The pleasure and displeasure people feel when they exercise at different intensities: decennial update and progress towards a tripartite rationale for exercise intensity prescription

Castro FA, Costa EC, Boullosa D, Astorino TA. Affective valence predictors from real-world based short sprint interval training

Affective valence is typically positive at exercise intensities below the lactate threshold, yet more aversive responses occur at supra-threshold intensities. Nevertheless, the physiological and psychological predictors of affective valence during supramaximal intensities including short sprint interval training (sSIT) have not yet been elucidated. Seventeen (7 women/10 men) moderately active young adults (age ​= ​[28.2 ​± ​5.6] years;V ˙ O2max [maximum oxygen consumption] ​= ​[52.9 ​± ​8.1] mL·kg- 1·min- 1; BMI [body mass index] ​= ​[24 ​± ​2] kg·m- 2) completed four low-volume running sSIT sessions (10 ​× ​4 ​s efforts with 30 ​s of passive recovery). We recorded participants' heart rate (HR), root mean square of successive differences of normal RR intervals (RMSSD), heart rate recovery (HRR), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), feeling scale (FS), intention and self-efficacy during, and after each session. Overall, no significant correlation (p ​> ​0.05) was found between FS and baseline clinical outcomes. No significant correlation (p ​> ​0.05) was detected between FS and any training parameter. No significant correlations were noted between FS and exercise task self-efficacy and intentions (p ​> ​0.05). The regression model was significant (F 3,61  ​= ​5.57; p ​= ​0.002) and only three variables significantly entered the generated model: ΔHRRend-120s end (p ​= ​0.002; VIF ​= ​2.58; 40.8%), time ≥ 90% HRpeak (p ​= ​0.001; VIF ​= ​1.26; 31.6%), and RMSSDend (p ​= ​0.025; VIF ​= ​2.23; 27.6%). These findings suggest that HR-based measures, particularly those related to in-task stress (time ≥ 90% HRpeak) and acute recovery (ΔHRRend-120s end, and RMSSDend), may predict affective valence during real-world sSIT.

Effect of using home-based dynamic intermittent pneumatic compression therapy during periods of physical activity on functional and vascular health outcomes in chronic stroke: A randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) therapy may benefit stroke patients by eliciting more intensive training sessions that may result in better health, mobility and ultimately quality of life. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to assess the effect of using a home-based IPC device on functional outcomes and vascular health in individuals with chronic stroke.

METHODS

Thirty-one stroke survivors (64.3 ± 14.3y; 4.3 ± 2.7y since stroke) completed pre- and post-intervention assessments of functional capacity (six-minute walk test [6MWT], timed-up-and-go, 10m walk test), vascular health (pulse wave analysis, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity), and physical activity. Following the pre-assessment, individuals were randomly assigned to either a daily, 12-week, home-based IPC group, or to a usual care control (CON) group. Outcomes were assessed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), controlling for age and any baseline differences.

RESULTS

Following ANCOVA, a significant increase in 6MWT walking distance was observed post-assessment for the IPC (Mean ±  SD [95%CI]; 188 ±  19 m [177-199m]) but not the CON group (167 ±  19 m [157-178m]) (p <  0.05). A significant reduction in peripheral systolic blood pressure was reported at the post-assessment for the IPC group (136.2 ±  8.0 mmHg [131.9-140.4 mmHg]) but not for CON (142.2 ±  8.0 mmHg [138.1-144.6 mmHg]) (p <  0.05). Similar findings were observed for central systolic blood pressure. Physical activity levels significantly increased at the post-assessment for IPC (1857 ±  879 MET·min-1·week-1 [1390-2325 MET·min-1·week-1]) but not for the CON group (1161 ± 879 MET·min-1·week-1 [677-1645 MET·min-1·week-1]), while for time spent sitting, a significantly greater reduction was observed at the post-assessment for the IPC group (396 ±  86 mins [350-442 mins]) compared to CON (486 ± 86 mins [439-534 mins]) (both p <  0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The observed improvements in functional mobility, cardiovascular health, increased physical activity and reduced sedentary time demonstrates important clinical implications of 'home-based' IPC therapy as a clinical training aid for stroke rehabilitation. Home-based IPC therapy could serve as an adjunct to conventional rehabilitation, however, further research is needed to determine whether IPC therapy can sustain or improve function over time for individuals in the chronic stage of recovery.

Self-selected vs. prescribed aerobic exercise intensity: impacts on pleasure in women with obesity

Introduction

Self-selection of aerobic training intensity is an approach that allows practitioners to develop autonomy (choice of pace), improve physical fitness, and contribute to better affective responses and training adherence. However, it is still unclear whether self-selection of training intensity in group settings is comparable to individual training conditions. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of three aerobic training protocols on psychophysiological responses in physically inactive adult obese women.

Methods

The sample consisted of 90 women with a mean age of 48.3 ± 5.5 years and BMI of 31.2 ± 4.8 kg/m2, who participated in three treadmill aerobic training protocols: 1- Control group (IPI) with individually prescribed intensity (64 to 76% of HRmax), 2- Small group (SGS) with self-selected intensity, and 3- Individual with self-selected intensity (ISS). Heart rate (HR), total session volume (VL), affective valence was determined by feeling scale (FS), enjoyment was determined by Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES), intention to repeat the exercise session (INT), and Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction Scale (BPNFS) were evaluated. Statistical analyses were conducted using two-way ANOVA for HR and FS, and one-way ANOVA for VL, PACES, INT, and BPNFS with Tukey post hoc test and significance criteria (p < 0.05).

Results

The results showed that HR and VL were similar (p > 0.05) between the protocols IPI, SGS and ISS, while FS, PACES, and INT were significantly higher in SGS and ISS than IPI protocols (p < 0.05). BPNFS also presented better results for the SGS and ISS protocols (p < 0.05).

Discussion

These findings suggest that the intensity and training volume were similar among different protocols. Affective responses were more positive perceived in SGS and ISS protocols.

Conclusion

We conclude that intensity self-selection is a safe, effective, and comparable strategy to prescribed intensity at moderate levels, providing a more enjoyable experience that may contribute to greater adherence to aerobic training.

Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) from a submaximal 20-m shuttle-run test accurately predict children's VO2peak, but when should we stop the test?

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to explore the validity, test-retest reliability and affective responses of a submaximal 20-m shuttle-run test (20mSRT) stopped at 6 on the Eston-Parfitt (EP) scale. The secondary aim was to examine and compare two submaximal 20mSRT protocols with different RPE end points (EP6 vs. EP7) using previously published data.

METHODS

Twenty-five children (16 boys; 13.4 ± 1.0 years; 162.1 ± 8.7 cm; 49.1 ± 6.6 kg) completed three exercise tests (graded exercise test [GXT], 2 submaximal 20mSRT). The EP scale and Feeling scale were used to measure RPE and affect, respectively. The two submaximal 20mSRTs were stopped after participants reported EP6. Individual speed-RPE relationships from the submaximal 20mSRTs were linearly regressed to predict peak speed and then used to estimate VO2peak. Previously published data (n = 25) used comparable methods, except that the participants stopped at EP7.

RESULTS

In the EP6 protocol, a two-factor repeated measures ANOVA revealed non-significant Test and Sex main effects (p > 0.05). Reliability analysis revealed intraclass correlation coefficient of ~ 0.7 (95%CI [0.432,0.867], p < 0.001) between the submaximal 20mSRTs. Significant differences in end-test affect between the GXT and submaximal 20mSRTs were found (p < 0.001), with GXT more negative. ANOVA revealed no significant differences in end-test affect between EP6 and EP7 protocols; however, frequency count analysis revealed EP6 to result in more positive end-test affect.

CONCLUSION

Submaximal 20mSRT utilising RPE may offer valid predictions in VO2peak while minimising negative affect. Test end points of EP6 and EP7 both offer valid predictions in VO2peak. EP6 may be more beneficial in avoiding negative affect, even though a reduction in test-retest reliability was observed.

Psychosocial Responses to a Cardiovascular Exercise Randomized Controlled Trial: Does Intensity Matter for Individuals Post-stroke?

OBJECTIVE

This study compared the effect of cardiovascular high-intensity interval training (HIIT) vs moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on psychosocial responses to exercise, motivation, and enjoyment, in individuals with chronic stroke.

DESIGN

A secondary analysis of motivation and enjoyment outcomes collected from a randomized controlled trial (NCT03614585) comparing 12 weeks of HIIT vs MICT in participants with chronic stroke (6-60mo post-stroke) was conducted.

SETTING

General community.

PARTICIPANTS

Seventy-one individuals (N=71) with chronic stroke (mean ± SD, age: 65.5 ± 8.4y, 19.4 ± 13.4mo post-stroke, 38% women) and mild disability (median ± interquartile range, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 1 ± 2).

