Effect of Fed State on Mood During Endurance Exercise

Cindy Nguyen

Blaque Saur

Jasmine Viernes

Ramineh Karegaran

Elani Labo

Tom Krause

California State University San Marcos

Kine 326 - Exercise Physiology

Fall 2017

Abstract
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Background: Mood during exercise may have an impact on performance and adherence.

Being in a fed or fasted state may impact the affect level of the individual during exercise.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine how exercising in a fed or fasted state

impacts self selected exercise intensity, affect, and exercise enjoyment. Methods: 10 subjects

participated in 3 trials that included practice, fasted, and fed. Participants walked or ran on

the treadmill at self selected intensities in order to maintain a rate of perceived exertion

(RPE) of 13 (somewhat hard). Heart rate (HR), speed and grade, affect, arousal, and RPE

were recorded throughout the 30 minute bouts. Blood samples were collected pre and post

exercise. Results: Data demonstrated that arousal (p=0.049) and affect (p=0.002)

significantly declined over time during exercise and were lower in the fasted versus fed state.

Paces and recalled affect were also lower in the fasted trial. The mean recalled affect was

9.35±3.8 when fed, versus the lower 6.85±3.2 while fasted. The mean paces score was

87.5±11.5 when fed, whereas the fasted state was lower at 80.9±12.3. Conclusion: Affect

level during exercise was higher in participants when in the fed state compared to the fasted

state. This is due to an increase in mood because of increased BG (Backhouse, et al., 2005)

and due to a delay in fatigue.

Keywords: affect, RPE, carbohydrate ingestion, pleasure, exercise

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Introduction

Exercise has been shown to significantly reduce diseases such as obesity, diabetes,

and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, studies have shown that less than 5% of a

nationally representative sample achieved the recommended 30 minutes of activity per day

(Trost, et al., 2002; Troiano, et al., 2008). In addition, data indicates that 47% of individuals

who begin an exercise regimen result in withdraw from participation in their program prior to

completion (Marcus et al., 2006). Research suggests that an enjoyable response during

exercise has the capacity to positively impact the duration of an individual's exercise regimen

in addition to increasing their probability of continuing exercise (Peacock et al., 2011).

Carbohydrate (CHO) intake prior to exercise can significantly improve one's endurance

capacity as well as increase an overall feeling of pleasure and mood. In addition, the

consumption of CHO before exercise has the ability to enhance performance in those

participating in endurance based exercise by reducing the level of fatigue (Stannard et al.,

2010).

Previous studies indicate a positive correlation between CHO ingestion and

pleasurable mood during exercise in the fed state. Backhouse and colleagues testing

participants in two trials performing 2 hours on the cycle ergometer found that when CHO

was consumed prior to exercise, there was an increase in perceived pleasure during exercise

(Backhouse et al., 2005). Brown and colleagues found that when professional dancers

ingested CHO prior to their dance class, blood glucose (BG) concentrations were raised

throughout the duration of the dance class. Not only was this CHO meal a beneficial supply

of energy, it also positively affected the feelings of these dancers during exercise versus when

they were fasted (Brown et al., 2014). Data from previous studies identified that a CHO

electrolyte solution prior to exercise contributed to increased BG concentrations, in addition

to a rise in pleasure-displeasure ratings (Peacock et al., 2011). In order to properly identify an

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individual's feeling before, during, and after exercise, previous studies have utilized the

feeling scale (Hardy & Rejeski, 1989) to identify how the subjects felt at a given moment.

These studies suggest that consumption of CHO based solutions contribute to increasing

enjoyment and positive feeling during exercise (Peacock et al., 2011). Though research has

been done regarding the effect of CHO consumption on mood during exercise, more research

is needed as to the self-perceived affect, intensity, and pleasure during a prolonged bout of

exercise in the fed state versus the fasted state.

The purpose of this study was to identify whether exercise at a moderate intensity

during a fed or fasted state has the ability to affect intensity, affect, and exercise performance;

the findings of which could be used to promote exercise enjoyment. We hypothesized that

exercising in the fed state at moderate intensity would induce increased pleasurable feelings

during the exercise bout when compared to the fasted state. Additionally, exercising in a fed

state would affect the subjects’ perception of moderate intensity and exercise performance

throughout the duration.

