Pleasure and displeasure from the body: Perspectives from exercise

Maintain your mind, maintain your focus: Effects of focused attention and intensity in experienced runners

The intensity that people choose for their endurance activities has a major influence on their affective experience. Furthermore, the direction of attention (e.g., internal or external) during endurance activities may significantly influence performance and personal perceptions. Therefore, in the current study, we focus on the interaction between intensity and attentional focus. We aim to address the question of whether adopting an internal (IAF; breathing) or an external attentional focus (EAF; environment), compared to a control condition, leads in differences in speed, heart rate, and affect during running at different intensities in experienced runners. Data from 59 participants were analyzed (Mage: 26.95 (SD = 4.78) years; 34 male; 25 female). Participants ran 9 × 3 min in an outdoor park with three intensity conditions (light, somewhat hard, hard) and three attention conditions (internal, external, control). Intensity, but not attentional focus, impacted affective responses. Results revealed a significant interaction between attentional focus and intensity on heart rate (p < 0.001, ω2p = 0.199): during the somewhat hard intensity, the control focus condition was significantly lower compared the internal and external attentional focus conditions. Additionally, we used exploratory multilevel models (MLM). In the best-fitting MLM of heart rate, 45% of the variance is attributed to differences between athletes, and thus 55% of the variance within athletes. Furthermore, the model indicated that athletes running at a somewhat hard intensity and maintaining an EAF (b = 7.69) or IAF (b = 6.36) had an increase in heart rate compared to the control condition. We speculate that simultaneously monitoring effort and following an attentional instruction was such a difficult task that led to a favorable effect for the control condition. In practice, this could mean that the implementation of an unfamiliar focus of attention, for example, initially requires additional energy expenditure.

Beyond Rubik: The Embodiment-Presence-Interactivity Cube Applied to Exercise

Evidence-based interventions are needed to promote engagement in physical activity. Audio-visual stimuli are frequently employed to enhance the exercise experience. Nonetheless, there is a paucity of research that examines the qualities of technological devices that are employed. Using the Embodiment-Presence-Interactivity Cube (Flavián et al., 2019) as a guiding conceptual framework, the aim of this registered report was to examine how each dimension of the cube (i.e., embodiment, presence and interactivity) influenced a range of exercise-related affective and perceptual variables. A counterbalanced within-subjects design was employed (N = 24). Participants completed 20-min exercise bouts on a cycle ergometer under four conditions: Television, augmented reality, 360° video and virtual reality. A repeated-measures ANOVA indicated a significant Condition × Timepoint interaction for affective valence (p = .046), with greater embodiment offered by technological devices leading to more positive responses. Analyses also indicated main effects of condition for exercise enjoyment, remembered pleasure and forecasted pleasure, with greater presence of technological devices leading to more positive responses. Technologies that combine high levels of embodiment, presence and interactivity (e.g., virtual reality) appear to yield several benefits in terms of in-task (e.g., affective valence) and post-task (e.g., remembered pleasure) responses for exercise conducted at ventilatory threshold.

Enjoyment and Affective Responses to Moderate and High-Intensity Exercise: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Individuals with Subsyndromal PTSD

This crossover randomized controlled trial examined the acute psychological effects of a bout of moderate-intensity continuous aerobic exercise (MICE) and a bout of high-intensity functional exercise (HIFE), relative to a no-exercise sedentary control (SED), in participants (N = 21; 15 f; 24.7 ± 9.3 years) with subsyndromal post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Affective state (Energy, Tiredness, Tension, Calmness) was assessed before (Pre), immediately after (Post 0), 20-min after (Post 20), and 40-min after (Post 40) each condition. Affective valence was assessed during each condition, and exercise enjoyment was assessed at Post 0. Enjoyment was significantly greater following HIFE and MICE relative to SED. Energy was significantly increased Post 0 HIFE and MICE but decreased Post 0 SED. Tension was reduced following all conditions and was significantly lower at Post 40 relative to Pre for HIFE, MICE, and SED. Tiredness was significantly reduced at Post 40 relative to Pre following MICE only, while Calmness was significantly lower at Post 40 relative to Pre following MICE and SED. Overall, both exercise conditions were enjoyed to a greater extent than the control, but MICE may provide greater psychological benefits with respect to Calmness and Tiredness. This study is among the first to assess acute changes in affective states relative to various exercise modes in individuals living with subsyndromal PTSD.

The Within-Subject Association of Physical Behavior and Affective Well-Being in Everyday Life: A Systematic Literature Review

BACKGROUND

The interplay of physical activity (PA) with affective well-being (AWB) is highly critical to both health behaviors and health outcomes. Current prominent theories presume AWB to be crucial for PA maintenance, and PA is evidenced to foster mental health. However, thus far, PA-AWB associations have mainly been researched in laboratory settings and with interventional designs, but the everyday life perspective had not been focused on, mostly due to technological limitations. In the course of digitization, the number of studies using device-based methods to research the within-subject association of physical activity and affective well-being (PA-AWB) under ecological valid conditions increased rapidly, but a recent comprehensive systematic review of evidence across populations, age groups, and distinct AWB components remained inconclusive.

OBJECTIVES

Therefore, we aimed to firstly review daily-life studies that assessed intensive longitudinal device-based (e.g., electronic smartphone diaries and accelerometry) and real-time PA-AWB data, secondly to develop and apply a quality assessment tool applicable to those studies, and thirdly to discuss findings and draw implications for research and practice.

METHODS

To this end, the literature was searched in three databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus) up to November 2022. The systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines and had been pre-registered (PROSPERO id: CRD42021277327). A modified quality assessment tool was developed to illustrate the risk of bias of included studies.

RESULTS

The review of findings showed that, in general, already short PA bouts in everyday life, which clearly differ from structured exercise sessions, are positively associated with AWB. In particular, feelings of energy relate to incidental (non-exercise and unstructured) activity, and PA-AWB associations depend on population characteristics. The quality assessment revealed overall moderate study quality; however, the methods applied were largely heterogeneous between investigations. Overall, the reviewed evidence on PA-AWB associations in everyday life is ambiguous; for example, no clear patterns of directions and strengths of PA-AWB relationships depending on PA and AWB components (such as intensity, emotions, affect, mood) emerged.

CONCLUSIONS

The reviewed evidence can fuel discussions on whether the World Health Organization's notion "every move counts" may be extended to everyday life AWB. Concurrently, the PA-AWB relationship findings endorse prominent theories highlighting the critical role of AWB in everyday PA engagement and maintenance. However, the review also clearly highlights the need to advance and harmonize methodological approaches for more fine-grained investigations on which specific PA/AWB characteristics, contextual factors, and biological determinants underly PA-AWB associations in everyday life. This will enable the field to tackle pressing challenges such as the issue of causality of PA-AWB associations, which will help to shape and refine existing theories to ultimately predict and improve health behavior, thereby feeding into precision medicine approaches.

Self-efficacy, Effort, and Performance Perceptions Enhance Psychological Responses to Strength Training in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Athletes

ABSTRACT

Biscardi, LM, Miller, AD, Andre, MJ, and Stroiney, DA. Self-efficacy, effort, and performance perceptions enhance psychological responses to strength training in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I athletes. J Strength Cond Res 38(5): 898-905, 2024-This study examined the effect of self-efficacy, effort, and perceived performance on positive well-being (PWB) and psychological distress (PD) following high-intensity resistance training sessions in collegiate student-athletes. An observational field study design was used to collect data before and after resistance training sessions in a 4-week preseason strength training block. A multilevel model assessed day-level and person-level variance in acute PWB and PD. Interaction terms were also tested at the day level. Alpha was set at 0.05. Within a 4-week training block, training session intensity did not predict changes in acute psychological responses. After controlling for an athlete's preexercise psychological state, higher self-efficacy, daily effort, and perceived performance predicted higher PWB and lower PD following training (p < 0.05). Self-efficacy moderated the relationships of daily effort and performance with PD (p < 0.05). When athletes experienced lower self-efficacy, producing a higher effort and perceiving better performance reduced the negative psychological response. These findings highlight the important mediating role of cognitive variables in the acute psychological response to high-intensity resistance training. Coaches should identify and mitigate low cognitive states to facilitate a positive psychological response to resistance training. This strategy promotes a positive psychological response without altering training prescription.

The Affective Responses to Moderate Physical Activity: A Further Study to Prove the Convergent and the Discriminant Validity for the German Versions of the Feeling Scale and the Felt Arousal Scale

The present study proves the construct validity of the German versions of the Feeling Scale (FS) and the Felt Arousal Scale (FAS) for measuring the affective responses (affective valence and arousal) for a moderate-intensity jogging (JG) exercise. In previous studies, both scales were validated for a high-intensity bicycle ergometer exercise and for relaxation techniques. In the present study, 194 participants performed the JG exercise for 45 min and completed the FS and the FAS, as well as the Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM), for a self-other comparison in a pre-test-intervention-post-test design. The results of the correlation analyses replicated the previous findings for the high-intensity bicycle ergometer exercise and the relaxation techniques, revealing significant positive correlations for the valence dimension between the FS and the SAM-Pleasure subscale (r = 0.50) and for the arousal dimension between the FAS and the SAM-Arousal subscale (r = 0.16). These findings suggest that the German versions of the FS and the FAS are also suitable for exercises of moderate intensity.