INTERVENTIONS

Twelve-week, 3 per week progressive cardiovascular HIIT or MICT program conducted on NuStep recumbent steppers.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Motivation (Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-3) was measured at weeks 1, 6, and 12. Enjoyment outcomes comprised of affective response (Feeling Scale) assessed at each training session, and post-exercise enjoyment (Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale) assessed at weeks 6 and 12. Linear mixed models, examining group, time and group × time point interactions in motivation constructs and composite scores, mean affective response per session, and post-exercise enjoyment were used to compare the effect of HIIT vs MICT.

RESULTS

HIIT elicited a lower affective response (mean difference [95% CI]: -1.18 [-1.90 to -0.47]; P=.002), that also progressively declined during sessions, in contrast to MICT (group × time point interaction: F [2,63.5]=3.99, P=.02). HIIT and MICT did not elicit any significant difference between groups or change over time for post-exercise enjoyment or any motivation constructs (P>.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite lower affective response during exercise, HIIT elicits equivalent motivation and post-exercise enjoyment compared to MICT. This study provides further support for the implementation of HIIT in stroke rehabilitation by demonstrating sustained responses of motivation and post-enjoyment. Future studies should consider potential strategies that positively reinforce these important psychosocial responses to implement HIIT in post-stroke rehabilitation.

Psychological responses to acute exercise in patients with stress-induced exhaustion disorder: a cross-over randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Understanding psychological responses to acute exercise, defined as a single bout of physical exercise, in clinical populations is essential for developing tailored interventions that account for the psychological benefits and challenges of exercise. Given its effectiveness in reducing symptoms in various psychological disorders, exercise should be further explored in Exhaustion Disorder ICD-10-SE: F43.8A (ED), characterized by persistent exhaustion following long-term psychosocial stress. Currently, no studies address the psychological responses to acute exercise in ED patients.

AIMS

This study aims to (1) compare the psychological responses to acute exercise between ED patients and healthy controls and (2) assess response differences between low and moderate exercise intensities.

METHODS

We conducted a two-armed cross-over trial comparing ED patients (n = 30) and healthy controls (n = 30). Participants completed a 22-min exercise at low or moderate intensity on a cycle ergometer, on separate occasions, in randomized order. The primary outcome was perceived fatigue (POMS); secondary outcomes included feelings of energy, anxiety, stress, exertion, and psychological discomfort, measured before, during, and up to 24 h post-exercise. Exercise effects were assessed using repeated measures analysis of variance.

RESULTS

ED patients reported higher levels of exertion, psychological discomfort, fatigue, anxiety, and stress but lower energy throughout the trial compared to controls. Unlike controls, the ED group showed significant fatigue and stress reductions post-exercise (p < 0.05). Additionally, ED patients showed a more elevated energy after moderate-intensity exercise compared to controls (p < 0.05). Both groups experienced anxiety reductions post-exercise, with no group interactions over time. No differences were observed between pre- and 6 or 24 h post-exercise in any variables. The only intensity effect (p < 0.05) in the ED patients was a more pronounced energy decline 30 min after moderate-intensity exercise.

CONCLUSIONS

A 22-min exercise session was perceived as more strenuous by patients with exhaustion disorder (ED) and generated greater improvements in feelings of fatigue, energy, and stress compared to healthy individuals without delayed negative effects. These findings highlight the specific psychological responses in ED to exercise and can inform intervention design tailored specifically to this population.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was retrospectively registered on 05/30/2024 at Clinical Trials.gov, with trial registration number 2022-04943-01.

A comparison of acute affective responses, physiological measures and training volume between superset and traditional resistance training in untrained adults

The aim of this study was to compare the perceptive responses, physiological measures, training volume and training duration comparing a superset vs. a traditional resistance training session in untrained adults. Thirty adults (29 ± 7 years, 1.72 ± 0.1 m, 77 ± 16 kg) performed one superset resistance training session and one traditional resistance training session in a randomized-crossover design. Both sessions consisted of eight exercises with two sets and a load of ∼10-repetition maximum. The outcomes included number of repetitions, training duration, blood lactate and heart rate in addition to rate of perceived exertion (RPE), rate of perceived discomfort (RPD), session displeasure/pleasure (sPDF) and exercise enjoyment (EES) which were recorded in the middle and post-exercise. Forty-eight hours after the last session the participants reported which session they would prefer as their regular routine if they had to choose. The main findings were that the superset session led to greater RPE compared to the traditional session (p = 0.012-0.16, d = 0.53-0.54). Further, there was a trend towards greater RPD after the superset session, although not reaching statistical significance (p = 0.092, d = 0.41). There were no differences for sPDF (p = 0.404) or EES (p = 0.829). Furthermore, the superset session demonstrated higher levels of blood lactate levels (18.3%. p < 0.001, d = 0.81) and average heart rate (7.8%, p < 0.001, d = 1.53) compared to the traditional session. The traditional session took 60% longer time (p < 0.001, d = 6.62), and had 4.6% more repetitions (p = 0.006, d = 0.54) compared to the superset session. Two out of three participants reported the superset session as their preferred regular training routine. In conclusion, the superset session led to a higher perceived effort and discomfort, higher metabolic stress, took less time, had a lower training volume and was more preferred compared to the traditional session in untrained adults.

Isotemporal substitution of physical activity patterns and sitting time with obesity indicators among workers in São Paulo

This study aimed to evaluate the association between substituting 10, 30, and 60 min/day of physical activity and sitting time with obesity indicators among workers. It is a cross-sectional study involving 394 adults (76.6% women) from São Paulo, Brazil. Physical activity and sitting time (min/day) were measured using the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to determine physical activity levels. Obesity indicators included body mass index (BMI; kg/m²), waist circumference (cm), and body fat (kg). Isotemporal substitution models were analyzed using multivariate linear regression, adjusted for sociodemographic variables. Participants reported median values of 150.0 min/day (IQR: 60.0-360.0) for walking and 445.7 min/day (IQR: 317.1-565.7) for sitting time. The median values for BMI, waist circumference, and body fat were 27.1 kg/m², 91.0 cm, and 23.5 kg, respectively. Substituting 10 min/day of sitting time for 10 min/day of walking was associated with waist circumference (β: -0.216: 95% CI: -0.041; -0.007). In addition, substituting 60 min/day of sitting time for moderate physical activity (β -0.206; 95% CI: -0.123; -0.008) was negatively associated with body fat. The equivalent substitution of different periods of sitting time for more active behaviors was favorably associated with obesity indicators. These findings suggest that lifestyle interventions based on replacing sitting time with physical activity can reduce the obesity epidemic in adults.

Exploring novel determinants of exercise behavior: a lagged exposure-wide approach

Many middle-aged to older adults do not engage in regular exercise at all, despite its importance for healthy aging. Extensive research grounded in behavioral and social science theories has identified numerous determinants of exercise. However, few studies used an exposure-wide approach, a data-driven exploratory method particularly useful for identifying novel determinants.

METHODS

We used data from 13 771 participants in the Health and Retirement Study, a diverse, national panel study of adults aged >50 years in the United States, to evaluate 62 candidate determinants of exercise participation. Candidate predictors were drawn from the following domains: health behaviors, physical health, psychological well-being, psychological distress, social factors, and work. We used Poisson regression with robust error variance to individually regress exercise in the outcome wave (t2: 2014/2016) on baseline candidate predictors (at t1: 2010/2012) controlling for all covariates in the previous wave (t0: 2006/2008).

RESULTS

Some physical health conditions (eg, physical functioning limitations and lung disease), psychological factors (eg, health mastery, purpose in life, and positive affect), and social factors (eg, helping others, religious service attendance, and volunteering) were robustly associated with increased subsequent exercise. Among factors related to psychological distress, perceived constraints stood out as a factor in reducing exercise.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified potentially novel exercise determinants, such as helping friends/neighbors/relatives, religious attendance, and volunteering, that have not been captured using a theory-driven approach. Future studies validating these findings experimentally in midlife and older adults are needed.

Negotiating a physically active life in tune with ageing: a grounded theory study of older persons' experiences of participating in high-intensity interval training

BACKGROUND

Physical activity and exercise are promoted worldwide as effective interventions for healthy ageing. Various exercise initiatives have been developed and evaluated for their efficacy and effectiveness among older populations. However, a deeper understanding of participants' experiences with these initiatives is crucial to foster long-term activity and exercise among older persons.

METHODS

A constructivist grounded theory study was conducted to explore the experiences of older persons participating in a supervised group supramaximal high-intensity training (HIT) programme. Four focus groups were held, involving 28 persons aged 65 to 78. The focus groups were analysed inductively, followed by an iterative process of abstraction, abduction, and theory generation using a constant comparative method. A conceptual framework comprising three theoretical concepts-stereotype embodiment, ageist practices, and self-efficacy-was employed during the abductive phase as an analytical lens.

