Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2026
Randomized Controlled Trial to Study the Acute Effects of Strength Exercise on Insulin Sensitivity in Obese Adults
Published on: December 1, 2023
A latent profile analysis of exercise intensity preference and tolerance: associations with exercise affective
Yong Cai1, Jie Dai2, Youteng Gan3
1Center for Physical, Aesthetic and Labor Education, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China.
Objective:
Low levels of physical activity among university students have become a persistent public health concern. Although regular exercise is well known to benefit both physical and mental health, substantial individual differences remain in exercise affective experiences and participation behaviors. Prior research has not sufficiently clarified how university students differ in their exercise intensity preference and tolerance, nor how such differences relate to exercise affective experiences and physical activity. This study aimed to identify latent profiles of exercise intensity preference and tolerance among university students and to examine differences across profiles in physical activity levels and exercise affective experiences.
Methods:
A total of 1,274 university students (Mage = 19.5 years, SD = 1.21) from a university in China were recruited. Participants completed online self-report measures assessing exercise intensity preference and tolerance, physical activity levels, and exercise affective experiences.
Results:
Five latent profiles were identified based on the Preference for and Tolerance of Exercise Intensity Questionnaire: Low-Intensity Rejection Type (LIRT, 4.5%), High-Intensity Inclined Type (HIIT, 57.8%), Extreme Low-Intensity Avoidance Type (ELAT, 4%), High-Intensity Dominant Type (HIDT, 5.7%), and Moderate Balanced Type (MBT, 27.9%). Compared with other profiles, the High-Intensity Dominant Type showed the highest levels of physical activity, competence, vitality, pleasure, and attraction, and the lowest level of tension. The Extreme Low-Intensity Avoidance Type scored lowest on most positive affective indicators. The Low-Intensity Rejection Type had the lowest physical activity level, with no significant difference from the Extreme Low-Intensity Avoidance Type.
Conclusion:
Focusing on two psychological characteristics-exercise intensity preference and tolerance-this study examined their associations with physical activity behavior and exercise affective experiences. The findings offer a new perspective for understanding insufficient physical activity among university students and provide empirical support for more targeted exercise interventions, differentiated instruction, and personalized exercise guidance.
More Related Videos
05:59Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
07:26Conducting Maximal and Submaximal Endurance Exercise Testing to Measure Physiological and Biological Responses to Acute Exercise in Humans
Published on: October 17, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:26Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
02:20Longitudinal Research
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:17Factors Affecting Activity Coefficient
The activity coefficient value for an ion is close to one when the solution has almost zero ionic strength, i.e., when the solution shows close to ideal behavior. As the ionic strength of the solution increases from 0 to 0.1 mol/L, a decrease in the...
01:24Role of Affect in Interpersonal Attraction
01:27Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle