Positive Affective and Enjoyment Responses to Four High-Intensity Interval Exercise Protocols

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Psychology

Background:

• High-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) encompasses various protocols with potentially differing psychological impacts.
• Understanding these psychological responses is crucial for adherence and effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate psychological responses (affect, enjoyment, mood, perceived exertion) during four distinct HIIE protocols in physically inactive adults.
• To compare participant preference among the tested HIIE protocols.

Main Methods:

• 23 inactive adults (11 males, 12 females) completed four HIIE protocols: Long-interval HIIE, Short-interval HIIE, Repeated Sprint Training, and Sprint Interval Training.
• Psychological measures including affect, mood, perceived exertion, and enjoyment were recorded throughout and after exercise sessions.
• Participant preference for each HIIE protocol was assessed.

Main Results:

• Perceived exertion increased across all protocols, with Sprint Interval Training showing higher initial exertion than Long-interval HIIE.
• Affective responses were highest pre-exercise and in the first quartile.
• Tension and depression decreased post-exercise, while vigor increased over time in females. Enjoyment did not differ by sex or protocol.
• Repeated Sprint Training was the most preferred protocol.

Conclusions:

• HIIE protocols generally elicit positive psychological responses in physically inactive young adults.
• Specific exercise design elements within HIIE can modulate psychological outcomes.
• Repeated Sprint Training may be a favorable option for this population due to higher preference.