Acute Psychological Consequences of Various Forms of Water-Based Exercise John “Jack” Raglin, Ph.D., Indiana University

Purpose and Objectives: It has become recognized that physical activity is not only beneficial for treating or preventing major physical illnesses, but also some forms of mental illness. However, there remains a lack of knowledge about the psychological benefits associated with specific exercise regimens, including water exercise, and such information is crucial for establishing exercise programs intended to provide optimal psychological benefits.

Moreover, such exercise programs may also be associated with lower drop-out rates, a major concern as research consistently indicates 50% of individuals who begin exercise programs soon quit. This presentation will summarize the extant findings from a research study funded by the National Swimming Pool Foundation in which the immediate psychological benefits associated with two modes of water exercise are contrasted with comparable dry-land exercise. Initial results regarding exercise preferences for both the mode and intensity of activity will be presented.

Biographical Information:

Jack Raglin is a Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at Indiana University-Bloomington, and past Associate Dean of Graduate Studies for the school of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. He teaches courses in sport psychology and research methods. One of his primary areas of research addresses the psychological consequences of physical exercise on
mental health and he has published studies on both the benefi ts of exercise and the potential risks of overtraining for sports such as swimming. He is a section editor of the Journal of Swimming Research and a Fellow in several professional societies including the American College of Sports Medicine; the Divisions of Health Psychology, Exercise and Sport Psychology of
the American Psychological Association; and the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education.