Independent Effect of Self-selected versus Imposed Exercise Intensity on Affect

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The affective response to self-selected and imposed exercise intensities of differing physical stimuli has been previously compared in adults and children. PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this investigation was to compare the affective response to self-selected (SS) and imposed (IMP) exercise of the same intensity in young, recreationally active adult males. The secondary purpose was to determine if a significant proportion of subjects self-selected exercise intensity above 50% of oxygen uptake reserve (VO2R). METHODS: 32 males [mean(SD) age 22.3(2.2), VO2PEAK 3.38(0.59)] participated in the investigation. All subjects performed a load-incremented VO2PEAK test and a 20-min, SS exercise trial on a cycle ergometer. One week later, subjects performed the IMP exercise trial. Subjects in the experimental (EXP) group (n=16) were unaware that the IMP intensity was the same as that previously self-selected. These subjects were told the intensity was 'selected by the investigators.' Control (CON) subjects (n=16) were aware that the intensity of the IMP trial was the same as the SS trial. The affective response measured using Feeling Scale ratings (FS-R) was obtained prior to, during, and following the SS and IMP trials. ΔFS-R values, calculated by subtracting FS-R estimated during the SS trial from that of the IMP trial at each time point, were compared between EXP and CON subjects using a mixed-model ANOVA. The proportion of subjects who self-selected intensities above 50% VO2R was tested using a chi-squared analysis. RESULTS: The ANOVA revealed no significant difference between the EXP and CON groups, F(1,30)=0.277, p=0.62. The chi-squared analysis revealed that a significant (p<0.05) proportion of subjects (28 of 33) self-selected exercise intensities above 50% VO2R. CONCLUSIONS: In the current investigation, the affective response to SS and IMP exercise intensities of the same physical stimuli was similar, although there was a considerable amount of inter-individual variability. However, it was found that most subjects self-selected exercise intensities above a level determined by the American College of Sports Medicine to elicit health-fitness benefits. The prescription of SS exercise may be appropriate for young, recreationally active adult males.