The exercise intensity-music-tempo preference relationship: A decennial revisit

Tempo is a key determinant of the motivational effects of music during exercise and has been the focus of numerous empirical studies (e.g., Karageorghis & Jones, 2014). The present study sought to address the limitations of previous related work and revisit the relationship between exercise intensity and music-tempo preference using unfamiliar, non-lyrical music (to isolate the tempo manipulation). A within-within experimental design was employed to test hypotheses pertaining to the non-linear relationship and associated psychological outcomes (e.g., core affect and state attention). Twenty-four participants (Mage = 20.6 years, SD = 0.92 years) exercised at five intensities (10% of peak V̇O2 below ventilatory threshold [VT]; 5% of peak V̇O2 below VT, at VT, midway between VT and the respiratory compensation point [RCP], and at RCP) during which they were administered music tracks at four tempi (90 bpm, 110 bpm, 130 bpm and 150 bpm) and a no-music control. A music liking item, measures of core affect (valence and arousal), attentional focus and perceived exertion were recorded during the exercise bouts. Results indicated that unlike previous findings with familiar, lyrical music, there was no discernible relationship between exercise intensity and preference for music tempo. The most positive psychological outcomes were associated with fast-tempo music. In accord with previous findings, slow-tempo music attracted low liking scores and the least desirable psychological outcomes at every exercise intensity. The present findings have implications for the use of unfamiliar, non-lyrical music during exercise. Specifically, that such music should be ∼10 bpm faster than familiar, lyrical music.

Effect of High-Intensity Interval Exercise versus Continuous Low-Intensity Aerobic Exercise with Blood Flow Restriction on Psychophysiological Responses: A Randomized Crossover Study

This study compared the effect of continuous low-intensity aerobic exercise with blood flow restriction (LI-AE-BFR) versus high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE), matching total external mechanical work between conditions, on perceptual (exertion, pain, affective and pleasure) and physiological responses (heart rate [HR], blood lactate [BL] and muscle fatigue). Ten healthy untrained men (25.6 ± 3.78 years old; 75.02 ± 12.02 kg; 172.2 ± 6.76 cm; 24.95 ± 3.16 kg/m²) completed three visits to the laboratory. In visit 1, anthropometry, blood pressure and peak running velocity on the treadmill were measured. In visits 2 and 3, participants were randomly assigned to HIIE or LI-AE-BFR, both in treadmill. HIIE consisted of 10 one-minute stimuli at 80% of peak running velocity interspersed with one-minute of passive recovery. LI-AE-BFR consisted of 20-minutes of continuous walking at 40% of peak running velocity with bilateral cuffs inflated to 50% of arterial occlusion pressure. BL and maximum isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC - fatigue measure) were measured pre- and immediately post-exercise. HR, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and rating of perceived pain (RPP) were recorded after each stimulus in HIIE and every two minutes in LI-AE-BFR. Affective response to the session, pleasure, and future intention to exercise (FIE) were assessed 10 minutes after the intervention ended. Increases in BL concentrations were greater in HIIE (p = 0.028; r = 0.51). No effects time or condition were reported for MIVC. HR was higher in HIIE at all analyzed time points (p < 0.001; d = 3.1 to 5.2). RPE did not differ between conditions (p > 0.05), while average session RPP was higher in LI-AE-BFR (p = 0.036; r = 0.46). Affective positive response (p = 0.019; d = 0.9) and FIE (p = 0.013; d = 0.97) were significantly higher in HIIE. Therefore, HIIE elicited higher physiological stress, positive affective response, and intention to engage in future exercise bouts compared to LI-AE-BFR.

Aerobic exercise promotes emotion regulation: a narrative review

Aerobic exercise improves the three stages of emotion regulation: perception, valuation and action. It reduces the perception of negative emotions, encourages individuals to reinterpret emotional situations in a positive or non-emotional manner, and enhances control over emotion expression behaviours. These effects are generated via increased prefrontal cortex activation, the strengthening of functional connections between the amygdala and several other brain regions, and the enhancement of the plasticity of key emotion regulation pathways and nodes, such as the uncinate fasciculus. The effect of aerobic exercise on emotion regulation is influenced by the exercise intensity and duration, and by individuals' exercise experience. Future research may explore the key neural basis of aerobic exercise's promotion of emotion regulation.

Unpacking differences in post-exercise affective experiences between physically underactive and active individuals

BACKGROUND

Affective response to exercise (i.e., how individuals feel during- and post-exercise) as well as post-behavioral evaluations of affective experiences with exercise (i.e., reflecting on the experience after engaging in exercise) may be important determinants of regular exercise.

PURPOSE

We compared post-exercise affective response and post-behavioral evaluations of exercise between a physically active and underactive group. Physically active (n = 32) and underactive (n = 25) participants completed a 10-minute treadmill bout of vigorous exercise and reported affective valence, positive activated affect, negative activated affect, calmness, fatigue and relief at various points during and/or after the bout.

RESULTS

As expected, both groups reported an improvement in affective valence immediately post-exercise (ps < 0.001). This improvement in affective valence was associated with a concurrent decrease in negative affect (ps < 0.05) for the physically underactive group and was only associated with a concurrent increase in positive affect (ps < 0.02) for the active group. There were significant differences between physically active and underactive groups in pre-post exercise changes in positive activated affect (ps < 0.005). The underactive group reported greater relief than the active group at all-post exercise time-points (ps < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings have implications for understanding post-exercise affective response and post-behavioral evaluations of exercise and for interventions directed at influencing the post-exercise affective response and behavioral evaluations of exercise in physically underactive individuals.

Effects of tempo of self-selected music on isokinetic strength performance and psychological outcomes

Substantial research has supported using musical stimuli as an ergogenic aid before and during various forms of exercise. Researchers have demonstrated that music shifts attention from associative to dissociative, decreases perceived effort and discomfort, and increases arousal and pleasantness in longer-duration, low-to-moderate-intensity exercises. Strength training is shorter in duration and higher in intensity than aerobic or muscular endurance training. Limited research has examined the effects of music on strength performance and psychological outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the tempo of self-selected music on isokinetic knee extension and flexion performance, effort, discomfort, attention, arousal, and pleasantness in resistance-trained young adults. Thirty resistance-trained college-aged adults completed three exercise testing sessions. In a randomized, counterbalanced order, a repeated measures design was used to expose the participants to three conditions (fast music, slow music, and no music). The Biodex isokinetic dynamometer and standardized psychological Likert-style scales were used to measure concentric maximum effort knee extension and flexion torque at 60°/s and psychological variables, respectively. This study found that music improves knee extension torque but not knee flexion in resistance-trained young adults. In addition, music or the tempo of music did not influence any psychological outcomes during isokinetic strength testing. Therefore, listening to music is not detrimental to performance or psychological outcomes, but this study provides minimal support for music's use as an ergogenic aid during strengthening exercise.

Impact of Age on the Affective Responses Following Worksite Resistance Exercise in Career Firefighters

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of age on the affective responses (attitude, feelings, self-efficacy, intention, enjoyment, and fondness) after a worksite circuit-style resistance exercise routine in career firefighters.

METHODS

Nineteen young (25.5 ± 3.3 yr) and 19 middle-aged male career firefighters (50.3 ± 3.5 yr) completed 2 d of physical testing at local fire stations. Participants were familiarized with the resistance training exercises (deadlift, shoulder press, lunge, and upright row) at visit 1 and performed a multirepetition maximum (RM) assessment to prescribe the appropriate loads for the resistance exercise bout on visit 2. The resistance training session included three sets of 8 to 10 repetitions per exercise at 80% 1-RM. Participants completed a postexercise questionnaire examining affective responses and a rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Mann-Whitney U tests and an independent t-test were used to determine differences between the young and middle-aged firefighters' affective responses and RPE, respectively.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between groups for any of the six affective responses ( P = 0.062-0.819) or RPE ( P = 0.142).

CONCLUSIONS

Age did not influence the perceived effort or affective responses following an acute bout of worksite resistance exercise. Firefighters reported overall positive attitudes, feelings, and fondness paired with high self-efficacy and intention at a training frequency of twice per week. However, confidence, intention, and enjoyment decreased at higher training frequencies (i.e., 3-4x per week). Circuit-style resistance training performed twice per week may be a feasible and practical worksite exercise routine across ages in the fire service.

Effects of mindful physical activity on perceived exercise exertion and other physiological and psychological responses: results from a within-subjects, counter-balanced study

Background

Most adults are insufficiently active. Mindfulness training may increase moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) adoption and adherence. However, physiological and psychological factors underlying these effects are not well understood. This study examined the effects of an acute bout of MVPA, mindfulness training, and combined MVPA and mindfulness training on physiological and psychological outcomes.

