Motivational and evolutionary aspects of a physical exercise training program: a longitudinal study

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Psychology

Background:

• Motivational levels and prior expectations significantly influence commitment to physical activity.
• Existing literature inadequately addresses proximal (Self-Determination Theory) and distal (evolutionary) explanations for these influences.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for designing effective exercise interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if motivation levels and expectations predict adherence to a 1-year exercise program.
• To analyze the relationship between specific expectations (sociability, pleasure) and exercise completion.
• To explore the role of Self-Determination Theory (SDT) in exercise adherence.

Main Methods:

• Ninety-four volunteers completed the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2 (BREQ-2) and the Physical Activity and Exercise Attitude Scale (PAES).
• Participants were categorized into a completed protocol group (CPG; n=21) and a drop-out group (n=73).
• Logistic regression and ROC curve analyses were used to determine predictors of adherence and drop-out.

Main Results:

• The CPG exhibited higher scores for sociability and lower scores for pleasure on the PAES.
• Increased sociability by one point predicted a 10% increase in program completion likelihood.
• Increased pleasure expectation by one point predicted a 16% decrease in program completion likelihood.

Conclusions:

• Expectations of social interaction positively predict adherence to exercise programs.
• Physical activity, viewed through the lens of SDT, serves as a means to achieve autonomy and self-cohesion.
• Integrating physical activity with social practices may enhance engagement and adherence in general populations.