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Exploring physiological and emotional responses to exercise with additional body mass: an experiential learning
1Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, River Falls, Wisconsin, United States.
Exercise and sport science students experienced simulated overweight conditions during exercise, revealing significant physiological and psychological challenges. This activity reduced weight bias and improved empathy, better preparing students for diverse populations.
Area of Science:
- Exercise and Sport Science
- Human Physiology
- Psychology
Background:
- Undergraduate exercise and sport science students often possess weight bias, impacting their ability to work with overweight individuals.
- Addressing weight bias is crucial for effective practice in allied health and exercise science fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore physiological and emotional responses to exercise with added body mass in undergraduate students.
- To mitigate weight bias and enhance empathy among future exercise professionals.
Main Methods:
- Twelve students participated in treadmill walking and cycling with and without 15% additional body mass.
- Evaluated cardiometabolic (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen uptake, caloric expenditure) and psychological (perceived exertion, affective response) measures.
- Included a didactic lecture on pre-participation screening and exercise testing procedures.
Main Results:
- Students reported significantly higher exertion and different affective responses when exercising with additional mass.
- Actual experiences of exercising with added mass were perceived as more difficult than predicted by students.
- Post-activity feedback showed increased confidence in administering exercise tests and enhanced awareness of challenges faced by overweight individuals.
Conclusions:
- Experiential learning activities simulating altered body weight can improve practical skills in exercise testing.
- Such activities foster greater empathy and reduce weight bias toward overweight populations.
- This approach enhances student preparedness for careers in allied health and exercise science.
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