Effects of the coach approach intervention on adherence to exercise in obese women: assessing mediation of social cognitive theory factors

The link between physical activity and weight loss has precipitated interest in interventions to foster adherence to exercise. It has been suggested that treatment effects, when significant, should be analyzed to determine theory-based mediators. This research assessed possible mediation of changes in Physical Self-Concept, Exercise Self-Efficacy, Total Mood Disturbance, and Body Areas Satisfaction scores on the relationship between exercise session attendance and participation by obese women in a 6-month treatment based on tenets ofsocial cognitive theory (n=73) or a control condition (n=64). Participation in the treatment was associated with significantly greater exercise session attendance and significantly greater improvements in Physical Self-Concept, Exercise Barriers Self Efficacy, and Body Areas Satisfaction. Overall, changes in the assessed psychological factors demonstrated significant mediation of the association between group membership and exercise session attendance, R2 = .23, with only change in Physical Self-Concept scores providing a significant unique contribution. Extensions of this research across different sample types, and with longer durations, were suggested to refine theory and, ultimately, improve exercise adherence treatments.     

Effects of Proximity on the Choice to Be Physically Active or Sedentary

The link between physical activity and weight loss has precipitated interest in interventions to foster adherence to exercise. It has been suggested that treatment effects, when significant, should be analyzed to determine theory-based mediators. This research assessed possible mediation of changes in Physical Self-Concept, Exercise Self-Efficacy, Total Mood Disturbance, and Body Areas Satisfaction scores on the relationship between exercise session attendance and participation by obese women in a 6-month treatment based on tenets of social cognitive theory (n = 73) or a control condition (n = 64). Participation in the treatment was associated with significantly greater exercise session attendance and significantly greater improvements in Physical Self-Concept, Exercise Barriers Self-Efficacy, and Body Areas Satisfaction. Overall, changes in the assessed psychological factors demonstrated significant mediation of the association between group membership and exercise session attendance, R² = .23, with only change in Physical Self-Concept scores providing a significant unique contribution. Extensions of this research across different sample types, and with longer durations, were suggested to refine theory and, ultimately, improve exercise adherence treatments.     

Muscle dysmorphia, gender role stress, and sociocultural influences: an exploratory study

Our study explored the contribution of gender role stress (GRS) and sociocultural appearance demands to symptoms of muscle dysmorphia (MD) in a college sample of 219 women and 154 men. For women, five GRS subscales, sociocultural appearance demands, age, and frequency of aerobic exercise predicted MD symptoms (model R2 = .33; F(8,210) = 12.81, p < . 001); for men, only one GRS subscale, age, and sociocultural appearance demands predicted MD symptoms (model R2 = .40; F(3,150) = 9.52, p < .001). Post hoc analyses revealed that a small number of items explained a substantial portion of the variation, suggesting that MD may be more related to specific perceptions of pressure to attain an attractive body than to global gender role stress.     

The Preference for and Tolerance of the Intensity of Exercise Questionnaire: A psychometric evaluation among college women

Abstract

Individuals differ in the intensity of exercise that they prefer and the intensity that they can tolerate. We examined the psychometric properties of the Preference for and Tolerance of the Intensity of Exercise Questionnaire (PRETIE-Q; Ekkekakis, Hall, & Petruzzello, 2005: Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 27, 350 – 374). A sample of 601 college women (mean age 20 years) completed the PRETIE-Q and the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire. Both the Preference and the Tolerance scale were internally consistent (alpha coefficients of 0.89 and 0.86, respectively), with all items making positive contributions. A confirmatory factor analysis showed that model fit was reasonable. Both Preference and Tolerance were related to the frequency of participation in strenuous exercise and the total leisure-time exercise score. The PRETIE-Q appears to be an internally consistent and structurally valid measure, with a broad range of possible applications in exercise science.     

Effects of acute 60 and 80% VO2max bouts of aerobic exercise on state anxiety of women of different age groups across time

