IMPACT OF AUTONOMY ON ENJOYMENT AND AFFECTIVE VALENCE DURING HIGH-INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING

Abstract

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a popular modality for conducting intense aerobic exercise. Research indicates that HIIT is generally well-tolerated and produces relatively positive affective valence and enjoyment responses, especially when compared to intense continuous exercise. Recent research has started considering how autonomy and choice might impact psychological responses to HIIT. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of autonomy and variation on enjoyment and affective valence during HIIT exercise. METHODS: Twenty-one physically active participants (12 male, 9 female; mean BMI = 27 + 3 ; mean age = 28 + 6 ) completed three, 20-minute HIIT trials after completion of maximal testing. Work and recovery were conducted at 90% and 10% of peak work, respectively. All trials included a total of 10 minutes of work and 10 minutes of recovery. Trials included: a standard interval bout with repeating 60-sec work and recovery segments (Traditional), an interval bout with a mix of predetermined 30-, 60-, 90-, & 120-second segments (Varied), and a bout with a self-selected number of 30-, 60-, 90-, & 120-second segments (Autonomous). In-task affective valence and enjoyment were measured four times during work and recovery. Data was analyzed using ANOVA. RESULTS: Affective valence declined during the Traditional and Varied trials (~0.75 units; P < 0.05) but not during the Autonomous trial (P > 0.05). There was also a trend for the Autonomous trial to produce greater pleasure than the Traditional or Varied trials (~0.5 units; P = 0.06). Enjoyment increased during the trials (~0.5 units; P < 0.05) and enjoyment was higher in the Autonomous trial than the Varied trial (~0.5 units; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that all HIIT trials produced at least moderate levels of pleasure and enjoyment, with Autonomous HIIT resulting in the most desirable responses, especially when compared to Varied HIIT. These findings suggest that HIIT sessions that include self-selected interval durations can produce more positive responses, which provides the basis for recommending autonomy for exercisers participating in HIIT exercise sessions.