Objective: To explore the effects of a single bout of exercise on psychological well-being in inpatients with affective disorder.
Methods: Thirty-four participants under hospital treatment because of affective disorder attended a supervised but self-paced 60 min Nordic Walking session. All participants completed a self-report questionnaire on psychological well-being before and after physical activity.
Results: A significant increase was found for calmness, activation and mood whereas the scales thoughtfulness, weakness, depression and arousal decreased.
Conclusions: A self-paced but supervised single Nordic Walking session seems to be effective in improving acute psychological well-being in patients with affective disorder. Positive affective components of exercise should be addressed in clinical trials focusing on anti-depressive effects and exercise maintenance in patients with affective disorders.