Associations between interoceptive awareness and leisure time physical activity intensity, engagement, and duration

Leisure time physical activity (LTPA) is important for physical and mental well-being, although many U.S. adults fail to meet daily physical activity guidelines. This two-part project examined associations between four dimensions of interoceptive awareness (IA) (i.e., Trusting, Body Listening, Self-Regulation, Not-Worrying) and daily engagement in and duration of LTPA.

College-aged adults in Study 1 completed a 30-minute questionnaire. Community adults in Study 2 completed 11 nightly surveys. LTPA was assessed using an adapted International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA-2) measured IA.

No dimensions of IA were associated with the likelihood of engaging in moderate-vigorous LTPA (MV LTPA) among college students, while Self-Regulation (p < .001), Body Listening (p < .001), and Trusting (p = .004) were associated with greater likelihood of engaging in any MV LTPA among community adults. Among individuals engaged in MV LTPA, Body Listening (p = .005) and Not-Worrying (p = .043) were associated with higher amounts of MV LTPA among college students, while Trusting and Self-Regulation were associated with more minutes of mild and total LTPA among community adults.

Select IA dimensions may be important modifiable individual-level factors and intervention targets to increase adaptability for consistent engagement in, duration, and intensity of LTPA.