Methods

Healthy adults (N = 29, Mage = 28.6) completed 20-min counterbalanced conditions: (a) mindfulness training (MIND); (b) moderate intensity walking (PA), and (c) moderate intensity walking while listening to MVPA-specific guided mindfulness training (PAMIND). Heart rate (HR), Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE), Feeling Scale (FS) and Blood Pressure (BP) were measured at rest, at regular intervals during each condition, and post-condition. Mindfulness, state anxiety, and self-efficacy were assessed pre- and post-condition.

Results

Average and peak HR, systolic BP (SBP), and RPE were significantly higher, and average and peak FS were significantly lower during the PA and PAMIND conditions compared to MIND (p < 0.001). Average RPE was significantly higher for PA compared to PAMIND (p < 0.001). Heart rate, feeling scale, body and mental events mindfulness, and self-efficacy for walking increased from pre to post (all p's < 0.001) for all conditions. Time by condition interactions were significant for change in heart rate, mental events mindfulness, and state anxiety from pre- to post-condition.

Conclusion

The physiological response to MVPA and PAMIND were similar. However, RPE was rated lower in the PAMIND condition, which could have implications for MVPA adoption and maintenance. Future work should further explore RPE combining MVPA and mindfulness training.

Self-regulation of effort for a better health-related quality of life: a multidimensional activity pacing model for chronic pain and fatigue management

PURPOSE

To propose a comprehensive multidimensional model of activity pacing that improves health-related quality of life and promotes sustained physical activity engagement among adults with chronic conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A narrative review was conducted to examine the existing literature on activity pacing, health-related quality of life, pain and fatigue management, and physical activity promotion in chronic conditions.

RESULTS

The literature revealed a lack of a cohesive approach towards a multidimensional model for using activity pacing to improve health-related quality of life. A comprehensive multidimensional model of activity pacing was proposed, emphasizing the importance of considering all aspects of pacing for sustained physical activity engagement and improved health-related quality of life. The model incorporates elements such as rest breaks, self-regulatory skills, environmental factors, and effective coping strategies for depression/anxiety. It takes into account physical, psychological, and environmental factors, all of which contribute significantly to the enhancement of health-related quality of life, physical function, and overall well-being, reflecting a holistic approach.

CONCLUSIONS

The model offers guidance to researchers and clinicians in effectively educating patients on activity pacing acquisition and in developing effective interventions to enhance physical activity engagement and health outcomes among adults with chronic conditions. Additionally, it serves as a tool towards facilitating discussions on sustained physical activity and a healthy lifestyle for patients, which can eventually lead to improved quality of life.

Can In-Task Affect During Interval and Continuous Exercise Predict 12-Month Physical Activity Behavior? Findings from a Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

In-task affective responses to moderate-intensity continuous exercise training (MICT) have been shown to predict future physical activity behavior. However, limited research has investigated whether this affect-behavior relationship is similar for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and whether it holds true over the longer term. This study aims to determine (1) if in-task affect during 2 weeks of supervised MICT and HIIT predicted changes to unsupervised moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) behavior 12 months post-intervention and (2) if this predictive relationship was moderated by exercise type (MICT vs. HIIT).

METHOD

Ninety-nine adults (69.7% female; 50.9 ± 9.4 years) who were low active and overweight were randomized to 2 weeks of exercise training of MICT (n = 52) or HIIT (n = 47), followed by 12 months of accelerometry-assessed free-living MVPA.

RESULTS

The pooled moderation model was not significant, F(3, 94) = 2.54, p = .07 (R2 = 0.085), with a non-significant group by affect interaction (p = .06). The conditional effect for MICT was significant (B = 17.27, t = 2.17, p = .03), suggesting that 12-month change in MVPA increased by 17.27 min/week for every one-point increase in in-task affect. The conditional effect for HIIT was not significant (p = .85), suggesting that in-task affect was not predictive of 12-month change in MVPA.

CONCLUSION

The current findings raise important questions about whether the affect-behavior relationship may vary depending on exercise type. For HIIT-based exercise in particular, additional psychological constructs beyond in-task affect should be considered when attempting to predict future physical activity behavior.

Momentary within-subject associations of affective states and physical behavior are moderated by weather conditions in real life: an ambulatory assessment study

BACKGROUND

Physical behavior (PB) is a key lifestyle factor in regulating and preventing diseases across the lifespan. Researchers identified affective, cognitive, and contextual factors like weather conditions, as significant contributors in determining if individuals are physically active. However, there is scarce empirical evidence about potential associations between PB and affective states influenced by weather conditions in daily life. Therefore, we explored if weather conditions moderated the within-subject association between momentary affective states and subsequent PB.

METHODS

Utilizing ambulatory assessment, 79 participants completed electronic diaries about their affective states (i.e., valence, energetic arousal, and calmness) up to six times a day over five days, and their PB (i.e., physical activity and sedentariness) was simultaneously recorded via accelerometers. Weather conditions (i.e., temperature and precipitation) recorded near participants' locations served as moderators in the multilevel analyses.

RESULTS

We confirmed earlier findings associating affective states with PB. Increased valence and energetic arousal were positively associated with physical activity (β = 0.007; p < .001), whereas calmness predicted lower levels of physical activity (β = -0.006; p < .001). Higher levels of calmness showed a positive association with sedentary behavior (β = 0.054; p = .003). In addition, we revealed a significant positive association between temperature, as a momentary weather condition, and physical activity (β = 0.025; p = .015). Furthermore, we showed that the association of affective states and physical activity was moderated by temperature. Higher temperatures enhanced the positive effects of valence on physical activity (β = .001, p = .023) and attenuated the negative effects of calmness on physical activity (β = .001, p = .021). Moreover, higher temperatures enhanced the positive effects of valence on reduced sedentary behavior (β = -0.011, p = .043).

CONCLUSIONS

Temperature alterations appeared to have an impact on subsequent physical activity. Furthermore, temperature alterations moderated the influence of affective states on conducted physical activity. This might offer the opportunity for just-in-time adaptive interventions to intervene in individually appropriate environmental conditions for promoting physical activity.

The Feeling of Pleasure for Overweight Children during Different Types of Physical Activity

The feeling of pleasure during physical education (PE) could increase with physical activity participation and adherence for overweight children. While traditional games are known to have positive benefits on motor skill development, especially for children with poorer motor skills, and on the body mass of children, little is known about overweight children's feelings of enjoyment when playing these games. To identify a program of physical activity appreciated by overweight children, we tested the effect of different activities, namely soccer (SO), shot put (SP), and traditional motor games (TMGs), on the feelings of pleasure for 28 overweight male children (aged 12.11 ± 0.63 years, BMI 26.89 ± 0.15 kg·m-2) participating in a 3-month cross-over study. To measure affective responses to exercises, we applied a validated feeling scale. The data were collected during eight PE lessons, which were organized for each cycle taught. Post hoc pairwise comparisons revealed a significant difference (Z = -3.195, p < 0.01) between the mean feeling score reported after the SO cycle (2.48 ± 0.41) and that after the TMGs (3.04 ± 0.32). A similar significant difference (Z = -3.304, p < 0.01) was found between the mean feeling scores reported after the SP cycle (2.27 ± 0.32) and the TMGs (3.04 ± 0.32). There was no significant difference between the mean feeling scores reported after the SO (2.48 ± 0.41) and SP cycles (2.27 ± 0.32). In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggest that TMGs may have beneficial effects on the feelings of pleasure for overweight children. Therefore, TMGs might potentially be considered as an alternative to conventional physical activities.

Effect of exercise intervention on smoking cessation: a meta-analysis

Background: Exercise has emerged as an effective approach to promote individual health and has shown potential in aiding smoking cessation. However, the specific benefits of exercise in smoking cessation remain unclear, and conflicting findings across studies may be attributed to variations in study populations and intervention characteristics. This study aims to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of exercise interventions on tobacco dependence in smokers and assess the effectiveness of exercise in facilitating smoking cessation. Methods: A comprehensive search was performed in databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and Scopus to identify relevant randomized controlled trials published before 30 October 2022. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed during the review process. The quality of evidence (QoE) was assessed with GRADE (grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluations) methodology. Results: Acute exercise was found to significantly reduce smoking cravings [MD = -1.84, 95% CI (-2.92, -0.76), p < 0.001; SMD = -1.64, 95% CI (-2.22, -1.05), p < 0.001] and alleviate most withdrawal symptoms in smokers. However, there was no significant difference in the smoking cessation rate between the exercise group and the control group (p > 0.05). Exercise was associated with increased positive mood [SMD = 0.36, 95% CI (0.14, 0.58), p = 0.001] and reduced negative mood in smokers [SMD = -0.26, 95% CI (-0.39, -0.12), p < 0.001]. Conclusion: Acute exercise interventions effectively reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms in smokers. However, long-term exercise interventions do not significantly improve the smoking cessation rate. Exercise can help reduce negative mood and enhance positive mood in smokers. Smokers with high levels of tobacco dependence may derive less benefit from exercise. Factors such as literature quality, exercise intervention characteristics, and exercise adherence may influence the effectiveness of interventions. Trial registration: This research protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/). Registration number: CRD42022326109.