The purpose of this investigation was to study the effects of an acute bout of aerobic exercise on state anxiety of women while controlling for iron status (hemoglobin and serum ferritin). Participants were 24 active women, ages 18-20 years (n = 12) and 35-45 years (n = 12). In addition to a nonexercise control condition, participants completed one exercise bout at 60% maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and one at 80% VO2max. Each exercise session consisted of a 33-min bout in which participants exercised at their target intensities for a 20-min segment. Immediately before each exercise trial, participants were given the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory (SAI). The SAI was again administered immediately following the exercise session and at 30, 60, and 90 min postexercise. Data were analyzed using an Age x Intensity x Time (2 x 3 x 5) repeated measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with iron status serving as the covariate. The ANCOVA on state anxiety yielded significant effects for time (p < .0001, eta2(p) = .48), the Intensity x Time interaction (p = .0006, eta2(p) = .19), and the Intensity x Age interaction (p = .04, eta2(p) = .15). All three exercise conditions (including control) showed a decline in state anxiety across time, but the 80% VO2max condition showed a sharper decline. Intensity of exercise conditions did not differ in state anxiety at baseline or immediately after exercise, but a difference favoring the 80% VO2max condition over the control condition emerged at 30 min postexercise. After controlling for iron status, older women who exercised at 80% VO2max exhibited lower SAI scores compared to the control condition.     

Perceptions of change and certainty regarding the self-as-exerciser: a multistudy report

The purpose of these studies was to examine the relationship between perceptions of exercise-related changes (i.e., perceived mastery and physical change) and certainty with regard to the self-as-exerciser. It was hypothesized that seeing "change" would be associated with more favorable levels of exercise self-certainty and behavior relative to "no change." Online surveys were repeatedly administered across 4 months (Study 1) and 4 weeks (Study 2) to 196 university students (M(age) = 20.17), and 250 community dwellers (M(age) = 38.44), respectively. Data were analyzed via latent variable modeling procedures. Consistent with hypotheses, latent classes (i.e., subgroups) reflecting interindividual differences in levels and trajectories of perceived change were associated with distinct patterns of self-certainty and exercise behavior. The findings suggest that adults who experience mastery of skills and physiological changes also have greater self-certainty and exercise more regularly than those who do not see progress or feel as certain of their exercise identity.     

Muscle Dysmorphia,Gender Role Stress,and Sociocultural Influences

Abstract

Our study explored the contribution of gender role stress (GRS) and sociocultural appearance demands to symptoms of muscle dysmorphia (MD) in a college sample of 219 women and 154 men. For women, five GRS subscales, sociocultural appearance demands, age, and frequency of aerobic exercise predicted MD symptoms (model R² = .33; F(8,210) = 12.81, p < .001); for men, only one GRS subscale, age, and sociocultural appearance demands predicted MD symptoms (model R² = .40; F(3,150) = 9.52, p < .001). Post hoc analyses revealed that a small number of items explained a substantial portion of the variation, suggesting that MD may be more related to specific perceptions of pressure to attain an attractive body than to global gender role stress.     

Attraction to Physical Activity in Urban Schoolchildren: Parental Socialization and Gender Influences

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the contribution of parental socialization processes and gender to children's interest in physical activity using Eccles' expectancy-value model of motivation. An additional purpose was to examine the nature of these relationships among children of a lower socioeconomic level, a sample that has been underrepresented in pediatric exercise research to date. Fourth- through sixth-grade children (N = 107) from a large metropolitan school district were participants in this study and completed questionnaires assessing attraction to physical activity, perceived physical competence, and perceptions of their parents' physical activity beliefs and behaviors. Multivariate regression analyses revealed a significant relationship between parental socialization processes and children's perceived physical competence and attraction to physical activity. Gender differences were also identified and were primarily related to liking of the exertional characteristics of physical activity and exercise. These findings are consistent with theory and research regarding parental and gender-role socialization during childhood.     

Pediatric Obesity and Perceived Exertion: Difference Between Weight-Bearing and Non-Weight-Bearing Exercises Performed at Different Intensities

Excess body weight composes an important limitation to exercise in obese youth. The aim of this study was to compare the perceived exertion of obese adolescents between weight-bearing (WB; running) and non-weight-Bearing (NWB; cycling) exercises performed at moderate (55%VO_2max) and high (75%VO_2max) intensities. Twenty-four obese adolescents were recruited. After assessment of their body composition and physical capacities, they had to complete four isoenergetic exercise sessions: (1) a cycling session performed at 55% of their maximal capacities (NWB-55%); (2) a cycling session set at 75% (NWB-75%); (3) a running session at 55% (WB-55%); and (4) a running session at 75% (WB-75%). Perceived exertion was assessed using a visual scale at regular interval. While no significant difference between WB and NWB modalities was observed, the adolescents expressed a significantly lower rate of perceived exertion (RPE) during exercises at 55%VO_2max (P < 0.0001). An intensity × modality interaction revealed that RPE was lower at 75% VO_2max during NWB exercises (P < 0.05). While obese adolescents expressed lower RPE during exercise at moderate intensity whatever its modality, low level of perceived exertion has been observed during high-intensity exercises and especially during NWB. High-intensity exercise appears well tolerated in adolescents when their body weight is supported.     