RESULTS

The core category of our grounded theory, Negotiating a physically active life in tune with ageing, encapsulates the complex processes and actions influencing older persons as they engage in physical activities in their daily lives and in relation to HIT. This core category was created from the conceptual framework and the four categories: Grit in the moment and overall life, Empowered by the training group, Navigating one's physically active self, and Committing to exercise for duty and pleasure. Participants reported feeling invigorated by the exercise, enjoying the challenge, and valuing the group setup for its social connectedness and structure. The generated theory illustrates how participants' engagement with physical activity and exercise is shaped by various perspectives accumulated over their lifespan. The findings provide a plausible explanation of how participation in HIT groups can challenge negative age stereotypes and ageist practices while enhancing self-efficacy for high-intensity exercise.

CONCLUSIONS

Our grounded theory underscores that physical activity and exercise should be regarded as multifaceted processes, which must be considered when promoting physical activity initiatives for older persons. By considering the older person and societal norms and values, we can gather knowledge to design physical exercise interventions that are not only effective but also enjoyable and capable of transforming how individuals perceive themselves as exercising persons.

Benefits of a group-based running session on feelings of energy and fatigue: No augmenting effect of green exercise during the defoliation season

This randomized controlled trial investigated the impact of a brief session of group-based running on feelings of energy and fatigue, comparing exercise in a local nature reserve versus an outdoor built environment, and a sedentary control condition. Sixty-six physically active university students participated, with 56 providing full data for each time point. Consistent with previous research, participants in both exercise groups reported significantly increased energy and decreased fatigue compared to those in the sedentary control group. However, the type of outdoor environment did not significantly influence the magnitude of improvements. Contrary to expectations, there was no significant difference in energy enhancement or fatigue mitigation between participants who jogged in a local nature reserve versus those who jogged on a cinder track in an urbanized area. The study discusses potential reasons for this, including seasonal variations in forest volatile organic compounds (FVOCs) concentrations, which may impact the psychological effects associated with forest environments. Further research is needed to better understand the complex relationship between exercise, environment, and feelings of energy/feelings of fatigue.

Global consensus on optimal exercise recommendations for enhancing healthy longevity in older adults (ICFSR)

Aging, a universal and inevitable process, is characterized by a progressive accumulation of physiological alterations and functional decline over time, leading to increased vulnerability to diseases and ultimately mortality as age advances. Lifestyle factors, notably physical activity (PA) and exercise, significantly modulate aging phenotypes. Physical activity and exercise can prevent or ameliorate lifestyle-related diseases, extend health span, enhance physical function, and reduce the burden of non-communicable chronic diseases including cardiometabolic disease, cancer, musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, and chronic respiratory diseases as well as premature mortality. Physical activity influences the cellular and molecular drivers of biological aging, slowing aging rates-a foundational aspect of geroscience. Thus, PA serves both as preventive medicine and therapeutic agent in pathological states. Sub-optimal PA levels correlate with increased disease prevalence in aging populations. Structured exercise prescriptions should therefore be customized and monitored like any other medical treatment, considering the dose-response relationships and specific adaptations necessary for intended outcomes. Current guidelines recommend a multifaceted exercise regimen that includes aerobic, resistance, balance, and flexibility training through structured and incidental (integrated lifestyle) activities. Tailored exercise programs have proven effective in helping older adults maintain their functional capacities, extending their health span, and enhancing their quality of life. Particularly important are anabolic exercises, such as Progressive resistance training (PRT), which are indispensable for maintaining or improving functional capacity in older adults, particularly those with frailty, sarcopenia or osteoporosis, or those hospitalized or in residential aged care. Multicomponent exercise interventions that include cognitive tasks significantly enhance the hallmarks of frailty (low body mass, strength, mobility, PA level, and energy) and cognitive function, thus preventing falls and optimizing functional capacity during aging. Importantly, PA/exercise displays dose-response characteristics and varies between individuals, necessitating personalized modalities tailored to specific medical conditions. Precision in exercise prescriptions remains a significant area of further research, given the global impact of aging and broad effects of PA. Economic analyses underscore the cost benefits of exercise programs, justifying broader integration into health care for older adults. However, despite these benefits, exercise is far from fully integrated into medical practice for older people. Many healthcare professionals, including geriatricians, need more training to incorporate exercise directly into patient care, whether in settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, or residential care. Education about the use of exercise as isolated or adjunctive treatment for geriatric syndromes and chronic diseases would do much to ease the problems of polypharmacy and widespread prescription of potentially inappropriate medications. This intersection of prescriptive practices and PA/exercise offers a promising approach to enhance the well-being of older adults. An integrated strategy that combines exercise prescriptions with pharmacotherapy would optimize the vitality and functional independence of older people whilst minimizing adverse drug reactions. This consensus provides the rationale for the integration of PA into health promotion, disease prevention, and management strategies for older adults. Guidelines are included for specific modalities and dosages of exercise with proven efficacy in randomized controlled trials. Descriptions of the beneficial physiological changes, attenuation of aging phenotypes, and role of exercise in chronic disease and disability management in older adults are provided. The use of exercise in cardiometabolic disease, cancer, musculoskeletal conditions, frailty, sarcopenia, and neuropsychological health is emphasized. Recommendations to bridge existing knowledge and implementation gaps and fully integrate PA into the mainstream of geriatric care are provided. Particular attention is paid to the need for personalized medicine as it applies to exercise and geroscience, given the inter-individual variability in adaptation to exercise demonstrated in older adult cohorts. Overall, this consensus provides a foundation for applying and extending the current knowledge base of exercise as medicine for an aging population to optimize health span and quality of life.

Menthol Mouth Rinsing Improves Cycling Performance in Trained Adolescent Males Under Heat Stress

PURPOSE

This study investigated the effect of menthol (MEN) mouth rinsing (MR) on cycling performance during a modified variable cycle test (M-VCT) in adolescent athletes under hot conditions (31.4 ± 0.9 °C, 23.4 ± 3.7% relative humidity).

METHODS

Trained adolescent male cyclists (n = 11, 16.7 ± 1.3 years, height 176.6 ± 8.8 cm, body mass 65.8 ± 11.6 kg, maximal oxygen uptake 62.97 ± 7.47 ml·kg-1·min-1) voluntarily completed three trials (familiarization and two experimental) of a 30-min M-VCT, which included five 6-min laps consisting of three 6-s accelerations and three 10-s sprints throughout each lap. In a randomized crossover design, MEN (0.01%) or placebo (PLA) (crystal-light), was swilled for 5 s before the start of each lap (total of 6 MR). Power output, distance (in kilometers), core temperature, heart rate, perceptual exertion, thermal stimulation (thermal comfort and thermal sensation), and blood lactate concentration were recorded.

RESULTS

MEN MR significantly improved M-VCT mean power output by 1.81 ± 1.57% compared to PLA (MEN, 177.8 ± 31.4 W; PLA, 174.7 ± 30.5 W, p < .001, 95% confidence interval [1.73, 4.46], d = 1.53). For maximal intermittent sprints, 6- and 10-s mean power output was significantly higher with MEN than PLA (6 s, p = .041, 95% confidence interval [0.73, 27.19], d = 0.71; 10 s, p = .002, 95% confidence interval [11.08, 35.22], d = 1.29). There was no significant difference in core temperature, heart rate, blood lactate concentration, or any perceptual measure between trials (p > .05) despite significantly higher work with MEN.

CONCLUSION

64% of athletes (7/11) improved M-VCT performance with MEN. The results of this investigation suggest that a MEN MR may improve power output during a sport-specific stochastic cycling task in elite adolescent male cyclists.

Causal effects of sedentary breaks on affective and cognitive parameters in daily life: a within-person encouragement design

Understanding the complex relationship between sedentary breaks, affective well-being and cognition in daily life is critical as modern lifestyles are increasingly characterized by sedentary behavior. Consequently, the World Health Organization, with its slogan "every move counts", emphasizes a central public health goal: reducing daily time spent in sedentary behavior. Previous studies have provided evidence that short sedentary breaks are feasible to integrate into daily life and can improve affective and cognitive parameters. However, observational studies do not allow for causal interpretation. To overcome this limitation, we conducted the first empirical study that integrated the within-person encouragement approach to test the causal effects of short 3-min sedentary breaks on affective and cognitive parameters in daily life. The results suggest that brief sedentary breaks may have a beneficial impact on valence and energetic arousal. Moreover, our methodological approach powerfully demonstrated the possibility of moving towards causal effects in everyday life.

