Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale Scores Research Articles

Energy Expenditure and Enjoyment During Active Video Gaming Using an Adapted Wii Fit Balance Board in Adults with Physical Disabilities: Observational Study.

BackgroundIndividuals with physical disabilities have fewer opportunities to participate in enjoyable physical activity. One option for increasing physical activity is playing active video games (AVGs); however, many AVGs are inaccessible or offer limited play options.ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine energy expenditure and enjoyment in adults with mobility impairment during AVG play using off-the-shelf (OTS) and adapted versions of the Wii Fit balance board (Nintendo).MethodsDuring visit 1, participants completed a functional assessment and the familiarization period. During visit 2, metabolic data were collected during a 20-minute baseline and four 10-minute bouts of Wii Fit Plus game play, with two bouts on each of the boards. During the resting period, participants completed the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES). Statistical analyses were computed using SPSS software. Data were analyzed separately for individuals who were able to play while standing on both boards (StdStd); those who could not play while standing on the OTS board, but were able to play while standing on the adapted board (aStd); and those who could only play while sitting on the adapted board (aSit).ResultsData were collected for 58 participants (StdStd, n=17; aStd, n=10; aSit, n=31). The sample included 31 men and 27 women with a mean age of 41.21 (SD 12.70) years. Energy expenditure (metabolic equivalent [MET]) during game play was significantly greater than that during rest for all players. Only 17 participants (StdStd group) were able to play using the OTS board. During game play on the adapted board, the average MET values for the two game sets were 2.261 (SD 0.718) kcal/kg/hour and 2.233 (SD 0.751) kcal/kg/hour for the aSit group, 3.151 (SD 1.034) and 2.990 (SD 1.121) for the aStd group, and 2.732 (SD 0.655) and 2.777 (SD 0.803) for the StdStd group. For game play on the adapted board, self-reported ratings of perceived exertion on a 0-10 scale suggested greater exercise intensity levels, with median scores ranging from moderate (3) to very hard (7). The PACES scores indicated that all players enjoyed using the adapted board, with a median score of 4 on a 5-point scale.ConclusionsThe adapted Wii Fit balance board provided an opportunity for individuals with mobility impairments, including wheelchair users, to engage in AVG. All participants were able to utilize the adapted controller and enjoyed the AVG activity. Although the average MET values achieved during AVG represented light-intensity exercise (<3 METs), 16% of sitting participants and 41% of standing participants achieved moderate-intensity exercise (3-6 METs) in at least one of the games. Factors not accounted for, which may have influenced the intensity of exercise, include game selection, limited familiarization period, and discomfort wearing the COSMED portable metabolic system for measurement of oxygen consumption. Accessible AVG controllers offer an innovative approach to overcome various barriers to participation in physical activity. The next steps include assessment of an AVG intervention using an adapted board gaming controller on health and fitness outcomes.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT02994199; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02994199 (Archived by Webcite at http://www.webcitation.org/75fc0mN39).

Can intervals enhance the inflammatory response and enjoyment in upper-body exercise?

PurposeTo investigate the inflammatory and perceptual responses to three different forms of upper-body exercise.MethodsTwelve recreationally active, able-bodied males performed three work-matched arm-crank sessions in a randomised order: 30 min moderate-intensity continuous (CON), 30 min moderate-intensity with changes in cadence (CAD) and 20 min high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Blood samples were taken pre, post and 2-h post-exercise to determine plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1ra. Perceptual responses pre, during and following the trials were assessed using the Feeling Scale, Felt Arousal Scale, Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES).ResultsAll trials were evenly effective in inducing an acute inflammatory response, indicated by similar increases in IL-6 after exercise and in IL-1ra at 2-h post exercise for all trials. More negative affect and higher RPE were reported during HIIT compared to CON and CAD, whereas PACES scores reported after exercise were higher for HIIT and CAD compared to CON.ConclusionsWhen matched for external work, there was no difference in the inflammatory response to HIIT compared to moderate-intensity upper-body exercise. Although HIIT was (perceived as) more strenuous and affective responses were more negative during this mode, the higher ratings of enjoyment for both HIIT and CAD reported after exercise suggest that the inclusion of variation enhances enjoyment in upper-body exercise. As the fashion in which upper-body exercise is performed does not seem to influence the inflammatory response, it might be advised to prescribe varied exercise to enhance its enjoyment.

Active Videogaming in Youth with Physical Disability: Gameplay and Enjoyment.