Recreational exercise participation and aerobic fitness in men and women: Analysis of data from a national survey

We compared the relationship between predicted VO₂ max (ml kg^‐1min^‐1) and recreational exercise patterns, using secondary data analysis of a comprehensive national survey (18,293 subjects aged 15–69 years). Exercise participation and predicted VO₂ max data were available for about 50% of this sample (4933 females, 4738 males). As expected, VO₂ max was significantly lower in the females than in the males at any age (P < 0.0001). Age was the most significant predictor of VO₂ max (r = ‐0.71 for males, r = ‐0.73 for females). Adjusting the data for the body mass index (BMI) increased this relationship only slightly in the males (R — 0.75) and females (R = 0.79). The simultaneous inclusion of exercise participation data (intensity, duration, energy expenditure) did not increase the predictions meaningfully (R = 0.78 for the males, R = 0.81 for the females). These exercise participation parameters concomitantly accounted for only a very slight amount of the variance of VO₂ max in both the females (3.0%) and males (4.5%). To minimize the effects of age, the data were analysed using 5‐year intervals. Again, the exercise participation parameters accounted for only a small part of the variance in VO₂ max (< 10%), except in the 15‐ to 19‐year‐old males (24%). These data suggest that VO₂ max is not associated with participation in recreational exercise.     

Acute effects of exercise and active video games on adults’ reaction time and perceived exertion

The purpose of the present study was to examine the acute effects of resting, aerobic exercise practised alone, and aerobic exercise with active video games (AVG), on complex reaction time (CRT) and the post-exercise acute rate of perceived exertion (RPE) in young healthy adults. The experimental group was composed of 92 healthy young adults, 78 males and 13 females (age M?=?21.9?±?2.7 years) who completed two sessions, A and B. In session A, participants rode 30?min on an ergometer, while in session B they exercised for 30?min on an ergometer while playing an AVG on a Wii. The control group was composed of 30 young adults, 26 males and 4 females (age M?=?21.4?±?2.9 years) who rested for 30?min. In each session, a CRT task was performed before and after exercising or resting, and post-exercise global RPE was noted. Repeated measures general linear model (GLM) and Wilcoxon tests were performed. (1) Both aerobic exercise alone and aerobic exercise combined with AVG improved CRT, while resting did not; (2) aerobic exercise combined with AVG did not improve CRT more than aerobic exercise only; and (3) RPE was lower after aerobic exercise combined with AVG compared with aerobic exercise only. In young adults, exercise produces acute benefits on CRT, and practising exercise with AVG helps to decrease RPE.     

Physiological responses to laboratory-based soccer-specific intermittent and continuous exercise

The aim of this study was to devise a laboratory-based protocol for a motorized treadmill that was representative of work rates observed during soccer match-play. Selected physiological responses to this soccer-specific intermittent exercise protocol were then compared with steady-rate exercise performed at the same average speed. Seven male university soccer players (mean - s : age 24 - 2 years, height 1.78 - 0.1 m, mass 72.2 - 5.0 kg, VO 2max 57.8 - 4 ml·kg -1 ·min -1 ) completed a 45-min soccer-specific intermittent exercise protocol on a motorized treadmill. They also completed a continuous steady-rate exercise session for an identical period at the same average speed. The physiological responses to the laboratory-based soccer-specific protocol were similar to values previously observed for soccer match-play (oxygen consumption approximately 68% of maximum, heart rate 168 - 10 beats·min -1 ). No significant differences were observed in oxygen consumption, heart rate, rectal temperature or sweat production rate between the two conditions. Average minute ventilation was greater ( P ? 0.05) in intermittent exercise (81.3 - 0.2l·min -1 ) than steady-rate exercise (72.4 - 11.4l·min -1 ). The rating of perceived exertion for the session as a whole was 15 - 2 during soccer-specific intermittent exercise and 12 - 1 for continuous exercise ( P ? 0.05). The physiological strain associated with the laboratory-based soccer-specific intermittent protocol was similar to that associated with 45 min of soccer match-play, based on the variables measured, indicating the relevance of the simulation as a model of match-play work rates. Soccer-specific intermittent exercise did not increase the demands placed on the aerobic energy systems compared to continuous exercise performed at the same average speed, although the results indicate that anaerobic energy provision is more important during intermittent than during continuous exercise at the same average speed.     