Effects of imposed and self-selected exercise on perceptual and affective responses, muscle function, quality, and functionality of strength training in older women and men: a randomized trial

The objective of the present randomized trial was to verify the effect of twelve weeks of strength training with self-selected and imposed loads on muscle function, functionality, muscle quality, and perceptual and affective responses in elderly men and women. Twenty-four volunteers were divided into two groups of 12 individuals each: self-selected group (SS) (8 women, 4 men; mean age=66.92±6.18 years) and imposed group (IMP) (8 women, 4 men; mean age=65.33±2.42 years). The strength exercise program lasted 12 weeks (3 d/w). All exercises were performed on machines. The SS group was instructed to select a weight that would allow them to complete three sets of 10 repetitions, while the IMP group had the load imposed by the researchers following the exercise prescription model recommended by American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Rated perceived exertion (RPE) and affective responses were recorded at the end of each session. Muscle function, functionality, and muscle quality were assessed before and after the intervention. Both groups demonstrated similar improvements in strength and functional capacity. Furthermore, the SS group reported lower RPE and higher affective responses compared to the IMP group at 8-12 weeks. In summary, the findings from this study highlighted the effectiveness of both IMP and SS intensity resistance training programs in enhancing muscle strength and functional capacity among older adults.

One hour walk improves inhibitory control and increases prefrontal cortex activation

Regular physical activity is deemed beneficial to physical, cognitive, and emotional health. Walking may be an accessible means of meeting physical activity recommendations and improving cognition. However, exercise effects on cognition are often explored at shorter durations (30 min or less), with fewer studies exploring how cognition is impacted during longer bouts of exercise. 36 (7 women) civilians and active-duty soldiers completed a VO2 max test and two one-hour walks, one at and one below the ventilatory threshold (VT), on separate days. They completed the Go/No-Go and Task-Switching Tasks before, every 15 min during, and immediately after exercise, while wearing a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) system to monitor prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity. Response speed during the Go/No-Go task was improved at VT compared to sub-VT at the expense of task accuracy. FP cortex was deactivated during exercise in the Task-Switching Task, potentially due to the increased competition for resources between the frontal cortex and movement related areas. As a result, exercise at or below VT may improve or impair cognitive performance and activation in executive function-related areas depending on the task type and exercise intensity level.

Acute effects of outdoor versus indoor exercise: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Exercise and nature exposure are independently recognised for their positive relationship with health, but their combined effects are not fully understood. The present review summarises the evidence that compares physiological and perceptual differences of a single bout of exercise performed outdoors versus indoors. Nine databases were searched for articles published before March 2021 which utilised controlled designs to assess at least one physiological outcome during or after a single acute bout of outdoor exercise. When appropriate, quantitative analyses were completed. Quality of articles was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. The findings of 38 articles (Total N = 1168) were examined. Participants were primarily healthy. Summarised outcomes included objective exercise intensity, perceived exertion, performance, neuroendocrine and metabolic responses, cardiovascular responses, thermoregulation, enjoyment, intention for future exercise, and perceptions of the environment. Outdoor environments increased enjoyment (N = 234, K = 10, g = 1.24, 95% CI = [0.59, 1.89], p < 0.001). Findings for remaining outcomes were non-significant or inconclusive and challenging to interpret due to high risk of bias. Overall, outdoor exercise appears to feel more enjoyable than indoor exercise when matched for intensity, with equivocal physiological benefit.

Immersive Virtual Reality Decreases Work Rate and Manipulates Attentional Focus During Self-Regulated Vigorous Exercise

To determine the effect of immersive virtual reality use on finishing time of a vigorous-intensity self-regulated exercise task, and on relevant psychological variables. Healthy untrained adults (N = 21; 10 men/11 women; age = 22.9 ± 7.2 years; BMI = 24.0 ± 4.5 kg/m2) completed 1500-m exercise bouts on a rowing ergometer in a counterbalanced and randomized order, with and without use of a headset-delivered virtual reality fitness program. Heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, affective valence, and attentional focus were collected every 300 m, in addition to finishing time. Data were analyzed with repeated measures as appropriate. Intensity of both exercise bouts was considered vigorous according to heart rate results (>77% maximal heart rate). Finishing time was faster in the control condition (449.57 ± 82.39 s) than in the virtual reality condition (463.00 ± 91.78 s), p = .007. Compared to the control condition, the virtual reality condition was characterized by a more external attentional focus (52.38 ± 18.22 vs. 38.76 ± 17.81, p < .001). No differences were observed for remaining variables as a result of condition (p > .05 for all). When a headset-delivered VR program was used during a self-regulated vigorous-intensity exercise task, participants were 13.6 seconds (~3%) slower than in a control condition. Attentional focus was manipulated to be more external with VR use, which may have ultimately distracted from the exercise objective. Recommendations for selecting an appropriate virtual reality experience for a given exercise task are discussed.

Effects of high intensity interval training and moderate intensity continuous training on enjoyment and affective responses in overweight or obese people: a meta-analysis

Background

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) have demonstrated significant potential for enhancing physical and mental health. However, their respective effects on enjoyment and affective responses remain contentious.

Objective

The objective of this meta-analysis is to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of HIIT and MICT on enjoyment and affective responses in overweight or obese people, and to find the most appropriate exercise mode for overweight or obese people.

Materials and methods

This study was conducted following PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. A comprehensive search was performed across databases including Cochrane, EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science, with a cutoff date of August 2024. Data extraction and organization were carried out using Excel, and Review manager was used to evaluate the quality of the literature and to analyze and process the data. The Stata was used to test publication bias.

Results

A total of 16 articles were included in the literature, and a total of 537 participants met the inclusion criteria, including 213 participants in HIIT, 183 participants in MICT, 84 participants in alternating HIIT and MICT, and 57 participants in other forms of intervention (self-selected intensity exercise, very-high-intensity interval exercise, repetitive sprint training, and blank control). All study participants were between the ages of 18-70 years old, and the duration of the intervention ranged from 1 to 16 weeks. Enjoyment and affective effects of HIIT and MICT were analyzed using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale, Feeling Scale and Felt Arousal Scale.

Conclusion

Both HIIT and MICT can bring about similar enjoyable and positive affective responses in overweight and obese people, HIIT caused participants to experience higher enjoyment and similar affect responses compared to MICT.

The chain-mediating effects of negative physical sensation and experiential avoidance on exercise anxiety in college students

Purpose

The present study aimed to explore the potential mediating role of negative physical sensation and experiential avoidance in the association between endurance exercise and exercise anxiety among university students.

Method

In this study, a questionnaire method was employed to conduct the Adolescent Athlete Non-Intellectual Factors Survey Scale on 1,200 college students. From this sample, 287 individuals with exercise anxiety were identified through an endurance exercise test and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II) subsequently administered as well as The Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE). Subsequently, statistical analyses including correlation, regression, and mediation were performed using SPSS26 as the analytical tool. Additionally, the bias-corrected nonparametric percentile Bootstrap method was used to test for the mediating effects and estimate the confidence intervals with 5,000 iterations, and the confidence interval (CI) was set at 95%. Finally, in AMOS24, a mediating construct was established by incorporating exercise anxiety as the dependent variable, endurance exercise behavior as the independent variable, and negative physical sensations and experiential avoidance as the mediating variables (R = 0.619, R 2 = 0.384). A path analytic procedure was employed to test the hypotheses while percentile bootstrap analysis was conducted to examine the indirect effects.

Results

The results show that endurance exercise negatively predicts negative physical sensations (β = -0.48, p < 0.001), negative physical sensation positively predicts experiential avoidance (β = 0.36, p < 0.001) and exercise anxiety (β = 0.40, p < 0.001), and experiential avoidance positively predicts exercise anxiety (β = 0.26, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

There were significant correlations among endurance exercise, negative physical sensation, experiential avoidance and exercise anxiety. Endurance exercise affects exercise anxiety through two ways: (1) endurance exercise → negative physical sensation → exercise anxiety; (2) endurance exercise → negative physical sensation → experiential avoidance → exercise anxiety. Negative physical sensations and experiential avoidance play mediating and chain-mediating roles between endurance exercise and exercise anxiety.

Effects of 10 weeks of walking-based exercise training on resting substrate oxidation in postmenopausal women with obesity

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Accumulating evidence supports the effectiveness of moderate-intensity aerobic training on metabolic health, with limited studies investigating change in resting substrate oxidation. The aim of this study was to explore whether 10 weeks of walking-based aerobic training would alter substrate oxidation in postmenopausal women with obesity.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Twenty-four postmenopausal women with obesity who were assigned into the control (n = 12) or exercise groups (n = 12) undertook a 10-week aerobic training program (3 d·week-1) that involved walking exercises at 50-70% of heart rate reserve on a treadmill, with exercise volume increased from 25 to 40 min·day-1. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) and body composition were measured pre- and post-training. Whole-body substrate oxidation was calculated using respiratory data collected during RMR measurement via indirect calorimetry. No significant change was noted (p > 0.05) in resting fat oxidation and carbohydrate oxidation in the exercise group. Resting respiratory exchange ratio and RMR did not alter in response to the training program (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our results show that a 10-week of moderate-intensity aerobic training does not modify substrate oxidation in postmenopausal women with obesity.