In situ psycho-cognitive assessments support self-determined urban green exercise time

Prescribed nature walks frequently yield improvements to mood and cognition as observed in experimental studies. Research that uses real life settings such as self-determined time exercising outdoors for restorative health benefits may more accurately elicit effects than time-specified study protocols. This study examined in situ psycho-cognitive outcomes of routine walks in urban greenspace to test the concept that self-set exposure duration and not context alone is related to magnitude of psycho-cognitive benefit. Pre-post measurements taken on a diverse participant pool of individuals walking in urban parks and recruited on random days over a two-week period found significant associations between outdoor activity duration and cognitive and mood improvements. Greater outdoor walking duration linearly predicted stronger processing speeds but non-linearly in tests of other cognitive domains. Results of fixed effects model for mean mood change following green exercise show outdoor walking influenced mood change at highest levels of significance, even after accounting for individual level variability in duration. Mood improved for all durations of outdoor walking under a random effects model with high significance. Untethering fixed intervals of outdoor exercise from formal study design revealed briefer but more frequent nature engagement aligned with nature affinity. The influence of unmeasured factors, e.g., nature affinity or restorative conditioning, for prescriptive durations of urban green exercise merits further investigation toward designing wellbeing interventions directed at specific urban populations.

Leave the screen: The influence of everyday behaviors on self-reported interoception

The influence of physical activity on interoception is apparent, however little is known about within-person variability following physical activity and sedentary behavior in daily life. To test this, 70 healthy adults (Mage 21.67 ± 2.50) wore thigh-mounted accelerometers for 7-days, with self-reported interoception recorded on movement-triggered smartphones. Participants additionally reported the predominant activity type performed across the last 15 min. Investigating this timeframe, multi-level analyses revealed that each one-unit increase in physical activity was associated with an increase in self-reported interoception (B = 0.0025, p = .013), whereas contrastingly, each one-minute increase in sedentary behavior was associated with a decrease (B = -0.06. p = .009). Investigating the influence of different activity types in comparison to screen time behavior, both partaking in exercise (B = 4.48, p < .001) and daily-life physical activity (B = 1.21, p < .001) were associated with an increase in self-reported interoception. Regarding other behavior categories, non-screen time behavior both with (B = 1.13, p < .001) and without (B = 0.67, p = .004) social interaction were also associated with an increase in self-reported interoception compared to screen-time behavior. Extending from previous laboratory-based studies, these findings indicate that physical activity influences interoceptive processes in real-life, further supplemented by the novel and contrasting findings regarding sedentary behavior. Furthermore, associations with activity type reveal important mechanistic information, highlighting the importance of reducing screen-time behavior to preserve and support interoceptive perceptions. Findings can be used to inform health recommendations for reducing screen-time behavior and guiding evidence-based physical activity interventions to promote interoceptive processes.

Using Psychometric Testing Procedures for Scale Validity, Reliability, and Invariance Analysis: The PRETIE-Q Portuguese Version

This study investigated the psychometric nature of preference for and tolerance of exercise intensity in physical activity. It initially re-examined the Preference for and Tolerance of the Intensity of Exercise Questionnaire (PRETIE-Q) among Portuguese exercisers, looking at its applicability to different exercise activities and exercise experiences. Then, to investigate the applicability of the measure in different groups, its invariance was examined. The sample consisted of 1117 participants (528 male, 589 female) aged 18-81 years old (Mage = 36.81, SD = 11.89). All participants reported at baseline that they were exercising, on average, 3.93 days (SD = 1.36) per week. The exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) displayed the best fit. The ESEM did show invariance when tested for multigroup analysis. The conclusion of this research is that the ESEM demonstrated the best fit, displaying invariance in multigroup analysis. Furthermore, when assessing preference and tolerance in various exercise modalities, the PRETIE-Q should be primarily used as a multidimensional instrument due to the differential recognition of preference and tolerance in seemingly similar physical activity circumstances, highlighting the importance of employing context-verified measures to evaluate exercise-intensity preference and tolerance based on sample characteristics or real-time context.

A Validation Study for the German Versions of the Feeling Scale and the Felt Arousal Scale for a Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercise

The aim of the present study is to prove the construct validity of the German versions of the Feeling Scale (FS) and the Felt Arousal Scale (FAS) for a progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) exercise. A total of 228 sport science students conducted the PMR exercise for 45 min and completed the FS, the FAS, and the Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM) in a pre-test-post-test design. A significant decrease in arousal (t(227) = 8.296, p < 0.001) and a significant increase in pleasure (t(227) = 4.748, p < 0.001) were observed. For convergent validity, the correlations between the FS and the subscale SAM-P for the valence dimension (r = 0.67, p < 0.001) and between the FAS and the subscale SAM-A for the arousal dimension (r = 0.31, p < 0.001) were significant. For discriminant validity, the correlations between different constructs (FS and SAM-A, FAS and SAM-P) were not significant, whereas the discriminant analysis between the FS and the FAS revealed a negative significant correlation (r = -0.15, p < 0.001). Together, the pattern of results confirms the use of the German versions of the FS and the FAS to measure the affective response for a PMR exercise.

Acute performance, physiological, and perceptual changes in response to repeated cycling sprint exercise combined with systemic and local hypoxia in young males

This study investigated the acute performance, physiological, and perceptual changes during repeated sprint exercise (RSE) under normobaric hypoxia and with blood flow restriction (BFR). Fourteen active males completed standardized RSE (6 × 10s cycling sprints with 30s passive rest) in three randomized conditions: under normobaric hypoxia (F_iO₂∼14.4%, HYP), normoxia (F_iO₂∼20.9%, SHAM), and with BFR (40% arterial occlusion pressure). The percentage decrement score of power output (S_dec) was used to quantify motor performance fatigue. During RSE, muscle oxygenation and activity of the right quadriceps were measured. Perceived motor fatigue, physical strain, affective valence, and arousal were queried after each sprint. Blood lactate concentration (BLC) and peripheral oxygenation (S_pO₂) were measured before and after RSE. S_dec was greater in HYP and BFR compared to SHAM (p≤0.008). BFR decreased mean power output (p<0.001) and muscle activity (p=0.027) compared to SHAM. Muscle oxygenation was lower in BFR during each rest (p≤0.005) and in HYP during rest 4 (p=0.006) compared to SHAM. HYP increased BLC and decreased S_pO₂ compared to BFR (p<0.001) and SHAM (p=0.002). There were no differences between conditions for any rating scale (p≥0.060). HYP and BFR increased motor performance fatigue but with different physiological responses, whereas perceptual responses were unaffected during RSE.

Does Exercise Modality Matter Affectively? Contrasting Type and Sequence of Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training Versus High-Intensity Interval Training in a Randomized Within-Subject Study

Over the past two decades, affective determinants of exercise behavior have received increasing attention in research on health promotion and prevention. To date, however, little is known about changes in affective exercise determinants during multi-week training programs in insufficiently active individuals. This applies in particular to the currently discussed advantages and disadvantages of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) compared with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) with regard to the affective experience of these two training types (e.g., reduced monotony vs. more aversive response during HIIT), which is important for exercise adherence. Referring to the Affect and Health Behavior Framework (AHBF), this within-subject study investigated changes in affective exercise determinants as a function of training type and sequence consisting of MICT and HIIT. Forty insufficiently active healthy adults (M _age = 27 ± 6 years; 72% women) underwent two 6-week training periods in a randomized sequence (MICT - HIIT vs. HIIT - MICT) within 15 weeks. Pre-post questionnaires and in-situ measurements, during and after a standardized vigorous-intensity continuous exercise session (VICE), were used to assess affective attitude, intrinsic motivation, in-task affective valence, as well as post-exercise enjoyment. These four affect-related constructs were collected before, between, and after the two training periods. Mixed models revealed a significant effect for training sequence (p = 0.011) - but not for training type (p = 0.045; non-significant after Bonferroni alpha adjustment) - on changes in in-task affective valence in favor of the MICT - HIIT sequence. Moreover, no significant training type or sequence effects were found for the constructs of reflective processing: exercise enjoyment, affective attitude, and intrinsic motivation. Therefore, individual-based training recommendations should consider the effects of variety and training sequence to develop tailored interventions that lead to more positive affective experiences - in particular during exercise - and promote the maintenance of exercise behavior in previously inactive individuals.

Biological and psychological predictors of heart rate patterns during physical activity

Objective

Latent class modeling (LCM) offers a promising approach for examining correlates of heart rate (HR) patterns over multiple exercise sessions. This research examined biological and psychological variables associated with different patterns of HR response to physical activity (PA).

Methods

In a three-arm randomized controlled trial (exercise video games vs. standard exercise vs. non-exercise control), HR was recorded during PA sessions over a 12-week period. LCM identified three patterns of HR during PA across 189 participants in active arms: 1) high HR across sessions with low variability within sessions, 2) linear increase in HR across sessions with low variability within sessions, and 3) high variability in HR across all sessions. Associations with biological (resting heart rate, blood pressure, BMI, age, cholesterol, triglycerides, HbA1c) and psychological (depression, motivations for PA, PA-induced feelings) predictors of latent class membership were iteratively tested.

