P3b as an electroencephalographic index of automatic associations of exercise-related images

Affective associations towards running: fuzzy patterns of implicit-explicit interaction in young female runners and non-runners

Empirical evidence demonstrates that high concordance and low discrepancy of implicit and explicit affective processes facilitate consistent exercise behavior. Novice runners often have difficulties implementing their running behavior on a regular basis resulting in irregular running behavior. To investigate the potential value of affective associations 89 young female runners (regular and irregular) and non-runners were recruited. Affective associations towards running were measured through a Single-Target Implicit Association Test on the implicit level and by self-report on the explicit level. Implicit-explicit interaction (IEI) scores (i.e., implicit-explicit concordance and discrepancy) were derived from principal component analysis. Fuzzy k-means cluster analysis was used to identify patterns of interacting implicit-explicit affective associations. The resulting clusters were assessed for differences in previous running experience, current running behavior, motivational and intentional aspects. Four meaningful overlapping clusters were found and labeled according to their prevalent IEI patterns (i.e., "positive non-discrepant", "positive discrepant", "negative discrepant", "negative non-discrepant"). Significant differences between clusters were found for past running experience, current running behavior, motivational and intentional aspects. The results indicate that running behavior varies between and within patterns of affective associations. In line with previous findings, positive non-discrepant implicit and explicit affective associations are linked to more consistent running behavior, while negative non-discrepant affect is associated with non-runners. However, the occurrence of discrepant implicit-explicit affective associations in young women differing in running behavior, motivation, and intention broadens the view of the complex relationship between affective processes and exercise behavior. In conclusion, individualized interventions that take into account the implicit-explicit interaction of affective associations besides well-known cognitive self-regulatory resources may prove more effective for individuals who struggle to run regularly.

To run or not to run? Differences in implicit attitudes towards running: An EEG study

OBJECTIVE

To understand the reasons for individuals do or do not exercise, we examined differences in implicit (affective and instrumental) attitudes between runners and non-runners.

METHODS

In conjunction with electroencephalography (EEG) technology, 31 participants completed the affective and instrumental implicit associations test (IAT).

RESULTS

Behavioural results showed that runners had more positive implicit (affective and instrumental) attitudes than non-runners. EEG results further explained the underlying mechanisms for the differences, namely that runners had higher cortical functional connectivity in the compatible condition than in the incompatible condition, while non-runners had the opposite results.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher levels of neural processing efficiency were required for runners to perceive affective expectations towards running. Furthermore, ERP indicators (N1 amplitudes of incompatible tasks) can be used as valid criteria for potentially predicting exercise. This contributed to understanding why individuals do or do not exercise. Further research should focus on the effects of implicit attitudes towards exercise.

Is approaching sedentary behaviour or physical activity a reward? An EEG study

OBJECTIVE

To understand why individuals (do not) exercise, our study examined differences in approach and avoidance tendencies towards physical activity and sedentary behaviours among runners and non-runners, especially at the neural level.

METHODS

Using electroencephalography (EEG), 31 participants completed an approach-avoidance task.

RESULTS

We found that at the behavioural level, non-runners were faster to approach sedentary behaviour relative to runners. However, at the neural level, they both had a tendency to avoid physical activity. Specifically, avoiding physical activity had less conflict monitoring (smaller N1), required more cognitive processes (larger P3), and was more neurologically efficient (higher alpha coherence).

CONCLUSIONS

These results supported the theory of effort minimization in physical activity (TEMPA), with both runners and non-runners regarding sedentary behaviour as a reward.

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article [and/or] its supplementary materials.

The impact of exercise intensity on neurophysiological indices of food-related inhibitory control and cognitive control: A randomized crossover event-related potential (ERP) study

Food-related inhibitory control, the ability to withhold a dominant response towards highly palatable foods, influences dietary decisions. Food-related inhibitory control abilities may increase following a bout of aerobic exercise; however, the impact of exercise intensity on both food-related inhibitory control and broader cognitive control processes is currently unclear. We used a high-powered, within-subjects, crossover design to test how relative intensity of aerobic exercise influenced behavioral (response time, accuracy) and neural (N2 and P3 components of the scalp-recorded event-related potential [ERP]) measures of food-related inhibitory and cognitive control. Two hundred and ten participants completed three separate conditions separated by approximately one week in randomized order: two exercise conditions (35% VO_2max or 70% VO_2max) and seated rest. Directly following exercise or rest, participants completed a food-based go/no-go task and a flanker task while electroencephalogram data were recorded. Linear mixed models showed generally faster response times (RT) and improved accuracy following 70% VO_2max exercise compared to rest, but not 35% VO_2max; RTs and accuracy did not differ between 35% VO_2max exercise and rest conditions. N2 and P3 amplitudes were larger following 70% VO_2max exercise for the food-based go/no-go task compared to rest and 35% VO_2max exercise. There were no differences between exercise conditions for N2 amplitude during the flanker task; however, P3 amplitude was more positive following 70% VO_2max compared to rest, but not 35% VO_2max exercise. Biological sex did not moderate exercise outcomes. Results suggest improved and more efficient food-related recruitment of later inhibitory control and cognitive control processes following 70% VO_2max exercise.