Mindful exercise intervention on exercise affect and behavior: A randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Psychology
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Mindful exercise interventions are increasingly explored to enhance physical activity engagement.
• Understanding the role of affective responses during and after exercise is crucial for promoting sustained behavior change.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if a four-week mindful exercise intervention improves affective responses, exercise intention, and behavior.
• To determine if affective valence during exercise and post-exercise enjoyment predict these outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Ninety-seven adults were randomized into mindfulness, distraction, or control groups for a four-week exercise program.
• Participants received guided mindfulness audio, a podcast, or no audio during exercise.
• Affective valence, enjoyment, intention, and behavior were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up.

Main Results:

• Mindfulness led to higher affective valence, enjoyment, and exercise intention compared to distraction.
• Exercise behavior increased post-intervention but declined at follow-up, remaining above baseline.
• Post-exercise enjoyment significantly mediated the effect on exercise intention, not affective valence.

Conclusions:

• Mindfulness during exercise positively impacts affective experiences and intentions, potentially aiding physical activity initiation.
• The observed behavior changes were not sustained long-term, highlighting the need for strategies to maintain effects.
• Mindful exercise shows promise for enhancing psychological factors related to physical activity, but long-term behavioral maintenance needs further research.