more time spent walking. Cognitive behavioural therapy for high AS, or teaching individuals with high AS to focus on immediate, external rewards of exercise, may help them engage in more physical activity. Given the wide-ranging physical and mental health benefits of exercise involvement, developing effective strategies to increase such involvement in high AS individuals is vital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan K Galbraith
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | | | - Sara Bartel
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Janine V Olthuis
- Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada
| | - Margo C Watt
- Department of Psychology, Saint Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Canada
| | - Sherry H Stewart
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
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6
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Kauffman BY, Gallagher MW, Viana AG, Schmidt NB, Zvolensky MJ. Computer-delivered intervention for individuals with obesity and elevated anxiety sensitivity: feasibility, acceptability, and initial test. Cogn Behav Ther 2022; 51:353-370. [PMID: 35037832 DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2021.2018487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is one the fastest growing public health problems related to numerous chronic diseases and frequently co-occurs with negative mood states. One promising approach to address the heterogeneity of affective vulnerabilities and obesity is to focus on processes (e.g. anxiety sensitivity [AS]) that underpin both conditions. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and initial efficacy of a brief, computer-delivered AS reduction program (AST) for adults with obesity and elevated AS. Participants were 131 individuals with obesity and elevated AS who received either AST or a health information control (HC). Latent growth curve modeling was utilized to examine the effect of treatment condition on change in AS, emotional eating, expectancies of eating to manage mood, and exercise self-efficacy from baseline to 1-week, 2-weeks, and 1-month follow-up. Results indicated it was feasible to recruit and retain individuals with obesity and elevated AS through the 1-month follow-up. Positive qualitative feedback was also provided for both AST and HC. AST was a statistically significant predictor of change in expectancies of eating to manage negative affect. No other statistically significant treatment effects were indicated. Current data provide initial empirical support for future work focused on persons with obesity and elevated AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Y Kauffman
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Andres G Viana
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Norman B Schmidt
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Michael J Zvolensky
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas Md Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Health Institute, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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7
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Lanoye A, Rybarczyk B, Evans R, Leahey T, LaRose J. Pilot randomized clinical trial targeting anxiety sensitivity: effects on physical activity. Cogn Behav Ther 2021; 51:257-271. [PMID: 34374633 DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2021.1954082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety sensitivity (AS)-the tendency to interpret anxiety as an aversive state-is associated with low rates of physical activity. Previous interventions targeting AS via exercise-based interoceptive exposure have not assessed physical activity as an outcome and are limited by brief follow-up periods. This study replicated and extended previous work by including a 6-week follow-up and assessing physical activity. Participants were 44 sedentary young adults with elevated AS randomized to intervention (six 20-minute sessions of moderate-intensity walking) or assessment-only control. Assessments of AS and physical activity were conducted at baseline and weeks 2 (post-treatment), 4, and 8. Between-group change in AS and physical activity over time was assessed using hierarchical linear modeling. The intervention condition demonstrated a marginally significant reduction in AS compared to control at week 4, which eroded by week 8. There were no significant between-group differences for change in physical activity. Findings indicate that a brief intervention might not be sufficient to produce lasting changes in AS or related exercise avoidance without additional treatment. Intervention effects were weaker than previous reports, which may be due to the greater racial/ethnic diversity of the current sample. Future research should objectively measure physical activity and explore individual variability in response.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03128437.