Physiological responses to laboratory-based soccer-specific intermittent and continuous exercise

The aim of this study was to devise a laboratory-based protocol for a motorized treadmill that was representative of work rates observed during soccer match-play. Selected physiological responses to this soccer-specific intermittent exercise protocol were then compared with steady-rate exercise performed at the same average speed. Seven male university soccer players (mean +/- s: age 24 +/- 2 years, height 1.78 +/- 0.1 m, mass 72.2 +/- 5.0 kg, VO2max 57.8 +/- 4 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)) completed a 45-min soccer-specific intermittent exercise protocol on a motorized treadmill. They also completed a continuous steady-rate exercise session for an identical period at the same average speed. The physiological responses to the laboratory-based soccer-specific protocol were similar to values previously observed for soccer match-play (oxygen consumption approximately 68% of maximum, heart rate 168 +/- 10 beats x min(-1)). No significant differences were observed in oxygen consumption, heart rate, rectal temperature or sweat production rate between the two conditions. Average minute ventilation was greater (P < 0.05) in intermittent exercise (81.3 +/- 0.2 l x min(-1)) than steady-rate exercise (72.4 +/- 11.4 l x min(-1)). The rating of perceived exertion for the session as a whole was 15 +/- 2 during soccer-specific intermittent exercise and 12 +/- 1 for continuous exercise (P < 0.05). The physiological strain associated with the laboratory-based soccer-specific intermittent protocol was similar to that associated with 45 min of soccer match-play, based on the variables measured, indicating the relevance of the simulation as a model of match-play work rates. Soccer-specific intermittent exercise did not increase the demands placed on the aerobic energy systems compared to continuous exercise performed at the same average speed, although the results indicate that anaerobic energy provision is more important during intermittent than during continuous exercise at the same average speed.     

The Preference for and Tolerance of the Intensity of Exercise Questionnaire: a psychometric evaluation among college women

Individuals differ in the intensity of exercise that they prefer and the intensity that they can tolerate. We examined the psychometric properties of the Preference for and Tolerance of the Intensity of Exercise Questionnaire (PRETIE-Q; Ekkekakis, Hall, & Petruzzello, 2005: Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 27, 350 - 374). A sample of 601 college women (mean age 20 years) completed the PRETIE-Q and the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire. Both the Preference and the Tolerance scale were internally consistent (alpha coefficients of 0.89 and 0.86, respectively), with all items making positive contributions. A confirmatory factor analysis showed that model fit was reasonable. Both Preference and Tolerance were related to the frequency of participation in strenuous exercise and the total leisure-time exercise score. The PRETIE-Q appears to be an internally consistent and structurally valid measure, with a broad range of possible applications in exercise science.     

Exercise-induced hypoalgesia: Pain tolerance,preference and tolerance for exercise intensity,and physiological correlates following dynamic circuit resistance exercise

Previous research has demonstrated significant decreases in pain perception in healthy individuals following both aerobic and upper body resistance exercise, but research on circuit training has been limited. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of a strenuous bout of dynamic circuit resistance exercise on pain threshold and pain tolerance in conjunction with changes in blood lactate levels, heart rate (HR), and perceived exertion. A sample of 24 college-age students participated in 2 sessions: (1) a maximal strength testing session and (2) a circuit training bout of exercise that consisted of 3 sets of 12 repetitions with a 1:1 work to rest ratio at 60% one-repetition maximum (1-RM) predicted from a three-repetition maximum (3-RM) for 9 exercises. Participants exhibited increases in pain tolerance, blood lactate levels, HR and perceived exertion following resistance exercise. Preference for exercise intensity was positively correlated with lactate post exercise and tolerance for exercise intensity was positively correlated with pain tolerance and lactate post exercise. In conclusion, this is the first study to demonstrate increases in pain tolerance following a dynamic circuit resistance exercise protocol and disposition for exercise intensity may influence lactate and pain responses to circuit resistance exercise.     

Development and Preliminary Validation of the Time Management for Exercise Scale

The purpose of this study was to collect preliminary validity evidence for a time management scale for exercise. An initial pool of 91 items was developed from existing literature. Ten exercise/health psychologists evaluated each of the items in terms of relevance and representativeness. Forty-nine items met all criteria. Exploratory factor analysis of the initial pool of items with a sample of 501 undergraduate students revealed an interpretable 32-item, 4-factor solution: exercise importance, exercise documentation, perceived ability to manage time for exercise, and setting exercise goals. Internal consistency values ranged from 0.73 to 0.91. Time management for exercise appears to be related to exercise behavior as indicated by moderate correlations between each of the subscales and exercise behavior.     