Methods

Subjects

9 women and 1 male (n=10) (age= 21.9±0.57 years, weight = 63.9±10.4 kg, height =

164.6±6.1 cm, BMI = 23.6±3.7 kg/m2) with various activity levels, underwent exercise on the

treadmill (NordicTrack Runners Flex, Logan, UT). They were recruited from California State

University San Marcos through convenience sampling. Subjects were informed of procedures

but not of the expected outcomes. They had to be at least 18 years of age. Subjects completed

and signed a health history questionnaire and provided informed consent in order to

participate in this study.

Design
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Pretest Guidelines

A practice trial was held in order to familiarize subjects with the use of a VO2 mask

as well as allow each subject to figure out what an RPE of 13 (somewhat hard) felt like (RPE,

Borg 1982). Subjects completed their trials within a one month period. Subjects were

preferably healthy, well hydrated, and well rested before coming into their fed and fasted

trials. All subjects had to refrain from eating for at least 10 hours prior to their visit to the

laboratory. Those completing their fed trial were given a Quaker Chewy granola bar (Quaker

Mill Company, Ravenna, OH) and 12 ounce Gatorade (PepsiCo, Harrison, NY) 30 minutes

before the trial. Those completing their fasted trial were given the granola bar and Gatorade

after the trial. Subjects did not need to exercise on a daily basis nor did they need to refrain

from exercise before all trials.

Procedures

VO2, RER, and HR

VO2 (L/min) and RER were obtained through a three way valve (Hans Rudolph Inc,

Shawnee U.S.A.) and a metabolic cart (ParvoMedics True One, Sandy, UT). The three way

valve was held by a head piece that connected to a breathing tube. The breathing tube was

then connected to a 3 liter Calibration Syringe (Hans Rudolph Inc, Shawnee U.S.A) which

ultimately gathered VO2 and VCO2 data. An HR monitor connected to a watch that

measured the subject’s HR (Polar Electro T31 Coded, China).

Measures of Perceived Exertion, Affect and Arousal

RPE (6-20 scale) referred to the difficulty of the single 30 minute bout of walking or

jogging. The set difficulty was maintained throughout the bout at a somewhat hard level, or a

score of 13. Participants had the option to either change the speed or incline of the treadmill

every 3 minutes in order to maintain a somewhat hard level or a score of 13. Affective

response during exercise was measured on an 11 point scale. A score of +5 meant the
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participant felt very good, 0 meant the participant had a neutral feeling, and -5 meant the

participant felt very bad. Feeling of arousal was measured on a 6 point scale. A score of 0

meant that participants were unaroused by the exercise and not aware of their surroundings,

while a score of 5 meant participants were fully engaged in the exercise bout and aware of

their surroundings.

Blood Sampling

Blood samples were collected from the fingertip twice pre and three times post

exercise. Blood lactate concentration (BLa) was obtained through a Nova Biomedical Lactate

Plus mechanism (Nova Biomedical Corporation, Waltham, MA). BG concentration was

obtained through a Contour Next blood glucose monitoring system (Bayer HealthCare LLC,

Mishawaka, IN). BLa and BG concentration were obtained at rest 30 minutes before the trial

and BG was taken again 5 minutes before the trial. They were also taken immediately after

the subject completed his or her 30 minute bout, at 5 minutes post exercise, and at 15 minutes

post exercise.

Experimental Protocol

The trials, with the exception of the practice trial, were randomized. Upon coming

into the laboratory, subjects washed their hands before the blood samples and were measured

for height (in) and weight (kg). An HR monitor was strapped on to the chest and connected to

a watch. Subjects were also connected to a metabolic cart via a three way valve in order to

obtain oxygen and carbon dioxide levels when air was inspired and expired into the machine

through the mouth of the subjects. Subjects were instructed to exercise on a treadmill for 30

minutes with their choice of speed and incline. RPE, affect, and feelings of arousal were

obtained every 3 minutes. HR, speed, and incline were obtained every 1.5 minutes. A paces

questionnaire and recalled affect questionnaire were given after trials in order to obtain the

levels of enjoyment of each participant during the bout of exercise.