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Affiliation(s)
- Autumn Lanoye
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA.,Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Bruce Rybarczyk
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Ronald Evans
- Department of Kinesiology & Health Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Tricia Leahey
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Jessica LaRose
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
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8
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Kauffman BY, Manning K, Rogers AH, Garey L, Gallagher MW, Viana AG, Zvolensky MJ. The Role of Anxiety Sensitivity in terms of Weight-related Impairment and Fatigue Severity among Adults with Obesity and Chronic Low Back Pain. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2020; 44:1132-1139. [PMID: 33746313 PMCID: PMC7968852 DOI: 10.1007/s10608-020-10124-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity and chronic low back pain often co-occur and are associated with psychosocial and physical impairments such as weight-related impairment and fatigue. Yet, there is little understanding of psychological factors that may be associated with weight-related impairment and fatigue (a psychosocial factor) among this vulnerable population. METHODS Thus, the current study examined the role of anxiety sensitivity as it relates to self-reported weight-related impairment and fatigue severity among persons with obesity and chronic low back pain. Participants included a nationally representative sample of adults (N = 616) with co-occurring obesity and chronic low back pain (77.3% female, M age = 45.9 years, SD = 11.53). RESULTS Results revealed that anxiety sensitivity was associated with greater levels of weight-related impairment and fatigue severity after controlling for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), pain interference, and perceived general health. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that anxiety sensitivity may be a mechanistic target for better understanding and addressing weight-related impairment and fatigue severity among individuals with obesity and chronic low back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kara Manning
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Andrew H. Rogers
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Lorra Garey
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Andres G. Viana
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michael J. Zvolensky
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- HEALTH Institute, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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9
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Adams TG, Forte J, Fogle BM, Southwick SM, Pietrzak RH. Self-reported exercise frequency and PTSD: results from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2020; 142:486-495. [PMID: 32961606 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Physical exercise may serve as a protective factor for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but little is known about whether physical exercise is associated with PTSD in population-based samples of military veterans. METHODS We analyzed cross-sectional data on the relation between self-reported physical exercise frequency and the prevalence of probable PTSD in a nationally representative sample of 2832 U.S. military veterans who participated in the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. RESULTS A "U-shaped" association best explained the relation between self-reported exercise frequency and the prevalence of probable PTSD. Compared to veterans without probable PTSD, those with probable PTSD were nearly twice as likely to report no weekly exercise (52.3% vs. 29.3%) or daily (7 days/week) exercise (15.2% vs. 8.5%) and were nearly half as likely to report exercising a median of 3.5 days/week (32.6% vs. 62.1%). No exercise was associated with greater severity of emotional numbing and lower severity of anxious arousal symptoms, while daily exercise was associated with greater severity of re-experiencing symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Results of this study suggest a "U-shaped" association between self-reported exercise frequency and the prevalence of probable PTSD among U.S. veterans. Veterans with probable PTSD were more likely than those without probable PTSD to report not exercising at all or exercising every day and were less likely to report exercising 1-6 days per week. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- T G Adams
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Clinical Neurosciences Division, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - J Forte
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - B M Fogle
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Clinical Neurosciences Division, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - S M Southwick
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Clinical Neurosciences Division, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - R H Pietrzak
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Clinical Neurosciences Division, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
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10
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DeWolfe CEJ, Watt MC, Romero-Sanchiz P, Stewart SH. Gender differences in physical activity are partially explained by anxiety sensitivity in post-secondary students. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2020; 68:219-222. [PMID: 30645185 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2018.1549048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Female post-secondary students typically engage in less physical activity than their male counterparts. Given that women have greater anxiety sensitivity (ie, fear of arousal-based body sensations) and anxiety sensitivity is inversely related to physical activity participation, this study sought to determine if anxiety sensitivity mediates gender differences in self-reported physical activity. Participants and methods: A sample of 802 post-secondary students completed the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 and a Lifestyles Questionnaire in September 2017. Results: Women reported significantly less physical activity and significantly greater anxiety sensitivity. Anxiety sensitivity was significantly and inversely related to self-reported physical activity. A significant indirect effect of gender on physical activity via anxiety sensitivity was shown (B = 5.56, SE = 2.81, p < .05, 95% CI [1.31, 12.78], PM = .0843). Conclusions: Results suggest that anxiety sensitivity partially explains gender differences in physical activity. Anxiety sensitivity reduction interventions might increase physical activity participation and reduce the existing gender gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher E J DeWolfe
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Margo C Watt
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Psychology, St Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Pablo Romero-Sanchiz
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Personality, Assessment, and Psychological Treatment, School of Psychology, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
| | - Sherry H Stewart
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia , Canada
- Department of Community Health & Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia , Canada
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11
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Hearon BA, Harrison TJ. Not the exercise type? Personality traits and anxiety sensitivity as predictors of objectively measured physical activity and sedentary time. J Health Psychol 2020; 26:2153-2163. [PMID: 32072835 DOI: 10.1177/1359105320906242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Personality traits have been investigated as predictors of sedentary behavior, while both personality traits and anxiety sensitivity have been investigated as predictors of physical activity; however, few studies employed objective measurement of these behaviors. The current study recruited 64 young adults who completed the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 and NEO-Personality Inventory-3, then wore accelerometers for 1 week. Results revealed that agreeableness and anxiety sensitivity were inversely associated with moderate intensity or greater physical activity; however, none of the investigated constructs predicted sedentary time. These results highlight the importance of objective measurement when studying these behaviors and clinical implications for the identification of individuals at risk for physical activity avoidance.