For active videogaming (AVG) to be a meaningful, health-enhancing physical activity option for youth with physical disability, factors related to game performance and enjoyment must be understood. The objective was to explore associations between quality of gameplay, controller usage, heart rate (HR), physical function, and enjoyment during AVG play in youth with physical disability. Participants (5 girls, 11 boys, mean age 13.8 ± 2.7 years) played four AVGs on three platforms (Nintendo® Wii™, Sony PlayStation3 Move, and Microsoft Xbox® Kinect), across three sessions. Participants' primary means of mobility were manual (n = 13) and power (n = 3) wheelchairs; majority were diagnosed with cerebral palsy or spina bifida. Functional level was assessed using 17 International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health mobility items. Participants played each AVG for 8 minutes with a 5-minute rest. Quality of gameplay and ability to use controller were recorded on a five-point Likert scale. HR was recorded immediately following each game and participants completed the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES). PACES scores were compared across games and correlations were examined among the variables. PACES scores were significantly greater for Wii Punch-Out compared to Xbox Fitness, Sports Rivals, and Zumba, and for PS3 Sports Champions compared to Xbox Zumba. Higher HR was associated with higher quality of gameplay and a higher PACES score. As quality of gameplay increased, the PACES score increased. Game performance and exercise intensity were positively correlated with AVG enjoyment in youth with physical disability, specifically mobility impairments. Further research is warranted to examine the capacity of AVG play to be an enjoyable health-enhancing activity for individuals with physical disability.

Exploring user experience and technology acceptance for a fall prevention system: results from a randomized clinical trial and a living lab.

BackgroundFalls are common in older adults and can result in serious injuries. Due to demographic changes, falls and related healthcare costs are likely to increase over the next years. Participation and motivation of older adults in fall prevention measures remain a challenge. The iStoppFalls project developed an information and communication technology (ICT)-based system for older adults to use at home in order to reduce common fall risk factors such as impaired balance and muscle weakness. The system aims at increasing older adults’ motivation to participate in ICT-based fall prevention measures. This article reports on usability, user-experience and user-acceptance aspects affecting the use of the iStoppFalls system by older adults.MethodsIn the course of a 16-week international multicenter study, 153 community-dwelling older adults aged 65+ participated in the iStoppFalls randomized controlled trial, of which half used the system in their home to exercise and assess their risk of falling. During the study, 60 participants completed questionnaires regarding the usability, user experience and user acceptance of the iStoppFalls system. Usability was measured with the System Usability Scale (SUS). For user experience the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) was applied. User acceptance was assessed with the Dynamic Acceptance Model for the Re-evaluation of Technologies (DART). To collect more detailed data on usability, user experience and user acceptance, additional qualitative interviews and observations were conducted with participants.ResultsParticipants evaluated the usability of the system with an overall score of 62 (Standard Deviation, SD 15.58) out of 100, which suggests good usability. Most users enjoyed the iStoppFalls games and assessments, as shown by the overall PACES score of 31 (SD 8.03). With a score of 0.87 (SD 0.26), user acceptance results showed that participants accepted the iStoppFalls system for use in their own home. Interview data suggested that certain factors such as motivation, complexity or graphical design were different for gender and age.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the iStoppFalls system has good usability, user experience and user acceptance. It will be important to take these along with factors such as motivation, gender and age into consideration when designing and further developing ICT-based fall prevention systems.

Physiological Responses to High-Intensity Interval Exercise Differing in Interval Duration.

We determined the oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2), heart rate (HR), and blood lactate responses to 2 high-intensity interval exercise protocols differing in interval length. On separate days, 14 recreationally active males performed a 4 × 4 (four 4-minute intervals at 90-95% HRpeak, separated by 3-minute recovery at 50 W) and 16 × 1 (sixteen 1-minute intervals at 90-95% HRpeak, separated by 1-minute recovery at 50 W) protocol on a cycle ergometer. The 4 × 4 elicited a higher mean V[Combining Dot Above]O2 (2.44 ± 0.4 vs. 2.36 ± 0.4 L·min) and "peak" V[Combining Dot Above]O2 (90-99% vs. 76-85% V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak) and HR (95-98% HRpeak vs. 81-95% HRpeak) during the high-intensity intervals. Average power maintained was higher for the 16 × 1 (241 ± 45 vs. 204 ± 37 W), and recovery interval V[Combining Dot Above]O2 and HR were higher during the 16 × 1. No differences were observed for blood lactate concentrations at the midpoint (12.1 ± 2.2 vs. 10.8 ± 3.1 mmol·L) and end (10.6 ± 1.5 vs. 10.6 ± 2.4 mmol·L) of the protocols or ratings of perceived exertion (7.0 ± 1.6 vs. 7.0 ± 1.4) and Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale scores (91 ± 15 vs. 93 ± 12). Despite a 4-fold difference in interval duration that produced greater between-interval transitions in V[Combining Dot Above]O2 and HR and slightly higher mean V[Combining Dot Above]O2 during the 4 × 4, mean HR during each protocol was the same, and both protocols were rated similarly for perceived exertion and enjoyment. The major difference was that power output had to be reduced during the 4 × 4 protocol to maintain the desired HR.

Measuring Enjoyment of Ballroom Dancing in Filipino Americans Using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale

To advance knowledge about ways to promote physical activity in Filipino Americans, this feasibility study evaluated whether they enjoyed ballroom dancing and at the same time tested the validity of the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) for assessing enjoyment in this population. This study consisted of a single group of healthy Filipino Americans (N = 41) aged between 35 and 65 years residing in southern Nevada. Participants danced 45 min per week for 12 weeks and completed the PACES questionnaire to measure enjoyment at two time points (Week 4 and Week 12). Four participants dropped out during Weeks 2 to 5. Thirty-seven participants completed the 12 consecutive dance sessions. Descriptive statistics, pairedsample t test, Pearson correlation, and a mixed-model ANCOVA were used for data analysis. Principal components analysis assessed the construct validity of the PACES. The mean age of the sample was 50.7 years. On average, the participants’ PACES score significantly improved from Week 4 to Week 12. Age was negatively correlated with perceived enjoyment of dancing. In terms of the validity and reliability of the PACES, high construct validity and internal consistency of the PACES were noted. This study described the effectiveness of ballroom dance as a form of physical activity among first-generation Filipino Americans and confirmed the appropriateness of the PACES for assessing enjoyment in this population. Ballroom dance has the potential to promote physical activity and improve the cardiovascular outcomes of Filipino Americans and other populations who are at risk of heart disease.

Self-selected or imposed exercise? A different approach for affective comparisons

The aim of this study was to compare the psychological and physiological responses of self-selected and imposed sessions of equivalent intensities and durations and allowing to participants a free control of pace during the self-selected session. Seventeen participants completed three sessions on a cycle ergometer. Participant’s VO2Peak and lactate threshold were measured during an incremental exercise test. During the second and third sessions, participants could view a virtual cyclist on a monitor. During the self-selected session, participants were allowed free control of the intensity and duration. To ensure that the imposed session replicated the self-selected session in intensity, participants were instructed to follow an additional virtual cyclist, which was displayed on a monitor using the CompuTrainer 3D software. Power output and physiological and psychological variables were recorded during the sessions. A two-way ANOVA showed no effect of condition for power output (P = 0.940), heart rate (HR) (P = 0.965), VO2 (P = 0.898), blood lactate (P = 0.667), Feeling Scale (P = 0.877), Felt Arousal Scale (P = 0.924) and CR100 (P = 0.939). A paired t-test showed no significant difference in Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale scores between sessions (P = 0.054). In contrast to previous studies, the self-selected session did not provide better affective responses than the imposed session with same intensity and duration.

Pediatric aquatic therapy on motor function and enjoyment in children diagnosed with cerebral palsy of various motor severities.

This study investigates the effects of pediatric aquatic therapy on motor function, enjoyment, activities of daily living, and health-related quality of life for children with spastic cerebral palsy of various motor severities. Children with spastic cerebral palsy were assigned to a pediatric aquatic therapy group (n = 11; mean age = 85.0 ± 33.1 months; male : female = 4 : 7) or a control group (n = 13; mean age = 87.6 ± 34.0 months; male : female = 9 : 4). The statistic results indicate that the pediatric aquatic therapy group had greater average 66-item Gross Motor Function Measure following intervention than the control group (η(2) = 0.308, P = .007), even for children with Gross Motor Function Classification System level IV (5.0 vs 1.3). The pediatric aquatic therapy group had higher Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale scores than the control group at post-treatment (P = .015). These findings demonstrate that pediatric aquatic therapy can be an effective and alternative therapy for children with cerebral palsy even with poor Gross Motor Function Classification System level.

Adding sprints to continuous exercise at the intensity that maximises fat oxidation: Implications for acute energy balance and enjoyment