Investigating the causal impact of different types of physical activity on psychiatric disorders across life stages: A Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Psychiatric disorders, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, anxiety disorders, and dementia, manifest differently across life stages, impacting cognitive, emotional, and behavioral health. Understanding the causal relationships between various types of physical activity and these disorders is crucial for developing targeted interventions.

METHODS

The summary level data from GWAS was utilized to conduct a two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis. We assessed the potential causal relationships between different types of physical activity including light do it yourself (DIY) activities, heavy DIY activities, strenuous sports, and aerobic exercises/other exercises and the prevalence of psychiatric disorders (ADHD, depression, anxiety disorders, and dementia) across different life stages.

RESULTS

The MR analysis showed no causal relationship between light DIY activities and any of the psychiatric disorders studied. Heavy DIY activities showed a significant negative association with anxiety disorders but no links with ADHD, depression, or dementia. Strenuous sports did not demonstrate any causal relationship with the psychiatric disorders examined. Aerobic exercises were notably correlated with a reduced risk of depression, although no significant associations were found with ADHD, anxiety disorders, or dementia.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicate that heavy DIY activities might contribute to reducing anxiety disorders, while aerobic exercises potentially lower the risk of depression. These results emphasize the potential benefits of promoting specific types of physical activity to improve mental health outcomes across different life stages. Future research could further investigate the mechanisms underlying these relationships and consider diverse populations and objective measures of physical activity.

Examining mindfulness as a strategy to improve the exercise experience

Mounting evidence shows that positive affective responses to exercise can facilitate continued engagement. Numerous strategies (e.g., mindfulness, music) have been proposed to improve how people feel during exercise. Mindfulness research has primarily occurred in laboratory settings, and the present study sought to examine the effects of listening to a mindfulness recording during a self-paced walk outdoors. It was hypothesized that the mindfulness condition would elicit more positive affective responses during and after exercise and lead to greater associative attentional focus compared to a control condition. Thirty-four participants (Mage = 26.62, SD = 3.28 years), divided into two groups (mindfulness recording vs. control), individually completed a self-paced 1.5 mile walk through a park. Participants in the experimental condition listened to a mindfulness recording via headphones during the walk. Feeling Scale scores during exercise indicated greater pleasure (p < .001, ηp2 = .36), and Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale scores revealed greater enjoyment in the mindfulness group (p < .001, d = 1.50); there were no differences in attentional focus between groups (p = .120, ηp2 = .07). Both conditions were considered pleasant, and results support the use of mindfulness to further enhance pleasure and enjoyment during a low-to-moderate intensity outdoor walk.

Influence of running on incidental and integral vitality and fatigue: An intensive longitudinal intervention in young Women's daily life

Exercise intensity and perceived autonomy are important factors for the affective response toward exercise and adherence. Dual-mode theory suggests an inverted-J response curve of affect with increased exercise intensity, but little is known about how different running programs affect the affective response and subsequent incidental affect in daily life. This ambulatory assessment study examines the short- to long-term effects of two 8-week running interventions (affect-based vs. polarized-prescribed) on subjective vitality and perceived fatigue in young female novices. Participants engaged in 3 × 30 minute running sessions weekly in their natural environments and completed electronic diaries three times daily. Autoregressive multilevel models indicate small effects of training intensity on immediate affective subjective vitality (ß = -2.37; p = .03; f2 = 0.02) but negligible non-significant effects on fatigue (ß = 0.26; p = 0.12; f2 = 0.002). Novices experienced increased vitality throughout the day when their running was evaluated positively (ß = 0.23; p = .03; f2 = 0.04), with effects lasting over two days before returning to baseline (ß = -0.26; p < .001; f2 = 0.004). However, no significant long-term effects were observed over 8 weeks in vitality or fatigue. Results indicate between- and within-person variations, but limited sample power does not allow differentiating between programs. This study supports the dual-mode theory and highlights the importance of distinguishing affective response from incidental affect.

A study on acute expectation effects on affective state and intention after a brief full-body workout in a student sample

Brief exercise bouts can have positive effects on the affective state, which in turn could affect the intention for future exercise. Such benefits may be enhanced by manipulating expectations. The aim of this study was to examine whether the affective state after physical activity or the intention for future exercise can be influenced by manipulating expectations. Furthermore, the relationship between affect and intention was investigated. In an online experiment, 121 persons completed either a 10-minute workout (PA), a workout after manipulation of expectations (PA + EM), or a control intervention (CG) after randomized group allocation. Data on affective state, expectations, and intention were collected before and after the intervention using questionnaires. After intervention, PA groups showed significantly more positive values than CG in several affective parameters, in other affective parameters, only PA + EM differed from CG. Affect was positively associated with intention alongside outcome expectations. No difference was found in intention. Although no significant effects of expectation manipulation on affective state or intention were found, latent effects cannot be ruled out. Further exploration of the importance of word choice in describing physical activity in the context of interventions to increase physical activity is necessary. Here, affect should be considered.

Protocol for a randomized controlled trial: exercise-priming of CBT for depression (the CBT+ trial)

BACKGROUND

Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide, and treatments could be more effective. Identifying methods to improve treatment success has the potential to reduce disease burden dramatically. Preparing or "priming" someone to respond more effectively to psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy [CBT]) by preceding sessions with aerobic exercise, a powerful neurobiological activator, could enhance the success of the subsequently performed therapy. However, the success of this priming approach for increasing engagement of working mechanisms of psychotherapy (e.g., increased working alliance and behavioral activation) has yet to be formally tested.

METHODS

The CBT + trial will be a parallel-arm randomized controlled trial that will recruit 40 adult participants with DSM-5 diagnosed depression (verified with clinical interview) via referrals, mass emails, local flyers, and social media posts. Participants will be randomized to an ActiveCBT or CalmCBT condition. The ActiveCBT group will receive an 8-week CBT intervention primed with 30 min of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (cycling on a stationary bike at a 13 rating of perceived exertion). The CalmCBT group will receive the same 8-week CBT intervention while resting for 30 min before CBT (i.e., cycling vs no cycling is the only difference). The primary outcome measures will be mean working alliance (assessed with the client version of the Working Alliance Inventory-Short Revised) and mean behavioral activation (self-reported Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale) recorded at each of the 8 therapy sessions. Secondary outcomes include evaluation of state anhedonia and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor before the active/calm conditions, between the condition and therapy, and after the therapy. Additional exploratory analyses will evaluate group differences in algorithm-generated ratings of therapist-participant interactions via the Lyssn platform.

DISCUSSION

The novel approach of priming CBT with moderate-intensity aerobic exercise evaluated in a randomized controlled trial (CBT + trial) has the potential to demonstrate the usefulness of exercise as an augmentation strategy that improves working mechanisms of therapy and overall treatment outcomes for adults with depression.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06001346 . Registered on August 21, 2023.

Differences in motivational dynamics between experienced cyclists and untrained participants during an incremental endurance exercise task

PURPOSE

The conflict between the desire to reduce effort during exercise and the performance goal of the exercise task contributes to explaining endurance exercise performance. However, whether the trajectories of these two motivational responses systematically differ across individuals with different characteristics is poorly understood. The present study examined whether changes in desire to reduce effort and performance goal value across moderate, heavy, and severe exercise intensity domains differed between cyclists and untrained, but active participants.

METHODS

Fifty participants (14 cyclists and 36 untrained) completed an incremental step test on a cycle ergometer, in which work rate was increased by 25 W every 4 min until voluntary exhaustion. Desire to reduce effort, performance goal value, and blood lactate concentration (for determination of exercise intensity domains) were measured every 4 min and the data were analysed using multilevel modelling.

RESULTS

Desire to reduce effort increased quicker for untrained participants in the moderate exercise intensity domain (b = 1.66, p < .001) and across the whole trial (b = 1.64, p < .001), compared to cyclists (b = .69, and b = 1.14, respectively, both p < .001). Untrained participants reported similar performance goal value at the beginning of the trial (b = 16.02, p < .001), compared to cyclists (b = 17.25, p < .001). Beyond moderate intensities, the performance goal value decreased significantly for the untrained participants (b = -.70, p < .001) but significantly increased for cyclists (b = .45, p = .01). This pattern was also observed when focusing solely on the severe intensity domain (cyclists: b = .90, p < .001; untrained: b = -.84, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

There are distinct differences in the desire to reduce effort and performance goal value between cyclists and untrained athletes. Identifying these systematic differences enhances the credibility of the desire-goal conflict framework in explaining endurance performance and provides insight into the type and timing of interventions that might be successful in improving performance.