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12
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Anxiety Sensitivity is Associated with Lower Enjoyment and an Anxiogenic Response to Physical Activity in Smokers. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2019; 43:78-87. [PMID: 31073255 DOI: 10.1007/s10608-018-9948-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Background The subjective affective response to, and enjoyment of, physical activity are strong predictors of engagement in physical activity. Anxiety sensitivity, the fear of bodily sensations, is a cognitive factor that may inhibit the pleasurable affective experience of physical activity, possibly contributing to low levels of physical activity. The current study evaluated anxiety sensitivity in relation to PA enjoyment and affective experience before and after exercise in smokers. Method Participants were low-active treatment-seeking smokers (n = 201) enrolled in a smoking cessation intervention. At baseline, participants completed self -report assessments of anxiety sensitivity, cigarette dependence, and physical activity enjoyment. State affect was also reported before and after a submaximal exercise test to index pre-exercise activity affect and affective response to exercise. Results Anxiety sensitivity was significantly negatively correlated with physical activity enjoyment, specifically lower enjoyable physical feelings of physical activity. Anxiety sensitivity was significantly correlated with lower state mood and higher state anxiety prior to the submaximal exercise test, and higher anxiety immediately after the exercise test. Additionally, anxiety sensitivity predicted increased anxiety, but not lower mood, in response to the submaximal exercise test. Conclusions This is the first study to document an association of anxiety sensitivity with affective determinants of physical activity behavior in smokers. Anxiety sensitivity was associated with lower physical activity enjoyment, higher negative affect prior to after exercise testing, and an anxiogenic response to exercise. Future work is needed to understand how the current findings generalize beyond smokers.
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13
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Broman-Fulks JJ, Abraham CM, Thomas K, Canu WH, Nieman DC. Anxiety sensitivity mediates the relationship between exercise frequency and anxiety and depression symptomology. Stress Health 2018; 34:500-508. [PMID: 29790648 DOI: 10.1002/smi.2810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of regular physical exercise have been well documented, though the mechanisms through which exercise alleviates symptoms of emotion disorders require further investigation. Mounting research indicates that exercise reduces anxiety sensitivity, a known vulnerability factor for the development and maintenance of psychological disorders, presumably via repeated exposure to feared somatic sensations. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether anxiety sensitivity mediates the relation between exercise frequency and symptoms of anxiety and depression. A large community sample of 955 volunteers completed a demographic questionnaire, the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3, and the Brief Symptom Inventory-18. Exercise frequency significantly predicted anxiety sensitivity, anxiety, depression, and somatization scores. Mediation analyses indicated that anxiety sensitivity mediated the association between exercise frequency and anxiety, depression, and somatization symptoms. The findings provide further support for the association between exercise and negative affective states and suggest that anxiety sensitivity may be one mechanism through which exercise reduces emotional disorder symptomology. The implications of these findings and recommendations for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chelsea M Abraham
- Department of Psychology, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kelsey Thomas
- Department of Psychology, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, USA
| | - Will H Canu
- Department of Psychology, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, USA
| | - David C Nieman
- Department of Health and Exercise Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, USA
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14