The objective was to examine the effect of adding sprints to continuous exercise at the intensity that maximises fat oxidation (Fatmax) on energy expenditure, substrate oxidation, enjoyment and post-exercise energy intake in boys. Nine overweight and nine normal weight boys (8–12 years) attended the laboratory on three mornings. First, body anthropometrics, peak aerobic capacity and Fatmax were assessed. On the remaining two sessions, resting metabolic rate was determined before participants completed 30 min of either continuous cycling at Fatmax (MOD) or sprint interval exercise consisting of continuous cycling at Fatmax interspersed with four-second maximal sprints every two minutes (SI). Energy expenditure and substrate oxidation were measured during exercise and for 30 min post-exercise, while participants completed a modified Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES). This was followed by a buffet-like breakfast to measure post-exercise energy intake. Fat oxidation rate was similar between groups and protocols (P>0.05). Both groups expended more energy with SI compared to MOD, resulting from increased carbohydrate oxidation (P<0.05), which was not compensated by increased energy intake. Participants indicated that they preferred SI more than MOD, although there was no significant difference in PACES score between the protocols (P>0.05). In summary, the addition of short sprints to continuous exercise at Fatmax increased energy expenditure without compromising fat oxidation or stimulating increased post-exercise energy intake. The boys preferred SI and did not perceive it to be any harder than MOD, indicating that sprint interval exercise should be considered in exercise prescription for this population.

Factor Validity and Invariance of the Original and Modified Physical Activity Enjoyment Scales

PURPOSE: Enjoyment is cited as an important correlate of physical activity, but is often measured with a single-item or group of items with no previous evidence for reliability or validity. The Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) and the modified PACES (PACES-M) show potential as standardized measures of physical activity enjoyment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factor structure of the PACES and PACES-M and test measurement invariance across gender and race. METHODS: Participants (N = 1023; mean age = 19.60 ± 1.55 years) were recruited from two universities. Data were collected by web-based survey. During pilot testing no significant differences were found between responses to a paper & pencil and web version of the survey. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine factor validity and invariance. RESULTS: Findings supported the hypothesized factor structure of the PACES-M (CFI = 0.977; RMSEA = 0.055), but not the PACES (CFI = 0.844; RMSEA = 0.112). Based on exploratory analyses, a two factor model was found to represent the PACES (CFI = 0.940, RMSEA = 0.078). The factor invariance between black & white and male & female participants was supported for both scales. While statistically significant, differences between genders for PACES (Male = 102.84; Female =97.14) and PACES-M (Male = 67.32; Female = 65.64) were small and may be of little practical importance (effect size = 0.16 & 0.32). Mean scores on the PACES were also significantly higher for white (99.93) compared to black (96.10) participants, but these differences were small (effect size = 0.21). Correlations among the PACES-M and PACES were moderate to large (0.59-0.76). CONCLUSION: The results support the hypothesized single factor model of the PACES-M and a two-factor model for the PACES. This two-factor model should be explored in greater detail to determine how it might impact understanding of the enjoyment construct. This study provides evidence of factor invariance across race and gender in young adults and indicates substantial but not complete construct convergence between scales. Continued validity evidence from diverse populations involved in various physical activities will improve confidence in using PACES and PACES-M scores to examine longitudinal change, intervention effects, and mediation of physical activity behavior.

Measuring enjoyment of physical activity in adolescent girls

Background: Enjoyment has been implicated as a determinant of physical activity among youth, but advances in understanding its importance have been limited by the use of measures that were not adequately validated. The present study examined: (1) the factorial validity of the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES), and (2) the construct validity of PACES scores. Methods: Adolescent girls (N=1797), who were randomly assigned to calibration ( n=899) and cross-validation ( n=898) samples, completed the PACES and measures of factors influencing enjoyment of physical education, physical activity, and sport involvement. The factorial validity of the PACES and the measure of factors influencing enjoyment of physical education was tested using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The hypothesized relationships among the measures were tested using structural equation modeling. Results: Unidimensional models fit the PACES and the measure of factors influencing enjoyment of physical education in the calibration and cross-validation samples. The hypothesized relationships between the PACES and the measures of factors influencing enjoyment of physical education, physical activity, and sport involvement were supported in the entire sample, were similar in African-American and Caucasian girls, and were independent of physical fitness. Conclusions: Evidence of factorial validity and convergent evidence for construct validity indicate that the PACES is a valid measure of physical activity enjoyment among adolescent girls, suitable for use as a mediator variable in interventions designed to increase physical activity.

Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale: Two Validation Studies

Two studies examined the reliability and validity of the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES). In Study 1, each subject rode an exercise bicycle under control and external focus conditions. The PACES had high internal consistency in both conditions. As predicted, subjects reported enjoying the exercise more, as measured by the PACES, in the external focus condition. Moreover, there was a significant negative correlation in the control condition between subjects' PACES scores and their scores on a measure of boredom proneness. In Study 2, each subject rode an exercise bicycle and jogged on a minitrampoline in separate sessions; each then chose one of these activities for their third session. Again, the PACES had high internal consistency. And, as predicted, there was a significant relationship between subjects' PACES ratings (completed after each activity) and their choices of activity. Test-retest reliability was high for jogging and moderate for bicycling. These studies provide preliminary evidence of the reliability and validity of the PACES.