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Treadmill Exercise and Indoor Cycling: Self-selected Intensity, Perceived Enjoyment, and Importance of Preference for
Ernst A Hansen1, Jonathan H Ipsen1, Jari V Schneider1
1Centre for Health and Rehabilitation, University College Absalon, Slagelse, Denmark.
Treadmill exercise and indoor cycling showed similar self-selected intensity, but treadmill exercise led to greater enjoyment. When participants chose their preferred activity, exercise intensity increased, highlighting the importance of personal preference in exercise engagement.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Exercise intensity and enjoyment are crucial for public health.
- Understanding how different exercise modalities affect these factors is important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare self-selected exercise intensity between treadmill exercise and indoor cycling.
- To evaluate the enjoyment associated with each activity.
- To assess if preferred activity modes correlate with higher intensity.
Main Methods:
- A repeated measures crossover study involving 21 healthy adults.
- Participants performed 16-minute bouts of treadmill exercise and indoor cycling at self-selected intensities.
- Intensity was measured via heart rate, and enjoyment via questionnaire.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in self-selected intensity (heart rate as % of maximal heart rate) between treadmill and indoor cycling (p=0.148).
- Enjoyment was significantly higher for treadmill exercise compared to indoor cycling (p=0.012).
- A person-centered analysis revealed intensity was higher (p=0.029) during a participant's preferred activity mode.
Conclusions:
- Self-selected exercise intensity does not differ between treadmill and indoor cycling.
- Treadmill exercise is associated with greater enjoyment than indoor cycling.
- Personal preference for an activity mode is linked to higher exercise intensity.
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