Effects of three low-volume, high-intensity exercise conditions on affective valence

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Behavioral Medicine

Background:

• Lack of time is a primary barrier to regular physical activity.
• Low-volume, high-intensity interval training (HIT) is popular for its time efficiency.
• High intensity can lead to displeasure, hindering adherence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare affective responses to three low-volume, high-intensity exercise protocols.
• To evaluate a novel shortened-sprint REHIT (SSREHIT) protocol against traditional methods.
• To assess the impact of exercise intensity and duration on pleasure and enjoyment.

Main Methods:

• A within-subjects, randomized crossover design with 36 healthy participants.
• Comparison of traditional reduced-exertion HIT (TREHIT), SSREHIT, and sprint continuous training (SCT).
• Measurement of affect (Feeling Scale) and perceived exertion (Borg RPE) during exercise, and enjoyment (Exercise Enjoyment Scale) post-exercise.

Main Results:

• Significant differences were observed across conditions for affect, perceived exertion, and enjoyment.
• The SSREHIT protocol resulted in more favorable affective responses and higher enjoyment.
• Participants reported less displeasure and greater pleasure with the SSREHIT protocol.

Conclusions:

• Shortened-sprint protocols may mitigate feelings of displeasure associated with high-intensity exercise.
• SSREHIT offers a time-efficient and tolerable exercise option.
• This approach could enhance motivation for physical activity and fitness.