Resting metabolic rate is influenced by anxiety in college
males.
Schmidt, W. Daniel, Patrick J. O'connor, Joyce B. Cochrane, and Marie
Cantwell.
Human Performance Laboratory, Trenton State College, Trenton, NJ
08650-4700, University of Georgia, Department of Exercise Science,
Athens, GA 30602-3654
APStracts 2:0425A, 1995.
The effects of psychological parameters on resting metabolic rate
(RMR) have been inadequately researched. The purpose of this study
was to investigate relationships between anxiety and RMR. Seventy
-nine male college students completed the trait portion (Form Y-2) of
the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI, Spielberger et al., 1983) as
a screening. Volunteers whose trait anxiety scores were one standard
deviation or more above (52.7+2.7, n=9) or below (26.5+3.0, n=11) the
male college student norms (38+9) participated in the study. Fat free
weight (FFW) was assessed using a 7-site skinfold equation (Jackson
& Pollock, 1985). Resting metabolism was measured (Sensormedics
Metabolic Cart, Model 2900) at two separate trials (1-2 weeks apart)
in the early morning following a 12 hour fast and 36 hours post
-exercise. An analysis of covariance with fat free weight as the
covariate revealed a significantly greater (p<0.005) RMR in the
high trait anxious (HA) group compared to the low trait anxious (LA)
group. State anxiety (Form Y-1) assessments made before and after
each RMR measurement revealed a significant main effect of group such
that the HA had a higher state anxiety than the LA for both trials at
both pre and post RMR measurement. Moreover, a significant
(p<0.003) main effect for the time factor was found showing that
state anxiety was reduced following the RMR procedure. The results of
this study show that a statistically significant portion of the
variance in RMR can be accounted for by individual differences in
anxiety.
Received 17 February 1995; accepted in final form 21 September
1995.
APS Manuscript Number A188-5.
Article publication pending Journal of Applied Physiology.
ISSN 1080-4757 Copyright 1995 The American Physiological Society.
Published in APStracts on 6 November 95