Acute psycho-physiological responses to submaximal constant-load cycling under intermittent hypoxia-hyperoxia vs. hypoxia-normoxia in young males

Background

Hypoxia and hyperoxia can affect the acute psycho-physiological response to exercise. Recording various perceptual responses to exercise is of particular importance for investigating behavioral changes to physical activity, given that the perception of exercise-induced pain, discomfort or unpleasure, and a low level of exercise enjoyment are commonly associated with a low adherence to physical activity. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the acute perceptual and physiological responses to aerobic exercise under intermittent hypoxia-hyperoxia (IHHT), hypoxia-normoxia (IHT), and sustained normoxia (NOR) in young, recreational active, healthy males.

Methods

Using a randomized, single-blinded, crossover design, 15 males (age: 24.5 ± 4.2 yrs) performed 40 min of submaximal constant-load cycling (at 60% peak oxygen uptake, 80 rpm) under IHHT (5 × 4 min hypoxia and hyperoxia), IHT (5 × 4 min hypoxia and normoxia), and NOR. Inspiratory fraction of oxygen during hypoxia and hyperoxia was set to 14% and 30%, respectively. Heart rate (HR), total hemoglobin (tHb) and muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) of the right vastus lateralis muscle were continuously recorded during cycling. Participants' peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and perceptual responses (i.e., perceived motor fatigue, effort perception, perceived physical strain, affective valence, arousal, motivation to exercise, and conflict to continue exercise) were surveyed prior, during (every 4 min), and after cycling. Prior to and after exercise, peripheral blood lactate concentration (BLC) was determined. Exercise enjoyment was ascertained after cycling. For statistical analysis, repeated measures analyses of variance were conducted.

Results

No differences in the acute perceptual responses were found between conditions (p ≥ 0.059, ηp 2 ≤ 0.18), while the physiological responses differed. Accordingly, SpO2 was higher during the hyperoxic periods during the IHHT compared to the normoxic periods during the IHT (p < 0.001, ηp 2 = 0.91). Moreover, HR (p = 0.005, ηp 2 = 0.33) and BLC (p = 0.033, ηp 2 = 0.28) were higher during IHT compared to NOR. No differences between conditions were found for changes in tHb (p = 0.684, ηp 2 = 0.03) and SmO2 (p = 0.093, ηp 2 = 0.16).

Conclusion

IHT was associated with a higher physiological response and metabolic stress, while IHHT did not lead to an increase in HR and BLC compared to NOR. In addition, compared to IHT, IHHT seems to improve reoxygenation indicated by a higher SpO2 during the hyperoxic periods. However, there were no differences in perceptual responses and ratings of exercise enjoyment between conditions. These results suggest that replacing normoxic by hyperoxic reoxygenation-periods during submaximal constant-load cycling under intermittent hypoxia reduced the exercise-related physiological stress but had no effect on perceptual responses and perceived exercise enjoyment in young recreational active healthy males.

Running toward substance use recovery: Does delay discounting mediate the relationship between physical activity and quality of life?

Background

Recovery from substance use disorders is multifactorial with psychosocial functioning, such as quality of life (QOL), playing a particularly important role. Delay discounting, the degree to which individuals devaluate a reinforcer as a function of the delay to its receipt, is associated with QOL. Moreover, evidence shows that physical activity may decrease delay discounting rates. The present study aims to examine associations among physical activity, delay discounting, and QOL, and investigate the mediating role of delay discounting in the relationship between physical activity and QOL domains.

Methods

Data was collected from the International Quit & Recovery Registry (IQRR), and comprised of 267 participants (67% women) who reported being in recovery from substance use disorders. Participants completed the Health Behaviors Questionnaire (physical activity was measured using the fitness domain), a delay discounting minute task (higher delay discounting rates indicate a preference for smaller, sooner rewards), the World Health Organization QOL questionnaire, as well as demographics and substance use disorders-related questions. Multivariate linear regression was used to test associations between physical activity with delay discounting, and physical activity with each QOL domain. Mediation analyses were conducted to evaluate the mediating role of delay discounting in the relationship between physical activity and QOL domain.

Results

Higher levels of physical activity were associated with greater valuation of the future (lower delay discounting rates; p<.001) and higher levels of physical (p < .001), and environmental (p=.001) QOL. Delay discounting mediated the relationship between physical activity and physical (p=.004), and environmental (p<.001) QOL.

Conclusion

Physical activity can be an important tool in the treatment and recovery of substance use disorders, as it is associated with future-oriented choices, which in turn contributes to improving the QOL of those individuals.

Leisure-time physical activity motives and perceived gains for individuals with spinal cord injury

STUDY DESIGN

Longitudinal cross-sectional.

OBJECTIVES

To examine motives to, and perceived gains from, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) in people with spinal cord injury (SCI).

SETTING

Community.

METHODS

One hundred and five physically active individuals with SCI undertook an online survey and a semi-structured interview. The Exercise Motives and Gains Inventory was used to examine the movies towards, and the gains from LTPA, and the Leisure-time Physical Activity Questionnaire was administered via interview to gather LTPA data. A cross-sectional analysis, which included descriptive, inferential, and regression statistics, was conducted on all participants, physical activity (PA) guideline adherers and PA guideline non-adherers.

RESULTS

The most common motives for LTPA were improvements in health and fitness, management of appearance and weight, and avoidance of illness. The most common gains from LTPA included improved health, fitness, strength and endurance, increased nimbleness, and enjoyment and revitalisation.

CONCLUSIONS

Whilst health enhancement appears to be a significant motivator for LTPA, other psychosocial aspects, such as affiliation and revitalisation, appear to influence engagement and volume of LTPA. Regular LTPA should be encouraged for its health benefits, and emphasis should be placed on promoting its ability to reduce illness, facilitate affiliation, and manage stress.

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 = 0.046), 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.

Music and Caffeine Intake Effects on Gait, and Its Relationship with Psychological Parameters, in Middle-Aged Women

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the combined effects of caffeine intake and listening to music on walking parameters, and its relationship with psychological variables (fatigue and exercise enjoyment) in middle-aged women.

Patients and Methods

Sixteen healthy middle-aged women, aged between 50 and 60 years old, participated in this study. Their walking parameters (distance, number of steps, steps number/minute, cadence and walking speed) were assessed using the 6-minute walking test (6MWT) in four task conditions: in no-music/no-caffeine, no-music/with caffeine, with music/no-caffeine, and with music/with caffeine conditions. Besides, exercise enjoyment and fatigue were evaluated using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES-8) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) questionnaires, respectively.

Results

As a result, we found that 100 mg of caffeine intake significantly (p < 0.05) improved walking parameters such as distance, cadence and number of steps during both simple (p < 0.05) and dual-task, while listening to preferred music, where optimal results were found (p < 0.01) with a large effect size (η2p >0.14). Listening to music was sufficient to significantly improve the distance (p < 0.001), cadence (p < 0.001), and walking speed (p < 0.05) values. Besides, both caffeine intake and/or listening to music significantly (p < 0.05 with large effect size (η2p >0.14)) decreased the feeling of fatigue and increased exercise enjoyment while walking in healthy middle-aged women.

Conclusion

In conclusion, caffeine intake seems to positively influence gait capacities, and its combined effects with listening to music, mainly preferred ones, would boost these beneficial effects in middle-aged women.

Brain mechanisms discriminating enactive mental simulations of running and plogging

Enactive cognition emphasizes co-constructive roles of humans and their environment in shaping cognitive processes. It is specifically engaged in the mental simulation of behaviors, enhancing the connection between perception and action. Here we investigated the core network of brain regions involved in enactive cognition as applied to mental simulations of physical exercise. We used a neuroimaging paradigm in which participants (N = 103) were required to project themselves running or plogging (running while picking-up litter) along an image-guided naturalistic trail. Using both univariate and multivariate brain imaging analyses, we find that a broad spectrum of brain activation discriminates between the mental simulation of plogging versus running. Critically, we show that self-reported ratings of daily life running engagement and the quality of mental simulation (how well participants were able to imagine themselves running) modulate the brain reactivity to plogging versus running. Finally, we undertook functional connectivity analyses centered on the insular cortex, which is a key region in the dynamic interplay between neurocognitive processes. This analysis revealed increased positive and negative patterns of insular-centered functional connectivity in the plogging condition (as compared to the running condition), thereby confirming the key role of the insular cortex in action simulation involving complex sets of mental mechanisms. Taken together, the present findings provide new insights into the brain networks involved in the enactive mental simulation of physical exercise.