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Statistical Analysis

Data was reported as mean ± standard deviation. Data was analyzed using SPSS

software version 20.0 (SPSS, IL). Significance testing was analyzed through repeated

measures ANOVA, tests of within-subjects, and effects were sphericity assumed with the

alpha level as p < 0.05.

Results

Feeling Scale

ANOVA test with repeated measures was used to analyze the feeling affect. There was an

effect of treatment (p=0.049) and a significant treatment by time interaction (p=0.039). Data

demonstrated that affect declines throughout exercise and was lower in fasted versus fed

(Figure 1). Post exercise affect increases rapidly.

◆ = Fasted

✦=Fed

Figure 1: Change in Affect During Endurance Exercise

Arousal Scale

ANOVA test with repeated measures was used used to analyze felt arousal. There was a

significant effect of treatment (p=0.003) and of time (p=0.002). Data demonstrated that

arousal declines throughout exercise and was lower in the fasted versus fed state (Figure 2).
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◆ = Fasted

✦=Fed

Figure 2: Change in Arousal During Endurance Exercise

Paces Scale

There was no significant effect for the paces score between treatments. Fed participants had a

mean paces score of 87.5±11.5, whereas the fasted state was lower at 80.9±12.3.

Recalled Affect

There was not a significant effect for the recalled affect score between treatments. Fed

participants had a mean recalled affect score of 9.35±3.8 versus the lower 6.85±3.2 for the

fasted state.

RER

ANOVA test with repeated measures was used to analyze the RER. There was a significant

effect of time (p=0.008) and treatment (p=0.007). Data demonstrated that RER was higher in

fed versus fasted (Figure 3).

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◆ = Fasted

✦=Fed

Figure 3: Change in RER During Endurance Exercise

VO2

ANOVA test with repeated measures was used to analyze VO2. There was a significant

effect of time (p=0.027). Data demonstrated that V02 was higher in fed versus fasted (Figure

4).

◆ = Fasted

✦=Fed

Figure 4: Change in VO2 During Endurance Exercise

Heart Rate

ANOVA test with repeated measures was used to analyze heart rate. There was a significant

effect over time (p<0.001). Data demonstrated that heart rate stayed around 170 bpm

throughout exercise and decreased drastically post exercise (Figure 5).

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◆ = Fasted

✦=Fed

Figure 5: Change in Heart Rate During Endurance Exercise

Lactate

ANOVA test with repeated measures was used to analyze lactate. There was an effect of time

(p<0.001). Data demonstrated that lactate increases from pre-exercise to immediately after

and then decreases gradually post exercise (Figure 6). Lactate was higher in fed versus fasted.

◆ = Fasted

✦=Fed

Figure 6: Change in Lactate During Endurance Exercise

Blood Glucose

ANOVA test with repeated measures was used to analyze BG. There was a significant

treatment by time interaction (p<0.001). Participants that ate before exercise represented a

spike in BG and then a steep decline. Those who fasted had higher BG concentrations post-

exercise versus fed participants (Figure 7) .

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◆ = Fasted

✦=Fed

Figure 7: Change in Glucose During Endurance Exercise

Speed

ANOVA test with repeated measures was used to analyze treadmill speed. There was a

significant effect over time (p<0.001). Data demonstrated that speed decreased overtime, but

was more drastic in the fed state (Figure 8).

◆ = Fasted

✦=Fed

Figure 8: Change in Speed during Endurance Exercise

Incline

ANOVA test with repeated measures was used to analyze treadmill incline. The results were

insignificant for all conditions. Data demonstrates greater inclines in the fed versus the fasted

state (Figure 9).

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◆ = Fasted

✦=Fed

Figure 9: Change in Incline during Endurance Exercise

Discussion

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of fed state on the affect level of

participants engaging in thirty minutes of moderate endurance based exercise. That is, how

participants feel about exercise depending on whether they are in a fed or fasted state. As

expected, data shows that affect level during exercise was reported as higher by participants

when in the fed state compared to the fasted state. This indicates that people feel more

pleasure exercising after eating than when they have not eaten for at least 10 hours. This

could be due to an increase in mood because of increased BG (Backhouse, et al., 2005) or due

to a delay in fatigue (Nybo, 2003).