Causal relationships of sport and exercise involvement with goal orientations, perceived competence and intrinsic motivation in physical education: a longitudinal study

Little information exists about the causal relationships of sport and exercise participation with goal orientations, perceived athletic competence and intrinsic motivation in physical education. A longitudinal study was conducted involving 882 Greek students who completed questionnaires on three occasions: 3 - 5 weeks into the academic year, 3 - 6 weeks before the end of the academic year, and 7 months later. The data were analysed using structural equation models, controlling for age. Task orientation and intrinsic motivation in physical education at the beginning of the academic year predicted sport and exercise participation 7 and 14 months later. Perceived athletic competence both at the beginning and end of the academic year predicted sport and exercise participation 7 and 14 months later, while ego orientation did not predict sport and exercise involvement at either time. Previous sport and exercise participation had positive effects on task orientation and perceived athletic competence 3 - 6 weeks before the end of the academic year and predicted all cognitive-affective constructs 7 months later. These results imply that the cultivation of task orientation, intrinsic motivation in physical education and perceived athletic competence will help to promote sport and exercise participation in adolescence.     

Physiological responses and perceptions of exertion in a step aerobics session.

The aims of this study were to establish the cardiovascular and metabolic demands of a university step aerobics session entitled 'Uni-Step' performed at three step heights, and to evaluate the use of heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion for the estimation of exercise intensity during this mode. Ten female participants in step aerobics (mean VO2max = 47.7, s = 6.8 ml.kg-1.min-1) performed a 40-min Uni-Step routine on steps of height 6, 8 and 10 inches (15.2, 20.3 and 25.4 cm). Oxygen uptake, heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion were recorded throughout each test. Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and maximum heart rate were measured using a continuous treadmill protocol. The mean intensities were 45.6%, 51.6% and 56.2% VO2max for the 6-, 8- and 10-inch steps respectively. The mean percent heart rate reserves were 57.2%, 63.6% and 70.1% at these three heights respectively. Correlations indicated a weak relationship between %VO2max and ratings of perceived exertion for the 6- and 8-inch steps (r = 0.61 and 0.66 respectively) but a stronger one for the 10-inch step (r = 0.79). Uni-Step performed on the two highest steps was of a sufficient relative intensity to improve or maintain the cardiovascular fitness of participants in this study. The lowest step may be useful for participants of lower fitness. Heart rate overestimated the metabolic cost of Uni-Step at all three step heights and therefore caution is advised if used to predict intensity. Low correlations between %VO2max and ratings of perceived exertion at the two lower step heights indicate that ratings of perceived exertion may have limited utility in prescribing training intensity.     

Psychosocial correlates of cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength in overweight and obese post-menopausal women: a MONET study

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychosocial correlates of cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak) and muscle strength in overweight and obese sedentary post-menopausal women. The study population consisted of 137 non-diabetic, sedentary overweight and obese post-menopausal women (mean age 57.7 years, s = 4.8; body mass index 32.4 kg.m(-2), s = 4.6). At baseline we measured: (1) body composition using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; (2) visceral fat using computed tomography; (3) insulin sensitivity using the hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp; (4) cardiorespiratory fitness; (5) muscle strength using the leg press exercise; and (6) psychosocial profile (quality of life, perceived stress, self-esteem, body-esteem, and perceived risk for developing chronic diseases) using validated questionnaires. Both VO2peak and muscle strength were significantly correlated with quality of life (r = 0.29, P < 0.01 and r = 0.30, P < 0.01, respectively), and quality of life subscales for: physical functioning (r = 0.28, P < 0.01 and r = 0.22, P < 0.05, respectively), pain (r = 0.18, P < 0.05 and r = 0.23, P < 0.05, respectively), role functioning (r = 0.20, P < 0.05 and r = 0.24, P < 0.05, respectively), and perceived risks (r = -0.24, P < 0.01 and r = -0.30, P < 0.01, respectively). In addition, VO2peak was significantly associated with positive health perceptions, greater body esteem, and less time watching television/video. Stepwise regression analysis showed that quality of life for health perceptions and for role functioning were independent predictors of VO2peak and muscle strength, respectively. In conclusion, higher VO2peak and muscle strength are associated with a favourable psychosocial profile, and the psychosocial correlates of VO2peak were different from those of muscle strength. Furthermore, psychosocial factors could be predictors of VO2peak and muscle strength in our cohort of overweight and obese sedentary post-menopausal women.