Physical Activity and Subjective Vitality in Female University Students: The Mediating Role of Decisional Balance and Enjoyment of the Activity

Regular physical activity (PA) improves the psychological well-being of those who practice it. However, female university students are a risk group due to their low level of PA. Based on the transtheoretical model of behavioural change, the main aim of this study was to examine whether the relationship between PA and subjective vitality was mediated by cognitive-emotional variables such as decisional balance (perceived benefits and barriers) and enjoyment associated with PA in a group of female university students. Participants were asked to complete self-administered questionnaires, which were available for one month via a Google Form. The results showed the existence of a statistically significant, relative, and indirect effect between the stage of change and subjective vitality via both mediating variables. Compared to females in the pre-contemplation stage, those in the action and maintenance stages achieved higher subjective vitality scores as a result of the effect of being in a more advanced stage on decisional balance and enjoyment of PA. It is concluded that female university students who reported regular PA found the activity to be more revitalising, stimulating, and exciting; all positive feelings and cognitions that translated into a more energetic and vital perception of themselves.

The Impact of Virtual Reality Intervention on Emotion Regulation and Executive Functions in Autistic Children

Introduction: Autistic children may encounter difficulties in managing emotions and executive functions (EFs), which can contribute to mental and health challenges. Recognizing physical activities as a potential strategy for enhancing emotion regulation (ER), this study aims to investigate the efficacy of a virtual reality (VR)-based physical exercise program in improving ER and EFs among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Materials and Methods: Forty boys diagnosed with ASD, aged 7 to 10 years, were randomly assigned to two groups: a VR intervention group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). The intervention group participated in a VR program, while the control group solely concentrated on engaging in sedentary and inactive video gaming. EFs were evaluated through the utilization of both the flanker task and the Wisconsin card sorting task, both administered initially at baseline and subsequently after an 8-week interval. In addition, the parents of the children completed the Emotion Regulation Checklist to evaluate their ER skills. Results: According to the results, a significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of EFs and the ability to regulate emotion (P < 0.05). The intervention group demonstrated a notable improvement in ER skills and exhibited superior executive functioning abilities compared with the control group. Conclusion: It appears that VR exercises can serve as a preliminary trial to enhance EFs and ER in children with autism. In addition, they may prove effective as complementary interventions to traditional educational strategies in preventing future challenges associated with ASD.

Individualized pleasure-oriented exercise sessions, exercise frequency, and affective outcomes: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Affective responses are increasingly recognized as potentially effective intervention targets that may facilitate exercise and physical activity behavior change. While emerging correlational evidence suggests that more pleasant affective responses are associated with higher participation and adherence, experimental evidence remains scarce. In light of this, we conducted a preregistered, pragmatic, single-blinded, superiority randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups, with the goal of determining the impact of an individualized exercise-intensity prescription targeting pleasure on exercise frequency.

METHODS

Forty-seven non-regular exercisers were randomized into two groups. For both groups, the intervention consisted of three exercise sessions based on the Frequency-Intensity-Time-Type (FITT) principle. However, the experimental group also received an individualized intensity prescription based on prior assessment of preference for and tolerance of exercise intensity, as well as instructions emphasizing the promotion of pleasure as a basis for self-regulating exercise intensity. The primary outcome was gymnasium attendance over an eight-week follow-up period. Secondary outcomes were affective valence and arousal, post-exercise enjoyment, core affective exercise experiences, and anticipated and remembered affect.

RESULTS

Forty-six participants were retained for analysis (Mage = 32.00; SD = 8.62 years; 56.5% female). Compared to the control group, the experimental group exhibited 77% higher session attendance (14.35 vs. 8.13 sessions) over the eight-week follow-up period (group main effect p = .018, η2p = .120; Cohen's d ranged from 0.28 to 0.91 during follow-up). Also, the experimental group reported higher levels of pleasure during the intervention sessions (for all group main effects, p < .001, η2p from .33 to .37) and higher levels of remembered pleasure (group main effect p = .021, η2p = .116) and anticipated pleasure (group main effect p = .022, η2p = .114). No harm was detected.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate the practicality and effectiveness of an intervention aimed at enhancing affective responses to exercise in improving short-term session attendance.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrial.gov NCT05416593.

Effects of Different Weekly Set Volumes on Strength and Perceptual Responses in Athletes

This study investigated the effects of different resistance training (RT) volumes quantified by weekly sets at high intensity (load and effort) on dynamic strength adaptations and psychophysiological responses in trained individuals. Twenty-four athletes were randomly allocated to three groups that performed three (3 S, n=8), six (6 S, n=8), and nine (9 S, n=8) weekly sets, respectively, three times a week on the barbell back squat and bench press during an 8-week period. While all groups showcased strength gains (p<0.05), post hoc comparisons revealed that 6 S and 9 S elicited greater strength adaptations than 3 S in barbell back squat (p=0.027 and p=0.004, respectively) and bench press (p=0.001 and p=0.044, respectively). There were no differences between 6 S and 9 S conditions for back squat (p=0.999) and bench press (p=0.378). Although a time effect was observed for Session-RPE (p=0.014) and Total Quality Recovery scale (p=0.020), psychophysiological responses were similar among groups. Our findings suggest that performing six and nine weekly sets at high intensities led to greater strength gains compared to three weekly sets in strength-trained individuals, despite similar psychophysiological responses.

Professional long distance runners achieve high efficiency at the cost of weak orbital stability

Successful performance in long distance race requires both high efficiency and stability. Previous research has demonstrated the high running efficiency of trained runners, but no prior study quantitatively addressed their orbital stability. In this study, we evaluated the efficiency and orbital stability of 8 professional long-distance runners and compared them with those of 8 novices. We calculated the cost of transport and normalized mechanical energy to assess physiological and mechanical running efficiency, respectively. We quantified orbital stability using Floquet Multipliers, which assess how fast a system converges to a limit cycle under perturbations. Our results show that professional runners run with significantly higher physiological and mechanical efficiency but with weaker orbital stability compared to novices. This finding is consistent with the inevitable trade-off between efficiency and stability; increase in orbital stability necessitates increase in energy dissipation. We suggest that professional runners have developed the ability to exploit inertia beneficially, enabling them to achieve higher efficiency partly at the cost of sacrificing orbital stability.

Why should the Next Generation of Youth Guidelines Prioritize Vigorous Physical Activity?

The health benefits of regular physical activity (PA) in youth are well-documented. Yet the adherence rate to PA guidelines among youth worldwide is alarmingly deficient with only 19% of youth worldwide adhering to the World Health Organization guidelines. This is reflective of a global proliferation of a physical inactivity pandemic among youth. The negative consequences of physical inactivity on health are profound, as they threaten to persist into adulthood, exacerbating the burden of preventable health issues. There is persuasive evidence that vigorous PA generates physical fitness and health benefits surpassing those of low- or moderate-intensity activity in youth. In addition, indications show that the adherence rate to vigorous PA among youth exceeds that relative to for low- or moderate-intensity activity. As a result, promoting vigorous PA can help mitigate the global issue of low adherence to PA in youth. Therefore, in this Current Opinion paper, we argue that vigorous PA, compared to low or moderate-intensity activity, holds greater significance for youth's health and physical fitness. Additionally, the potential implications derived from the existing evidence regarding vigorous PA on the current guidelines for youth are discussed.

Solving the High-Intensity Multimodal Training Prescription Puzzle: A Systematic Mapping Review

BACKGROUND

High-Intensity Multimodal Training (HIMT) refers to all styles of high-intensity combined aerobic, resistance and/or bodyweight exercise. Previous heterogeneity in exercise prescription and reporting in HIMT reduces the understanding of which factors should be considered when prescribing HIMT (e.g., exercise volume, intensity, duration). Previous studies have demonstrated positive effects of HIMT on health and performance outcomes. However, methodological disparities limit comparisons between findings. The objective of this systematic mapping review was to examine which prescriptive considerations and health and performance outcomes have been reported on in HIMT. This review also examined the quantity and trends of research conducted on HIMT.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted using Ovid Medline, SPORTDiscus and Cochrane Library databases and additional sources to identify studies up until February 2023. A total of 37,090 records were retrieved, of which 220 were included for review. 246 individual HIMT protocols were included for categorical analysis against the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) and Applied Research Model for the Sport Sciences (ARMSS).

RESULTS

A total of 85 unique terms were used to describe HIMT. Included studies most commonly prescribed HIMT using a consistent exercise selection and circuit format. Exercise intensity was inconsistently reported on and a large proportion of studies prescribed 'high-intensity' exercise at a level lower than the American College of Sports Medicine criteria for high-intensity (i.e., < 77% heart rate maximum). Participation location, supervision and participation format were the most commonly reported non-training variables. The most frequently reported outcomes were cardiovascular health, perceptual outcomes, body composition and biochemical outcomes. A large proportion of previous HIMT research was experimental in design.

CONCLUSIONS

Previous HIMT research demonstrates a lack of standardisation in reporting. Future studies should seek to follow guidelines (i.e., CERT) to improve reporting rigour. Additionally, forthcoming research should attempt to actively involve practitioners in implementation studies to improve ecological validity among interventions. Finally, future outcome measures should be accessible in practice and reflect common training goals of participants.