Results

Psychological variables played as important a role in the final model as biological variables for predicting latent class membership. Few differences were found between LC1 and LC2, but LC3 differed from the other two groups in that participants were likelier to report that feel revitalized after PA (vs. LC1 and LC2), to be less motivated for PA (vs. LC1), reported greater depression (vs. LC1 and LC2), and were younger (vs. LC1).

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate the potential of LCM to identify biological and psychological factors associated with chronotropic responses to PA, and advance understanding of the role of psychological factors in chronotropic PA outcomes.

Acute Physiological Responses to Moderate-Intensity Continuous, High-Intensity Interval, and Variable-Intensity Intermittent Exercise

Purpose: This study examined acute physiological responses to moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE), variable-intensity intermittent exercise (VIIE), and high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) protocol, matched for total work output in healthy adults (n = 8, age = 25.1 ± 6.0 yrs). Methods: Three experimental trials were completed in a random order. MICE was continuous exercise at 40% of peak work rate (WR_peak). VIIE consisted of sixteen 10-sec bursts at 120% WRpeak, sixteen 20-sec bursts at 60% WR_peak and recovery at 20% WR_peak interspersed throughout the protocol. HIIE consisted of eight intervals of 2 minutes at 70% WR_peak and 1 minute at 20% WR_peak. Oxygen consumption during work-intervals and time within moderate and vigorous-intensity zones determined the magnitude and duration of physiological stresses. Perceptual responses were measured by affective response and post-exercise enjoyment (PACES). Repeated-measure ANOVAs analyzed differences between trials. Statistical significance was established if p ≤ 0.05. Results: Oxygen consumption during work-intervals in VIIE was greater than MICE, but less than HIIE. VIIE and HIIE had similar duration within vigorous-intensity zone (11.1 ± 3.5 min vs. 13.5 ± 1.3 min); both were greater than MICE (4.9 ± 1.1 min). The time spent in the moderate-intensity zone was different between all trials (VIIE = 11.1 ± 2.0 min; MICE = 17.4 ± 5.2 min; HIIE = 4.9 ± 0.4 min). Affective responses were similar among all trials. Post-exercise enjoyment was greater in VIIE than HIIE; both were not different from MICE. Conclusion: These results suggests the VIIE paradigm could be a viable alternative to HIIE and MICE protocols.

Is There a Dose-Response Relationship between High-Intensity Interval Exercise (HIIE) Intensity and Affective Valence? Analysis of Three HIIE Sessions Performed with Different Amplitudes

The inverse relationship between exercise intensity and affective valence is well established for continuous exercise but not for high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE). The objective was to verify the dose-response relationship between exercise intensity and affective valence in HIIE sessions. Eleven young men underwent a vigorous-intensity continuous exercise (VICE) and three HIIE sessions at the same average intensity (70% of peak power-W_Peak) and duration (20 min) but with different amplitudes: 10 × [1 min at 90% W_Peak/1 min at 50% W_Peak]-HIIE-90/50; 10 × [1 min at 100% W_Peak/1 min at 40% W_Peak]-HIIE-100/40; 10 × [1 min at 110% W_Peak/1 min at 30% W_Peak]-HIIE-110/30. During the exercise sessions, psychophysiological variables were recorded (VO₂, VCO₂, heart rate, perceived exertion CR10, and Feeling Scale (FS)). Higher correlations were found between CR10 and FS for all conditions (VICE = -0.987; HIIE-90/50 = -0.873; HIIE-100/40 = -0.908; HIIE-110/30 = -0.948). Regarding the physiological variables, the %HR_Max presented moderate inverse correlations with FS for all exercise conditions (VICE = -0.867; HIIE-90/50 = -0.818; HIIE-100/40 = -0.837; HIIE-110/30 = -0.828) while the respiratory variables (%VO_2Peak and %VCO_2Peak) presented low-to-moderate correlations only for VICE, HIIE-90/50, and HIIE-100/40 (ranging from -0.523 to -0.805). Poor correlations were observed between the %VO_2Peak (r = -0.293) and %VCO_2Peak (r = -0.020) with FS. The results indicated that perceived exertion is more sensible than physiological variables to explain the intensity-affective valence relationship in HIIE sessions. RPE should be used for HIIE prescription with a focus on affect.

Exploring the use of music to promote physical activity: From the viewpoint of psychological hedonism

Despite the global efforts to encourage people to regularly participate in physical activity (PA) at moderate-to-vigorous intensity, an inadequate number of adults and adolescents worldwide meet the recommended dose of PA. A major challenge to promoting PA is that sedentary or low-active people experience negative shifts in affective valence (feeling bad versus good) in response to moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA. Interestingly, empirical data indicate that listening to music during acute bouts of PA positively alters affective valence (feeling good versus bad), reduces perceived exertion, and improves physical performance and oxygen utilization efficiency. From the viewpoint of the ancient principle of psychological hedonism - humans have ultimate desires to obtain pleasure and avoid displeasure - we elaborate on three putative mechanisms underlying the affective and ergogenic effects of music on acute bouts of PA: (1) musical pleasure and reward, (2) rhythmic entrainment, and (3) sensory distraction from physical exertion. Given that a positive shift in affective valence during an acute bout of PA is associated with more PA in the future, an important question arises as to whether the affective effect of music on acute PA can be carried over to promote long-term PA. Although this research question seems intuitive, to our knowledge, it has been scarcely investigated. We propose a theoretical model of Music as an Affective Stimulant to Physical Activity (MASPA) to further explain the putative mechanisms underlying the use of music to promote long-term PA. We believe there have been important gaps in music-based interventions in terms of the rationale supporting various components of the intervention and the efficacy of these interventions to promote long-term PA. Our specification of relevant mechanisms and proposal of a new theoretical model may advance our understanding of the optimal use of music as an affective, ergogenic, and sensory stimulant for PA promotion. Future directions are suggested to address the gaps in the literature.

The Effect of Aerobic Fitness on Psychological, Attentional and Physiological Responses during a Tabata High-Intensity Interval Training Session in Healthy Young Women

The current study examines the effects of a Tabata high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session on affective, cognitive and physiological indicators in women of different fitness levels. A total of 28 adult women (aged 24.2 ± 1.5 years) completed a 20 m shuttle run test and were then assigned to higher fitness and lower fitness groups (HF and LF, n = 14 each) according to their predicted aerobic power. On a separate occasion, participants completed a 30 min Tabata workout (six 4 min rounds separated by 1 min passive rest). Each round included eight exercises (20 s exercise and 10 s rest). Affective, physiological and cognitive responses were assessed prior to, during and after the protocol. Heart rate and blood lactate concentration increased similarly in both groups over time throughout the workout (p < 0.001). Total Mood Disturbance was higher for LF (111.4 ± 15.7) vs. HF (102.9 ± 11.7) (p = 0.48), vigor showed a level by time interaction of p = 0.006 and Activation−Deactivation Adjective Check List factors deteriorated over time (p < 0.001). The Concentration Grid Test was better overall for HF (10.5 ± 3.6) vs. LF (8.6 ± 3.6) (p = 0.05). The Feeling Scale and Rating of Perceived Exertion worsened similarly in both groups over time (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively). Positive and negative affect and arousal did not differ between groups or change over time (p > 0.05). These results show that, despite the different levels of aerobic fitness, physiological, metabolic, perceptual and affective responses were similar in the two groups of women during a 30 min Tabata session. This may imply that affective responses during this type of HIIT are independent of aerobic fitness.

Ratings of perceived exertion from a submaximal 20-m shuttle run test predict peak oxygen uptake in children and the test feels better

PURPOSE

To determine the validity and test-retest reliability of using ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) elicited during a submaximal 20-m Shuttle Run Test (20mSRT) to predict VO_2peak in children and investigate acute affective responses.

METHODS

Twenty-five children (14 boys; age, 12.8 ± 0.7 years; height, 162.0 ± 9.3 cm; mass, 49.9 ± 7.7 kg) completed four exercise tests (GXT, 2 submaximal 20mSRT, maximal 20mSRT). The Eston-Parfitt RPE scale was used, and affect was measured with the Feeling Scale. Submaximal 20mSRT were terminated upon participants reporting RPE7. The speed-RPE relationship from the submaximal 20mSRTs was extrapolated to RPE9 and 10 to predict peak speed and then used to estimate VO_2peak.

RESULTS

Repeated measures ANOVA to examine the validity of using submaximal RPE to predict VO_2peak resulted in a Gender main effect (boys = 46.7 ± 5.1 mL kg^-1 min^-1; girls = 42.0 ± 5.1 mL kg^-1 min^-1) and Method main effect (p < 0.01). There were significant differences between measured and estimated VO_2peak from the maximal 20mSRT, but not between measured and estimated VO_2peak at RPE9 and RPE10. Intraclass correlation analysis revealed excellent reliability (~ 0.9) between the two submaximal 20mSRTs. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in end-test affect were reported between submaximal and maximal trials in girls, but not in boys, with girls feeling less negative at the end of the submaximal trials.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study provide evidence that RPE reported during a submaximal 20mSRT can be used to predict VO_2peak accurately and reliably. In this study, the submaximal 20mSRT ending at RPE7, provided better predictions of VO_2peak while minimising aversive end-point affect, especially in girls.