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Otto MW, Eastman A, Lo S, Hearon BA, Bickel WK, Zvolensky M, Smits JAJ, Doan SN. Anxiety sensitivity and working memory capacity: Risk factors and targets for health behavior promotion. Clin Psychol Rev 2016; 49:67-78. [PMID: 27611632 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2016.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the nature and influence of specific risk profiles is increasingly important for health behavior promotion. The purpose of this article is to document the value of two factors-anxiety sensitivity (AS) and working memory capacity (WMC)-for enhancing risk for the initiation and/or maintenance of a range of negative health behaviors. AS is a distress-related risk factor that potentiates avoidance/coping motivations for negative health behaviors. Stress provides the conditions for negative somatic and affective states, and AS amplifies the aversiveness of these experiences and correspondingly hinders adaptive functioning. In contrast, low WMC is hypothesized to exert its effect by decreasing the capacity to filter out current temptations, attenuating a focus on longer-term goals and impairing the application of relevant coping skills at times of stress. In this review, we provide conceptual models for the separate roles of high AS and low WMC in negative health behaviors, review the influence of these factors on specific health behavior exemplars (eating behaviors/obesity, physical activity, smoking, alcohol use, and sleep promotion), provide preliminary evidence for their value as independent treatment targets for health-behavior promotion, and encourage specific research directions in relation to these variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W Otto
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, USA.
| | - Abraham Eastman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, USA
| | - Stephen Lo
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, USA
| | | | - Warren K Bickel
- Addiction Recovery Research Center, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, USA
| | - Michael Zvolensky
- University of Houston, USA; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, USA
| | - Jasper A J Smits
- Department of Psychology and Institute for Mental Health Research, The University of Texas at Austin, USA
| | - Stacey N Doan
- Department of Psychology, Claremont McKenna College, USA
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Bourn LE, Sexton MB, Porter KE, Rauch SA. Physical Activity Moderates the Association Between Pain and PTSD in Treatment-Seeking Veterans. PAIN MEDICINE 2016; 17:2134-2141. [DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnw089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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Moshier SJ, Szuhany KL, Hearon BA, Smits JAJ, Otto MW. Anxiety Sensitivity Uniquely Predicts Exercise Behaviors in Young Adults Seeking to Increase Physical Activity. Behav Modif 2015; 40:178-98. [DOI: 10.1177/0145445515603704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with elevated levels of anxiety sensitivity (AS) may be motivated to avoid aversive emotional or physical states, and therefore may have greater difficulty achieving healthy behavioral change. This may be particularly true for exercise, which produces many of the somatic sensations within the domain of AS concerns. Cross-sectional studies show a negative association between AS and exercise. However, little is known about how AS may prospectively affect attempts at behavior change in individuals who are motivated to increase their exercise. We recruited 145 young adults who self-identified as having a desire to increase their exercise behavior. Participants completed a web survey assessing AS and additional variables identified as important for behavior change—impulsivity, grit, perceived behavioral control, and action planning—and set a specific goal for exercising in the next week. One week later, a second survey assessed participants’ success in meeting their exercise goals. We hypothesized that individuals with higher AS would choose lower exercise goals and would complete less exercise at the second survey. AS was not significantly associated with exercise goal level, but significantly and negatively predicted exercise at Time 2 and was the only variable to offer significant prediction beyond consideration of baseline exercise levels. These results underscore the importance of considering AS in relation to health behavior intentions. This is particularly apt given the absence of prediction offered by other traditional predictors of behavior change.
