Author(s): VERAME, A., SANTANA, W., SILVA, C., GOMES, A., FIGEUIRA, A., Institution: SÃO JUDAS TADEU UNIVERSITY - SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL, Country: BRAZIL, Abstract-ID: 368

Introduction: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an effective exercise modality for improving cardiometabolic health. Despite its effectiveness, adherence HIIT programs remains inconclusive. Psychophysiological models, as Dual-Mode Theory (Ekkekakis, 2009), suggest that affective responses during exercise play a critical role in adherence-related behaviors.
Objective: Investigate the psychophysiological relationships between cardiovascular intensity, perceived exertion, affective responses and exercise adherence on HIIT.
Methods: Randomized experiment (nine both sexes physically active adults; 28±5 years old); body mass (69.6±14.2 kg); height (169±0.1cm); BMI (24.1±2.3 kg/m²) and % body fat (20.2±7.9%) were assessed. Two HIIT protocols with inverse work-to-recovery ratios: 1:2 work-to-recovery (PT1=30s:60s) and 1:0.5 work-to-recovery (PT2=60s:30s), with equalized total volume were conducted. Heart rate (HR) was monitored using a chest-strap heart rate monitor (Polar H10); rating of perceived exertion (RPE; Borg 6–20 scale); affective valence (FS) was determined (Feeling Scale); perceived pain was assessed (visual analog scale - VAS); session enjoyment using Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) and intention to repeat the session (INT) was recorded. Mean session values were calculated considering only exercise-related periods. Associations were examined by Spearman’s correlation (p<0.05) with MiniTab, version 19.
Results: The comparison presented similarity between PT1-PT2 to: HR (PT1=169.17±10.46; PT2=167.97±13.08); RPE (PT1=16.80±2.64; PT2=16.54±2.62); FS (PT1=1.66±2.61; PT2=1.40±2.67); VAS (PT1=4.74±3.21; PT2=3.81±2.98); PACES (PT1=56.7±6.47; PT2=57.0±5.74); INT (PT1=3.77±2.08; PT2=3.77±1.76). However, session pleasure (FS) and post-exercise enjoyment (PACES) showed moderate positive associations with INT (r=0.43; 95% CI:-0.073-0.755; p=0.078) and (r=0.42; 95% CI:-0.754-0.075; p=0.079), respectively. Session intensity showed moderate association with INT (HR×INT; r=0.50; p=0.033). Perceived pain (VAS) showed weak association with INT (r =0.19; p=0.450). Exercise intensity (HR) showed weak correlation with FS (r=0.29; p 0.241), whereas RPE showed weak negative association with INT (r= -0.16; p=0.528).
Conclusion: Affective responses (FS) appear to be associated with session enjoyment, regardless of physiological intensity or perceived pain, even across both HIIT protocols. These findings allow us to hypothesize that protocols with longer recovery intervals may be more suitable for individuals with prior experience, even when physiological responses are similar to those elicited by shorter intervals, as higher levels of pleasure and enjoyment may contribute to greater adherence to HIIT programs.
References: Ekkekakis, P. (2009). The dual-mode theory of affective responses to exercise in metatheoretical context: II. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 2(2), 139–160.