Green and Pleasant Lands: The Affective and Cerebral Hemodynamic Effects of Presence in Virtual Environments During Exercise

Pleasant exercise experiences increase the likelihood of exercise adherence, and innovative strategies to promote consistently pleasant exercise experiences are needed. In this study we compared a novel nature-based virtual reality environment, a nature-based 360° video, and a control condition to test the hypothesis that greater presence in virtual space would promote positive affective experiences during exercise. Moreover, we assessed prefrontal cerebral hemodynamics using near infrared spectroscopy to explore possible neural underpinnings of dissociative strategies during exercise. Twelve participants ( M = 26.2, SD = 7.7 years; M BMI = 25.5, SD = 5.2 kg/m2) completed a maximal aerobic test and three exercise conditions (Control, Virtual Reality [VR], and 360° video). The two experimental conditions differed in terms of the participants’ sense of presence (VR eliciting greatest presence), and all conditions utilized similar exercise intensity. The VR condition setting was a virtual mountain forest trail, and the 360° video was of a forest road. The 360° video was perceived as the most distracting ( p = .023, d = 1.07), pleasant ( p = .007, d = .75), and enjoyable ( p = .029; d = .82) condition. ΔHbDiff data indicated that the control condition caused the greatest prefrontal brain activation ( p = .008, d = .84). Presence was not a salient factor in distracting participants from bodily sensations during exercise, but immersion in a stimulus was. These results provide support for using head-mounted displays during exercise as a strategy to increase pleasure, with practical implications for practitioners, researchers, and individuals.

Effect of acute exercise intensity on cognitive inhibition and well-being: Role of lactate and BDNF polymorphism in the dose-response relationship

Introduction

There is evidence in the literature that acute exercise can modify cognitive function after the effort. However, there is still some controversy concerning the most effective exercise modality to improve cognitive function in acute interventions. Regarding these different exercise modalities, the dose-response relationship between exercise intensity and cognitive response is one of the most challenging questions in exercise and cognition research.

Methods

In this study, we tested the impact of moderate-intensity (MICT), high-intensity (HIIT) exercise sessions, or control situation (CTRL) on cognitive inhibition (measured with the Stroop Test). Thirty-six young college students participated in this study, where a within-subject repeated measure design was used.

Results

ANOVA 2×3 demonstrated that HIIT improved the acute cognitive response to a higher degree when compared to MICT or CTRL (p < 0.05). The cognitive improvements correlated with lactate release, providing a plausible molecular explanation for the cognitive enhancement (r < -0.2 and p < 0.05 for all the Stroop conditions). Moreover, a positive trend in wellbeing was observed after both exercise protocols (HIIT and MICT) but not in the CTRL situation. Genetic BDNF single nucleotide polymorphism did not influence any interactions (p < 0.05).

Discussion

In this sense, our results suggest that exercise intensity could be a key factor in improved cognitive function following exercise in young college students, with no additional impact of BDNF polymorphism. Moreover, our results also provide evidence that exercise could be a useful tool in improving psychological wellbeing.

Load Carriage and Physical Exertion Influence Soldier Emotional Responses

INTRODUCTION

Regular aerobic exercise benefits psychological health, enhancing mood in clinical and nonclinical populations. However, single bouts of exercise exert both positive and negative effects on emotion. Exercise reliably increases emotional arousal. Its effects on emotional valence are thought to depend on an interplay between cognitive and interoceptive factors that change as a function of exercise intensity, as studied in clinical, healthy, and athlete populations. However, special populations, such as military, first responders, and endurance athletes, have unique physical exertion requirements that can coincide with additional cognitive, physical, and environmental stressors not typical of the general population. Load carriage is one such activity. The present study examined emotional valence and arousal during sustained, heavy load carriage akin to military training and operations.

METHODS

Thirteen (one woman) active duty soldiers completed a V̇O2max test, a 2-h loaded (up to 50% body mass) and unloaded (empty rucksack) treadmill foot march (3 mph/4% incline) on separate days, during which they rated their exertion and emotional valence and arousal every 40 min. They also completed measures of positive and negative affect and anxiety before and every 20 min after the foot march.

RESULTS

Two hours of loaded foot march led to elevated perceived exertion and less positive, more negative and anxious feelings. Higher rated exertion and more negative emotion were associated with higher percent HRmax and V̇O2peak at multiple time points.

CONCLUSIONS

These results support affect exertion models such as the Dual Mode Theory, whereby physical exertion becomes less pleasant with increasing intensity, and provide insights into how affective responses applied contexts may help predict time to fatigue or failure.

Analysis of dynamic psychological processes to understand and promote physical activity behaviour using intensive longitudinal methods: a primer

Physical activity behaviour displays temporal variability, and is influenced by a range of dynamic psychological processes (e.g., affect) and shaped by various co-occurring events (e.g., social/environmental factors, interpersonal dynamics). Yet, most physical activity research tends not to examine the dynamic psychological processes implicated in adopting and maintaining physical activity. Intensive longitudinal methods (ILM) represent one particularly salient means of studying the complex psychological dynamics that underlie and result from physical activity behaviour. With the increased recent interest in using intensive longitudinal data to understand specific dynamic psychological processes, the field of exercise and health psychology is well-positioned to draw from state-of-the-art measurement and statistical approaches that have been developed and operationalised in other fields of enquiry. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of some of the fundamental dynamic measurement and modelling approaches applicable to the study of physical activity behaviour change, as well as the dynamic psychological processes that contribute to such change.

Experiencing good results promotes positive feelings to high-intensity exercise among young adults: A qualitative study

Introduction

From a public health perspective, it is important to gain more insight into how people can be motivated to maintain effective exercise routines. It is a common belief that moderate-intensity exercise is more pleasant and enjoyable than high-intensity training. This study aims to provide insight into (1) participants' expectations and preferences for training intensity prior to training, (2) how longer-term participation affect participants' experience of endurance training with continuous moderate-intensity training and high-intensity interval training.

Materials and methods

A total of 22 participants (14 women and eight men) between the ages of 21–30 volunteered for participation. Participants were randomized and divided into two equal groups. A total of 17 participants, nine women and eight men, completed the study. One group did moderate-intensity longer-lasting training and the other did high-intensity interval training. All participants completed three training sessions per week for 8 weeks. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with each participant before and after completing the training intervention. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. This study is a part of a larger study evaluating and comparing the effects on endurance capacity of high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity training. Physiological data are previously published.

Results

The results describe participants expectations prior to training, and how they experienced the actual training. The overall experience of training comprises several factors that work together. Both expectations and actual experiences (e.g., of physical pleasantness or unpleasantness, of positive or negative emotions, and of actual results from the training) contribute to the participants' overall experience of exercise.

Conclusion

The major finding is that improved physical fitness was a stronger motivator than feelings of pleasantness. Experiencing good results seemed to downplay feelings of unpleasantness and reinforce positive feelings toward exercise. Lack of results reinforce negative feelings toward exercise. Participants reported high-intensity exercise as more unpleasant and exhaustive, but the interval training group were more satisfied and experienced the training as more motivating.

Don't stop focusing when it gets harder! The positive effects of focused attention on affective experience at high intensities

Experiencing negative affect during exercise partially explains high levels of physical inactivity. An important direction for research is to better understand how and why interindividual differences in affective experiences occur while exercising. The dual-mode theory suggests that the interaction of cognitive processes and interoceptive cues influence the affective response. Hence, attentional control in form of adopting an external or internal attentional focus could lead to different affective responses depending on intensity. This study examines possible interactions between self-selected running intensities and attentional focus on affect. Fifty-eight inexperienced runners (30.14 ± 9.19 years; 38% female) ran 9 × 3 min outdoors around a large pond. While running at three intensities, they were instructed to focus on their breathing, on the environment, or did not receive an instruction. Dependent measures were affect, heart rate, and speed. The results revealed a significant interaction between attentional focus and intensity on affect (p = .01, η²_p = .08). At subjectively perceived light intensity, participants' affective outcomes benefit from non-focusing attention, whereas during hard intensity the opposite seems helpful: to focus on breathing or to the environment. These findings shed new light on the interaction of focusing attention and running intensity to improve the affective experience.