The affect levels were found to be significantly higher when subjects were in the fed

state than in the fasted state during the exercise bout. Affect decreased for both groups over

the duration of the bout and increased post-exercise. However, fed subjects reported

significantly more enjoyment during exercise than fasted subjects. In addition to higher

affect, subjects reported higher arousal in the fed state than in the fasted state. Arousal rates

decreased in both groups over the course of the bout of exercise. This indicates that subjects

felt more engaged with the exercise bout with intake of glucose as opposed to without. A

higher affect level may be due to the increase of glucose that breaks down from CHO, and
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subsequent activation of the autonomic nervous system to return BG levels to homeostasis

(Backhouse, et al., 2005). Additionally, a paces questionnaire was given to participants post-

exercise regarding general levels of enjoyment. Subjects in the fed state had a higher mean

paces scores than subjects in the fasted state, further giving support that subjects found more

pleasure and enjoyment when in the fed state than in the fasted state.

BG concentration in fed subjects was significantly higher than in fasted subjects

before exercise. However, BG concentration decreased to levels similar to those found pre-

exercise in the fasted state. Concentration of BG is expected to decrease as glucose is utilized

by muscles for ATP production during exercise. Conversely, BG concentration was found to

be very low in fasted subjects pre exercise but it increased during exercise. This low

concentration is expected due to lack of CHO ingestion prior to exercise, and the increase is

expected due to an increase of glycogen release during exercise. Additionally, BLa was found

to be significantly higher in subjects in the fed state than in the fasted state. BLa was found to

be highest in both trials immediately after exercise. BLa is expected to increase during

exercise because lactate production is a result of the breakdown of pyruvate from glucose.

Higher lactate concentrations are expected to be found after CHO ingestion due to higher BG

concentration.

VO2 was found to be higher in subjects in the fed state compared to the fasted state,

which coincides with a higher speed and incline set by subjects in the fed state compared to

the fasted state. RER was found to be significantly higher in subjects in the fed state

compared to the fasted state. RER is expected to be higher with an increased concentration of

BG. With increased BG concentration, there is increased breakdown of glucose which results

in higher CO2 production, which increases RER. Finally, HR was found to be similar in

subjects in the fed state and fasted state and remained fairly constant during exercise. This
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result is expected due to subjects maintaining similar exercise intensities, whether in the fed

or fasted state.

Results of the present study are similar to those found by previous research. One

study demonstrated that CHO ingestion before, during, and after a bout of cycling elicits

higher rating on a pleasure-displeasure scale from participants compared to a placebo

(Backhouse, et al., 2005). They also found that CHO ingestion prior to to exercise coincided

with a higher BG concentration immediately post exercise. Brown and Wyon (2014) also

found that dancers who ate a moderate glycemic energy bar before dance class reported a

higher rating on the pleasure-displeasure scale than dancers who fasted and only drank water.

Additionally, Backhouse et al. (2007) found a similar correlation between increased BG after

CHO ingestion during exercise and increased ratings on a feeling scale. However, the results

of their study were determined from high intensity exercise, whereas the present study

examined effects of glucose intake during sustained moderate intensity exercise.

Limitations

One limitation of this study was that participants were young, healthy college

students. Results may not be similar for older adults or clinical patients. Additionally, only

one male participated in the study. Results may not be similar for other males. A population

size of 10 is also a limiting factor because it is too small to draw conclusions for the general

population. Participants were not directly monitored within the 10 hours before they came in.

They may have ate or drank within the fasting time period, yet still said they adhered to pre-

trial guidelines. Despite these limitations, these results may still offer insight into how CHO

intake before exercise can affect how a person feels about the exercise.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the findings in this study concur with those in similar studies that

suggest CHO ingestion prior to exercise can increase pleasure and enjoyment during the bout
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of exercise. Individuals are more likely to adhere to an exercise program when they find it

more pleasurable and enjoyable. With longer adherence to an exercise program, people can

attain more lasting health benefits such as reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and

diabetes. Future studies could be conducted to examine whether higher quantities of CHO

ingestion would elicit a higher rating on the affect scale and paces scale, measured against

quantities given in the current study. Additionally, some research suggests that co-ingestion

of alpha-lactalbumin protein with CHO may elicit a higher affect level (Qin, 2017), which in

conjunction with findings of the current study, could also promote further research.

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