Comparison of perceptual responses between different upper-body sprint interval exercise protocols.

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Human Kinetics

Background:

• Sprint interval exercise (SIE) is an effective training method.
• Perceptual responses during SIE are crucial for adherence and performance.
• Limited research exists on upper-body SIE perceptual responses with matched work/rest ratios.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare perceptual responses to three upper-body SIE protocols with identical work-to-rest ratios (1:3) and total work.
• To investigate the influence of exercise intensity tolerance on affective valence during SIE.
• To examine the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between affective valence and future exercise intentions.

Main Methods:

• Fourteen active men completed three all-out battling rope SIE protocols: P10:30, P15:45, and P30:90.
• During exercise, affective valence (FS), arousal (FAS), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and heart rate (HR) were measured.
• Post-exercise, enjoyment, self-efficacy, and intentions were assessed.

Main Results:

• All protocols elicited similar progressive increases in FAS, RPE, and HR, and a decline in FS, without significant protocol differences.
• Affective valence decreased across all protocols, with no significant differences between them.
• Enjoyment, self-efficacy, and intention did not differ between protocols; however, exercise intensity tolerance moderated the FS-RPE relationship, and self-efficacy mediated the FS-intention link.

Conclusions:

• Upper-body SIE protocols with matched volume and a 1:3 work-to-rest ratio produce comparable perceptual responses.
• Individual tolerance to exercise intensity may predict affective valence fluctuations during SIE.
• Self-efficacy plays a key role in linking affective responses to future exercise intentions in upper-body SIE.