A pilot randomized clinical trial of tDCS for increasing exercise engagement in individuals with elevated depressive symptoms: Rationale, design, and baseline characteristics

Regular exercise protects against overweight/obesity as well as numerous chronic diseases. Yet, less than half of Americans exercise sufficiently. Elevated levels of depressive symptoms have been identified as an important correlate of physical inactivity as well as poor adherence to exercise programs. Individuals with depression are less sensitive to rewards and demonstrate an attentional bias toward negative stimuli. These, and other features of depression, may place them at increased risk for effectively managing the affective experience of exercise. Lower baseline levels of activation of the left (vs right) frontal cortex, an area implicated in affect regulation, have also been found in depression, potentially pointing to this region as a potential target for intervening on affect regulation during exercise. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has shown promise in impacting a variety of cognitive and affective processes in a large number of individuals, including people with depression. Some findings have suggested that tDCS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), specifically, may improve emotion regulation. Transcranial direct current stimulation could theoretically be a novel and potentially promising approach to improving the affective experience of exercise, thereby increasing exercise adherence among individuals with depressive symptoms. Here we present the rationale, design, and baseline characteristics of a pilot randomized controlled trial of tDCS versus sham delivered 3x/week for 8 weeks in the context of supervised aerobic exercise (AE) program among 51 low-active individuals with elevated depressive symptoms (86.3% female; mean age = 49.5). Follow-up assessments were conducted at end of treatment, and three and six months after enrollment to examine changes in levels of objectively-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). If effective, this approach could have high public health impact on preventing obesity and chronic diseases among these at-risk individuals.

The Relationship between Social Support and Exercise Adherence among Chinese College Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediating Effects of Subjective Exercise Experience and Commitment

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between social support and exercise adherence among Chinese college students during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the mediating effects of subjective exercise experience and commitment in the relationship, in order to provide a reference for improving exercise adherence among Chinese college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Perceived Available Support in Sport Questionnaire, Subjective Exercise Experience Scale, Exercise Commitment Scale, and Exercise Adherence Scale were administered to 459 eligible college students in Jinan, Shandong Province, through convenience sampling. Results showed that social support positively predicted exercise adherence among college students. The separate and joint mediating effects of subjective exercise experience and commitment between social support and college students' exercise adherence were significant. This study demonstrated that social support can positively predict exercise adherence among college students. In addition, subjective exercise experience and commitment played mediation roles between social support and college students' exercise adherence, both separately and jointly. Therefore, enhancing social support and improving the level of subjective exercise experience and exercise commitment among college students may be an effective strategy for improving exercise adherence among Chinese college students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Effect of Subjective Exercise Experience on Exercise Behavior and Amount of Exercise in Children and Adolescents: The Mediating Effect of Exercise Commitment

PURPOSE

To explore the influencing factors that restrict the exercise behavior of children and adolescents, investigate the effect of subjective exercise experience on exercise behavior, and reveal the mediating effect of exercise commitment between subjective exercise experience and exercise behavior so as to promote children and adolescents to maintain good health exercise habits and improve their physical and mental health.

METHODS

The Subjective Exercise Experience Scale (SEES), Exercise Commitment Scale (ECC), and Physical Exercise Rating Scale (PARS-3) were used to conduct a questionnaire survey on 600 children and adolescents in Chongqing, China, and SPSS21.0 and AMOS21.0 statistical analysis software was used to carry out statistics and analyses on the questionnaires.

RESULTS

(1) Among children and adolescents, boys' exercise commitment and exercise behavior were significantly higher than girls', and there was no significant gender difference in subjective exercise experience. The exercise behavior of children and adolescents aged 9-12 was significantly higher than that of children and adolescents aged 13-15, and there was no significant age difference in subjective exercise experience and exercise commitment. (2) There was a significant correlation between the subjective exercise experience, exercise commitment, and exercise behavior of children and adolescents, and subjective exercise experience could directly and positively predict exercise commitment (β = 0.63) and exercise behavior (β = 0.57)-exercise commitment could also directly and positively predict exercise behavior (β = 0.52). (3) The exercise commitment of children and adolescents has a partial mediating effect between subjective exercise experience and exercise behavior (accounting for 37.50% of the total effect), and has a mediating effect between different exercise amounts, with the strongest mediating effect being on high exercise amount (32.10% of the total effect).

CONCLUSIONS

The exercise behavior of children and adolescents was not only directly affected by subjective exercise experience, but also affected by the mediating effect of exercise commitment, and maintaining a good exercise experience and commitment was an effective way to effectively improve exercise behavior and amount of exercise in children and adolescents.

The acute affective response to physical activity in people with depression: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the acute affective response to physical activity in people with depression, which may have implications for acute symptom management and may also be a mechanism that explains the antidepressant effects of physical activity. This study aimed to quantitatively synthesize existing research on the acute affective response to physical activity in people with depression.

METHODS

Five online databases were searched to July 2021 to identify studies that examined pre-post changes in affective states following a bout of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in people with depression. The affective response to physical activity was synthesized using a random-effects meta-analysis with a robust variance estimator.

RESULTS

A total of 18 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Results showed that people with depression experienced a favourable affective response following an acute bout of physical activity (SMD = 0.585, 95% confidence interval = [0.456, 0.714], 95% prediction interval = [-0.079, 1.249]). Moderator analysis indicated this effect was consistent across different types of affective states, exercise conditions, and participant characteristics. Additionally, results were robust to changes in the study protocol and publication bias.

LIMITATIONS

Only within-person pre-post changes in affective responses were examined. No comparisons were made with control conditions.

CONCLUSION

Acute bouts of physical activity can significantly improve affective states in people with depression. Future research should examine the effect of physical activity on affective states in non-experimental settings and examine whether the affective response to physical activity is a predictor of the long-term antidepressant effects of physical activity interventions.

High-intensity interval training to promote cerebral oxygenation and affective valence during exercise in individuals with obesity

Left/right prefrontal cortex (PFC) activation is linked to positive/negative affects, respectively. Besides, larger left PFC oxygenation during exercise relates to higher cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is superior to moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) in improving CRF. The influence of training on PFC oxygenation and affects during exercise in individuals with obesity is, however, currently unknown. Twenty participants with obesity (14 males, 48 ± 8 years, body-mass index = 35 ± 6 kg·m^-2) were randomised to MICT [50% peak work rate (WR_peak)] or HIIT (1-min bouts 100% WR_peak; 3 sessions/week, 8 weeks). Before/after training, participants completed an incremental ergocycle test. Near-infrared spectroscopy and the Feeling Scale assessed PFC oxygenation and affects during exercise, respectively. Improvements in CRF (e.g., WR_peak: 32 ± 14 vs 20 ± 13 W) were greater after HIIT vs MICT (p < 0.05). Only HIIT induced larger left PFC oxygenation (haemoglobin difference from 7 ± 6 to 10 ± 7 μmol) and enhanced affective valence (from 0.7 ± 2.9 to 2.2 ± 2.0; p < 0.05) at intensities ≥ second ventilatory threshold. Exercise-training induced changes in left PFC oxygenation correlated with changes in CRF [e.g., WR_peak (% predicted), r = 0.46] and post-training affective valence (r = 0.45; p < 0.05). HIIT specifically improved left PFC oxygenation and affects during exercise in individuals with obesity. Implementing HIIT in exercise programmes may therefore have relevant implications for the management of obesity, since greater affective response to exercise is thought to be associated with future commitment to physical activity.

Intention to Engage in Mountain Sport During the Summer Season in Climate Change Affected Environments

Natural environments can make it easier to engage in regular physical activity, including mountain sport activities. However, global warming is expected to change natural environments, especially in mountainous regions with potential impacts on physical activity behavior. While there is some evidence of a reduced intention to engage in winter sport in climate change affected environments, little is known on the impact of climate change in mountain sports conducted in the summer season. Therefore, the present study aimed at comparing the effect of being exposed to a climate change affected scenario (CCA) to being exposed to a climate change unaffected scenario (CCU) on the intention to engage in summer mountain sport activities. Furthermore, we aimed to analyze the role of anticipated affective responses in the context of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Using a web-based experimental cross-sectional study design, participants were randomly allocated to scenarios of either CCA or CCU pictures. Participants were asked to complete questions about TPB variables and about affective responses referring to the displayed scenarios. Statistical analyses included tests on group differences and hierarchical linear regression analyses. TPB variables (intention to engage in summer mountain sport, attitude, and perceived behavioral control) did not show significant group differences between CCA (n = 155) and CCU (n = 156), p > 0.131; r < −0.10. Significantly lower anticipated affective valence was found in CCA compared to CCU, p < 0.001, r = −0.43. Affective valence did not significantly improve the TPB model, change in R² = 0.7%, p = 0.096. However, a higher affective valence was significantly associated with a higher attitude toward summer mountain sport, beta = 0.19, p < 0.001. Intention to engage in summer mountain sport was similar in the groups. Therefore, an immediate reduced engagement in mountain sport activities due to climate change seems unlikely in the summer season, although differentiated findings across various activities of summer mountain sport cannot be excluded. A reduced affective valence during summer mountain sport activities might occur in the presence of signs of climate change in the environment, which may lead to longer-term behavior changes in climate change affected scenarios also in the summer by repeated experiences of reduced valence.