REGISTRATION

This review adhered to PRISMA-ScR guidelines.

PREREGISTRATION

osf.io/yknq4.

Exploring person-specific associations of situational motivation and readiness with leisure-time physical activity effort and experience

Identifying determinants of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) often relies on population-level (nomothetic) averages, potentially overlooking person-specific (idiographic) associations. This study uses an idiographic perspective to explore how subjective readiness and motives for LTPA relate to volitional effort (duration, intensity) and affective experience (pleasure, displeasure). We also highlight the potential for different interpretations when data are averaged within individuals and assessed using a variable-centered approach. Participants (N = 22, 25±8 years old, 54.5% women) were asked to continue their regular PA patterns for 10 weeks. Ecological momentary assessment procedures allowed participants to provide pre-activity reports (physical, cognitive, emotional readiness and situational motive for activity) and post-activity reports (activity type, duration, perceived exertion, ratings of affective valence). Spearman rank correlation was implemented to interpret within- and between-person associations. Data visualization approaches were used to showcase person-specific differences in associations. Participants provided 519 reports of LTPA (24±11 events/person), which displayed between- and within-person variety in type, duration, intensity, and affective experience. Exemplar cases highlight discrepancies in interpretation based on level of analysis, such that the nomothetic association (rho = .42, p = .05; 95% CI -.02, .72) between motive to replenish energy and LTPA duration was observed in only one within-person analysis (41% were weak-to-large inverse effects). Alternatively, the negligible nomothetic association (rho = .02, p = .93; 95% CI -.41, .44) between physical readiness and LTPA-related affect did not reflect the 59% of within-person analyses showing moderate-to-large, positive effects. Future research aiming to identify determinants of LTPA effort and experience should integrate contemporary, idiographic analyses in early-stage research for developing person-specific strategies for LTPA promotion.

Cognitive reappraisal and affective response to physical activity: associations with physical activity behavior

OBJECTIVE

Cognitive reappraisal (CR), as an adaptive emotion regulation strategy, may play a role in transforming affect in a positive direction during or after exercise, thereby supporting physical activity (PA) adherence. The present study aimed to test the associations among PA, CR frequency, and affective response to PA, and further to examine the role of CR on PA behavior through affective response.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 105 adults, 74 of whom were women, with a mean age of 25.91. Self-report scales were used to measure PA, CR, and affective response to PA. Along with scales, demographic questions on age, sex, and education level were included. Data was collected via an online questionnaire.

RESULTS

The frequency of CR use was positively associated with affective response, and affective response with PA behavior. Mediation analysis revealed that affective response mediated the relationship between CR and PA.

DISCUSSION

Results were in the expected direction demonstrating the mediating role of affective response between CR and PA which implies that PA adherence might be facilitated by CR engagement. PA intervention programs should consider implementing CR ability and use frequency improving techniques.

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.

Why people should run after positive affective experiences instead of health benefits

•Promoting health benefits is necessary but insufficient to foster sustained engagement in physical activity (PA). •Our formal decision-making model explains why health benefits hold a weak subjective value. •In this model, expected health benefits are jointly discounted by effort-discounting, delay-discounting, and beliefs distortion. •In contrast, positive affective experiences toward PA can reduce the perception of effort, provide more immediate consequences, and strengthen beliefs about health benefits. •Because affective experiences have the potential to tip the balance in favor of PA over sedentary alternatives, they should be at the core of PA promotion.

The effects of affect-guided interval training on pleasure, enjoyment, and autonomy: A registered report

This registered report tested the effects of a novel exercise protocol, namely affect-guided interval training, on motivationally relevant variables of remembered pleasure, forecasted pleasure, enjoyment, and autonomy. Affect-guided interval training (AIT) consisted of 60-s intervals that alternated between the highest pleasant intensity and lowest pleasant intensity for 20 min; this was intended to minimize the potential displeasure of traditional high-intensity interval training. The novel protocol was compared to self-selected exercise intensity (30 min) and high-intensity interval training (60-s intervals for 20 min). All sessions were, on average, vigorous in intensity (80-89% peak heart rate). Data indicate that the AIT session was experienced as the most pleasant, had the most pleasant slope of affect, was remembered as the most pleasant, resulted in the most positive affective forecasts, and was the most enjoyable. Both the affect-guided interval session and self-selected exercise session resulted in greater autonomy than high-intensity interval training. Several evaluative and motivationally relevant variables, including (a) remembered pleasure, (b) enjoyment, and (c) forecasted pleasure were predicted by (a) experienced pleasure, the (b) pleasure experienced at the end of exercise, and (c) the slope of pleasure experienced throughout the exercise session. Overall, this study suggests that affect-guided interval training is a feasible and positive alternative that can be included as a viable option for exercise programming.

Affective Responses to Acute Exercise: A Meta-Analysis of the Potential Beneficial Effects of a Single Bout of Exercise on General Mood, Anxiety, and Depressive Symptoms

OBJECTIVE

Acute exercise elicits various biobehavioral and psychological responses, but results are mixed with regard to the magnitude of exercise-induced affective reactions. This meta-analysis examines the magnitude of general mood state, anxiety, and depressive symptom responses to acute exercise while exploring exercise protocol characteristics and background health behaviors that may play a role in the affective response.

METHODS

A total of 2770 articles were identified from a MEDLINE/PubMed search and an additional 133 articles from reviews of reference sections. Studies had to have measured general mood before the acute exercise bout and within 30 minutes after exercise completion. Effect sizes were estimated using Hedges' g , with larger values indicating improvement in the outcome measure.

RESULTS

A total of 103 studies were included presenting data from 4671 participants. General mood state improved from preexercise to postexercise ( g = 0.336, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.234-0.439). Anxiety ( g = 0.497, 95% CI = 0.263-0.730) and depressive symptoms ( g = 0.407, 95% CI = 0.249-0.564) also improved with exercise. There was substantial and statistically significant heterogeneity in each of these meta-analyses. This heterogeneity was not explained by differences in participants' health status. Meta-regression analyses with potential moderators (intensity of exercise, mode of exercise, usual physical activity level, or weight status of participants) also did not reduce the heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis shows significantly improved general mood, decreased anxiety, and lower depressive symptoms in response to an acute bout of exercise. There was substantial heterogeneity in the magnitude of the effect sizes, indicating that additional research is needed to identify determinants of a positive affective response to acute exercise.

Exploring the Reasons for Preferring Digital Games Over Physical Activity Games in Adolescents: A Qualitative Study

PURPOSE

In the current world, adolescents are less likely to turn to physical activity games and often prefer to spend more time in the technological and digital world and have fun with digital games. This study aimed to explore reasons for preferring digital games to physical activity games in adolescents.

METHODS

Twenty-one adolescents participated in this qualitative study. The participants' age ranged from 11 to 19 who participated in semistructured interviews. The recorded interviews underwent thematic analysis to identify overall themes.

RESULTS

Five overall themes were identified from the interviews regarding reasons for preferring digital games over physical activity games. Identified themes included game characteristics, game space, game outcomes, peer pressure, and accessibility.

DISCUSSION

The findings of this research contribute to design adolescent-centered interventions that sustain/increase adolescents' interest in physical activity games and protect them from excessive/harmful use of digital games.

Commentary on "Why people should run after positive affective experiences instead of health benefits"

•Discussing the construction of theoretical models from a multidisciplinary perspective is an innovative and impactful approach that enhances our understanding of the motivations behind physical activity. Of note, the real impact of variables would vary under different circumstances. •When facing conflicting behavioral choices, the reason for selection may be based on their subjective value. Quantifying the level of subjective value provides a foundation for a deeper understanding of situated decisions. •The emotional experiences of positive or negative affect during exercise are likely to impact individuals’ engagement in physical activity, and this aspect should be taken into consideration.

Examining the effects of increasing then decreasing exercise intensity within a session of aerobic exercise

Recent studies have examined the relations between the slope of pleasure experienced during exercise and remembered pleasure, forecasted pleasure, and enjoyment.

OBJECTIVES

This study advances this line of research by examining the effects of exposing participants to exercise that increases in intensity and then decreases in intensity.

METHODS

In a within-subjects design, participants completed three exercise sessions matched for total and average work. One session steadily increased in intensity, another steadily decreased in intensity, and a third increased-then-decreased in intensity. Remembered pleasure, forecasted pleasure, and exercise enjoyment served as primary outcome variables.

RESULTS

Remembered pleasure, forecasted pleasure, and enjoyment did not differ between conditions. Remembered pleasure was positively associated with mean experienced pleasure, the overall slope of pleasure during the exercise session, affect experienced at the end of exercise, forecasted pleasure, accomplishment, and enjoyment.

CONCLUSIONS

These data add to a growing literature on the effects of patterns of exercise intensity on affective responses to exercise. The results are discussed in context of previous and more recent research.