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An attempt to target anxiety sensitivity via cognitive bias modification. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0114578. [PMID: 25692491 PMCID: PMC4332857 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Our goals in the present study were to test an adaptation of a Cognitive Bias Modification program to reduce anxiety sensitivity, and to evaluate the causal relationships between interpretation bias of physiological cues, anxiety sensitivity, and anxiety and avoidance associated with interoceptive exposures. Participants with elevated anxiety sensitivity who endorsed having a panic attack or limited symptom attack were randomly assigned to either an Interpretation Modification Program (IMP; n = 33) or a Control (n = 32) condition. During interpretation modification training (via the Word Sentence Association Paradigm), participants read short sentences describing ambiguous panic-relevant physiological and cognitive symptoms and were trained to endorse benign interpretations and reject threatening interpretations associated with these cues. Compared to the Control condition, IMP training successfully increased endorsements of benign interpretations and decreased endorsements of threatening interpretations at visit 2. Although self-reported anxiety sensitivity decreased from pre-selection to visit 1 and from visit 1 to visit 2, the reduction was not larger for the experimental versus control condition. Further, participants in IMP (vs. Control) training did not experience less anxiety and avoidance associated with interoceptive exposures. In fact, there was some evidence that those in the Control condition experienced less avoidance following training. Potential explanations for the null findings, including problems with the benign panic-relevant stimuli and limitations with the control condition, are discussed.
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Hearon BA, Quatromoni PA, Mascoop JL, Otto MW. The role of anxiety sensitivity in daily physical activity and eating behavior. Eat Behav 2014; 15:255-8. [PMID: 24854814 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2014.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2013] [Revised: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety sensitivity (AS), or the fear of somatic arousal, has been linked to both maladaptive eating behavior as well as exercise avoidance in both self-report and laboratory-based experiments. The current pilot study sought to extend these finding to the naturalistic setting. A sample of 32 adults completed affect and dietary monitoring and wore actigraphs across a three-day monitoring period. Results indicated that high AS was associated with greater calorie consumption overall in women and less consumption in men, and high AS predicted an increase in calories consumed following participants' greatest increase in negative affect in both sexes. For physical activity, results indicated an AS by BMI interaction such that obese individuals with high AS engaged in less moderate-intensity physical activity, whereas the opposite was true for normal weight individuals. These results indicate that AS may represent a double-edged risk factor for obesity contributing to both exercise avoidance and calorie consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget A Hearon
- Department of Psychology, Boston University, 648 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02215, United States; McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA 02478, United States.
| | - Paula A Quatromoni
- Sargent College, Boston University, 635 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215, United States; Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, United States
| | - Joshua L Mascoop
- Department of Psychology, Boston University, 648 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Michael W Otto
- Department of Psychology, Boston University, 648 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02215, United States
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Abstract
This review summarizes the extant evidence of the effects of exercise training on anxiety among healthy adults, adults with a chronic illness, and individuals diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. A brief discussion of selected proposed mechanisms that may underlie relations of exercise and anxiety is also provided. The weight of the available empirical evidence indicates that exercise training reduces symptoms of anxiety among healthy adults, chronically ill patients, and patients with panic disorder. Preliminary data suggest that exercise training can serve as an alternative therapy for patients with social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and obsessive–compulsive disorder. Anxiety reductions appear to be comparable to empirically supported treatments for panic and generalized anxiety disorders. Large trials aimed at more precisely determining the magnitude and generalizability of exercise training effects appear to be warranted for panic and generalized anxiety disorders. Future well-designed randomized controlled trials should (a) examine the therapeutic effects of exercise training among understudied anxiety disorders, including specific phobias, social anxiety disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder; (b) focus on understudied exercise modalities, including resistance exercise training and programs that combine exercise with cognitive-behavioral therapies; and (c) elucidate putative mechanisms of the anxiolytic effects of exercise training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P. Herring
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama (MPH)
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia (JBL, PJO)
| | - Jacob B. Lindheimer
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama (MPH)
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia (JBL, PJO)
| | - Patrick J. O’Connor
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama (MPH)
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia (JBL, PJO)
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Lejuez CW, Banducci AN, Long K. Commentary on the Distress Tolerance Special Issue. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s10608-013-9527-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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