The effects of stretching that can be practiced in daily life behavior on mood

In this study, we aimed to examine the effects of stretching exercises, performed during daily activities, on mood. Therefore, we developed a stretching exercise called “Nagaraku exercise” that can be performed during daily activities, such as stair climbing, smartphone use, and sitting. Furthermore, we compared changes in mood between regular daily activities and those that included “Nagaraku exercise” using the two-dimensional mood scale among university students who studied physical education as part of the liberal arts. Our results showed that compared to regular daily activities, performed without stretching exercises, those that included “Nagaraku exercise” significantly improved vitality and pleasure during stair climbing, and vitality, pleasure, and arousal during smartphone use and sitting. These findings indicate that “Nagaraku exercise,” which can be performed during daily activities, can improve mood. “Nagaraku exercise” can thus be incorporated as a new intervention for reducing sedentary behavior.