Sedentary vs. Active Adults

Abstract

While the correlation between affective states during exercise and participation in exercise has been demonstrated, our ability to predict future exercise behavior based on in-task affect is unclear. A better understanding of the mechanisms by which the affective experience of exercise influences intentions and future behavior, and the examination of potential differences between sedentary and active individuals, could aid in the development of more effective exercise interventions for sedentary populations. PURPOSE: To compare the relationship between self-reported affect during a bout of moderate intensity exercise, exercise intentions and future exercise behavior for active vs. sedentary individuals. METHODS: Active (n = 83) and sedentary (n = 52) participants exercised for 30 minutes at 65% VO2max. Using the Physical Activity Affect Scale, participants reported positive affect, negative affect, exhaustion and tranquility every 10 minutes during the bout of exercise. Participants reported exercise intentions and frequency of participation in exercise at baseline and a 3-month follow-up assessment. RESULTS: Compared to sedentary participants, active participants reported significantly less negative affect (β = −.15, SE = .04, p < .01) and less physical exhaustion (β = −.58, SE = .08, p < .01) during the exercise bout. Both active and sedentary individuals reporting less negative affect during exercise reported higher intentions to exercise at follow-up (β = 1.78, SE = .50, p = .01). Activity level at baseline moderated the effect of in-task affect on future exercise behavior, such that less negative affect during exercise corresponded to more frequent exercise at follow-up, but only for active participants (F1,131 = 7.17, p < .01). CONCLUSION: While affective states during exercise are related to exercise intentions in both sedentary and active individuals, less negative affect during exercise positively predicts future exercise behavior only for currently active individuals. This suggests that a favorable affective response to exercise influences exercise maintenance, but not necessarily initiation.