The effects of exercise intensity on the cortisol response to a subsequent acute psychosocial stressor.

Objective: The aim of this experimental study was to determine the extent to which the intensity of a single 30 min bout of exercise alters the salivary cortisol (sCort) response to a subsequently induced acute psychosocial stressor. The study further aimed to elucidate a physiological mechanism through which exercise intensity exerts stress-mitigating effects.

Methods: Eighty-three healthy men (M = 21.

Effects of Aerobic Exercise Training on Daily Psychological Processes in Family Caregivers: Secondary Analyses of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a 24-week aerobic exercise training program on daily psychological processes and occurrence of stressors in a group of previously physically underactive family caregivers of patients with dementia. As part of the Fitness, Aging, and STress (FAST) randomized controlled trial, 68 participants (F = 55; M = 13) were randomized to either a staff-supported, 24-week aerobic training ( = 34) program or waitlist control ( = 34) group. Approximately 2 weeks prior to randomization, ecological momentary assessments were completed 6 times per day for 7 days and again in the 24th week of the trial to assess exposure to levels of momentary positive affect, negative affect, rumination, control, and the occurrence of stressors throughout the day.

Advancing environmental exposure assessment science to benefit society.

Awareness of the human health impacts of exposure to air pollution is growing rapidly. For example, it has become evident that the adverse health effects of air pollution are more pronounced in disadvantaged populations. Policymakers in many jurisdictions have responded to this evidence by enacting initiatives that lead to lower concentrations of air pollutants, such as urban traffic restrictions.

Genome-wide association analyses of risk tolerance and risky behaviors in over 1 million individuals identify hundreds of loci and shared genetic influences.

Humans vary substantially in their willingness to take risks. In a combined sample of over 1 million individuals, we conducted genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of general risk tolerance, adventurousness, and risky behaviors in the driving, drinking, smoking, and sexual domains. Across all GWAS, we identified hundreds of associated loci, including 99 loci associated with general risk tolerance.