Investigating Affective Responses to Remotely Delivered "At Home" Low Volume High Intensity Interval Exercise: A Non-Randomized Parallel Group Feasibility Study

Background

Low volume-high intensity interval exercise (LV-HIIE) has gained interest, due to its efficiency in invoking health and fitness benefits. However, little research has studied "at home" feasibility or effects of LV-HIIE. This study aimed to demonstrate that remote "at-home" LV-HIIE research is possible and to investigate if affective responses to the LV-HIIE protocol, subsequent intentions, and self-efficacy to repeat were related to self-reported tolerance of the intensity of exercise.

Methods

Using self-reported tolerance of the intensity of exercise, 41 healthy, physically active participants (25 female and 16 male; age 21.3 ± 1.0 years, body mass index 23.0 ± 2.9 kg.m2) were divided into low tolerance (LT, n = 14), middle tolerance (MT, n = 15), and high tolerance (HT, n = 12) groups. Participants completed a 20-min LV-HIIE circuit training video [2 × (10 ×30 s work, 15 s rest)] at home. Participants reported ratings of perceived exertion, affective valence, and perceived activation at baseline, during the protocol, immediately post-protocol, and during the cool down. 20-min after completion, respondents answered questions on exercise task self-efficacy and intentions to repeat LV-HIIE.

Results

The study recruited n = 65 individuals, of whom n = 50 passed screening. Ultimately n = 41 (82%) completed the exercise protocol and data collection. Ratings of perceived exertion were not significantly different between groups (p = 0.56), indicating similar perceptions of task difficulty. There was no significant effect of tolerance on affective valence (p = 0.36) or felt arousal (p = 0.06). There was evidence of high individual variability in affective responses within and between participants. Subsequent intentions and self-efficacy to repeat the exercise protocol did not seem to be related to affective valence during or after the protocol.

Discussion

Recruitment and data collection indicated that research into "at home" LV-HIIE is possible. High individual differences in affective responses suggest that LV-HEII may be appropriate for some but not all as an exercise option. Assessing self-reported tolerance of intensity of exercise may not appropriately identify whether or not LV-HIIE will be suitable for an individual.

Anticipatory and Anticipated Emotions in Regular and Non-regular Exercisers - A Qualitative Study

Future-oriented emotions could influence our decisions in everyday life and help understand why some individuals are physically active whilst others are not. Current literature distinguishes between two future-oriented emotion constructs: anticipatory and anticipated emotions. While anticipatory emotions are currently experienced emotions about a future event, anticipated emotions refer to the emotions that a person is expected to experience when confronted with a future event. The main aims of the present study were (1) to identify and describe (a) categories of anticipatory emotions experienced before exercise, and (b) categories of anticipated emotions expected to be experienced during and after exercise, and (2) to develop a theoretical model of anticipated emotion categories. Sixteen participants (M age = 26.03, SD = 6.66) were recruited for semi-structured interviews, and their statements were analyzed using principles of the Grounded Theory. In total, 13 different anticipatory and anticipated emotion categories were identified, such as enjoyment, anxiety, pride, self-anger, and relief. Anticipatory emotions seem to reflect the current affective valence of exercising and may be influenced by daily factors. With regards to anticipated emotions, the results show that regular exercisers anticipated also negative emotions such as anxiety, disappointment, and self-anger, and non-regular exercisers also anticipated positive emotions such as enjoyment, pride, and satisfaction. Therefore, future research should not only focus on the valence of future-oriented emotions, but should investigate the possible impact of specific anticipated emotions on exercise behavior. In addition, a theoretical model of anticipated emotion categories in exercise behavior derived from the interviews. The model outlines different categories of anticipated emotions based on appraisal processes. In conclusion, we assume that this developmental process of anticipated emotions may be embedded in a broader, cyclical process within the context of exercising.

Effects of a sport competition on acute affective response in wheelchair basketball players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of sport game outcomes on acute affective responses in injured veterans. Twenty- three wheelchair basketball players (mean age, 38.39± 11.78 years) participated in this study and were divided into two groups: game winner group (n= 12) and game loser group (n= 11). All participants completed the Physical Activity Affect Scale immediately before and after participation in the first game of a wheelchair basketball tournament. Non-parametric statistical tests were used to examine a significant difference in acute affective responses between the groups and over time within each group. The losers experienced significantly higher negative affect and lower positive affect at the end of the first game compared to the winners. Therefore, the results of the present study indicated that the experience of losing may diminish the positive effect that sport participation can have.

Objectively measured physical activity during primary school physical education predicts intrinsic motivation independently of academic achievement level

BACKGROUND

Children's participation in physical education (PE) is seen as important for developing an active lifestyle and has been positively linked to academic achievement. Physical activity (PA) levels during PE are thought to be linked to PE-motivation, although this relation is poorly understood.

AIMS

This study examined (1) whether children's PA-levels during PE were predictive of their PE-motivation and (2) whether the relation between PA-levels and motivation was moderated by children's academic achievement. Where previous studies focused on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), disregarding the potential beneficial role of lower intensities of PA, we included MVPA, light-intensity physical activity (LPA) and sedentary behaviour (SED).

SAMPLE

In total, 891 primary school students participated (mean age = 9.2 years).

METHODS

During one regular PE-lesson, PA-levels (using accelerometers) and PE-motivation (Intrinsic Motivation Inventory) were measured. Academic achievement in reading, mathematics and spelling was measured with standardized tests.

RESULTS

A structural equation model revealed that LPA, MVPA and academic achievement positively predicted PE-motivation. The interaction between academic achievement and PA-levels was not related to PE-motivation. SED was excluded from the models due to multicollinearity.

CONCLUSION

Children who are more engaged in LPA and MVPA and who perform better academically generally seem to be more motivated for PE, suggesting that PA-intensity levels and PE-motivation are bidirectionally linked. Results underline the importance of also examining LPA.

A Pilot Study on In-Task Affect Predicting Free-Living Adherence to HIIT and MICT

Purpose: To report pilot test findings on whether in-task affect during a supervised exercise program, where participants were randomized to either moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) or high-intensity interval training (HIIT), predicts changes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA-Total and MVPA10+ in bouts of ≥ 10 min) at 1- and 6-month post-intervention. Method: This experimental study design randomized 32 inactive adults with prediabetes to complete a 2-week supervised MICT or HIIT plus behavioral counseling exercise intervention and objectively assessed free-living physical activity post-intervention. The Feeling Scale (FS) was used to assess the in-task effect. FS was measured in the middle of four, 1-min intervals in the HIIT condition, corresponding to ~20%, ~50%, ~75%, and ~85% of work out time. For the MICT condition, FS was assessed at similar exercise duration percentage times as HIIT. Accelerometer data evaluated MVPA at 1- and 6-month post-intervention. Results: 32 adults were included in the analyses. Pilot findings indicated in-task affect between the conditions did not predict changes in MVPA-Total from baseline to 1 and 6 months. For MVPA10+, in-task affect negatively predicted MVPA10+ over time in the MICT condition only. Conclusion: This study provides preliminary evidence that affect during MICT negatively predicts MVPA10+ over time, and that there is no difference of in-task affect's utility in predicting MVPA-Total between HIIT and MICT. Larger studies are required to confirm these findings.

Psychological Responses to Progressive Exercise Until Voluntary Exhaustion: A Study of Adolescent Male Basketball Players

The affective experience during and after exercise helps determine motivation, commitment, and adherence to sports. Choice reaction time (RT) is critical in decision-making and sports performance. In this within-subjects laboratory experiment, we scrutinized core affect and choice RT in 18 male adolescent basketball players during exercise sessions performed to voluntary exhaustion and during a control condition. The adolescents performed choice RT tasks in one of two exercise conditions and in the control session. Participants' feeling states differed between exercise and control sessions and decreased slightly even after moderate exercise intensity. Core affect also declined as the workload increased, but it remained pleasant-activated in all conditions. The RT errors increased at the peak exercise intensity. These results suggest that while high-intensity training might negatively affect young athletes' feeling states and impair their decision-making, their core affect remained positive, with large inter-individual variability. We discuss the practical implications of these results in adolescents' sports.

The Influence of L-menthol on Time Trial Running Performance in Recreational Runners

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of combined mouth rinse and topical application of L-menthol on perceptual responses and running performance under thermoneutral conditions (22 ± 2°C and 30-60% relative humidity). Methods: Twelve recreational male runners (age: 31.7 ± 3.8 years; age range: 27-39 years) completed a familiarization, a control test (CON) and two maximal 10-km time trials (counterbalanced randomized crossover design) performed in different days with a non-thermal cooling intervention (combined application of a L-menthol mouth rinse and topical L-menthol gel - MEN) or placebo (PLA). Performance and perceptual measures (thermal sensation, thermal comfort, ratings of perceived exertion and affective response) were recorded for every km completed in the 10-km test. Results: Performance time was lower in MEN (P = 0.03) and PLA (P = 0.003) compared to CON, but no differences were found between MEN vs PLA (P = 1.00). All perceptual responses increased over time in all conditions (P < 0.0001), but only the thermal sensation was lower (P = 0.01) in the MEN compared to CON. Conclusion: L-menthol strategies promote fresh sensations and may improve running performance in 10-km time trial in recreational runners, but the performance improvement could mainly be due to a placebo effect.