Where there’s exercise, there should be enjoyment: Comparing an enjoyment-regulated vs. intensity-regulated exercise intervention for adults
Examing the effects of an enjoyment-regulated vs. intensity-regulated exercise intervention on aerobic capacity and mental wellbeing in adults
Victoria University
40 participants
Jun 7, 2022
Interventional
Conditions
Summary
This project aims to determine whether a protocol of 30 minutes of exercise prescribed based on enjoyment can elicit similar physiological responses (heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and blood pressure) compared to aerobic exercise prescribed based on intensity-driven guidelines (moderate intensity, 40-60% Heart rate). A secondary aim will be to determine if 4 weeks of enjoyment-driven aerobic exercise (three 40 minute sessions per week, 30 mins exercise, 5 mins each for pre post assessments) can provide similar benefits (aerobic capacity, physical and mental wellbeing) to a 4 week intensity-driven aerobic exercise program. I will recruit up to 40 adults (aged 18 years or older) to participate in a two phase randomised controlled clinical trial. Participants will complete a graded exercise test pre and post intervention. Measurements of current physical activity (PAQ), autonomous motivation to participate in exercise (BREQ3 questionnaire), symptoms of depression and anxiety (via the DASS-21 questionnaire) and psychological distress (using the K10) will also be measured. Participants will then be randomised in a cross-over design to complete an acute enjoyment-driven and an intensity driven exercise session, with one week washout in-between. All participants will then be randomised into parallel groups and complete 4 weeks (three 30 minute sessions per week) of either intensity-driven (standard prescription) or enjoyment driven (novel prescription) exercise. Affective response (FS), and HR, RPE and BP will be measured each session. Significance: This project proposes a transformative approach to exercise prescription whereby the focus of exercise prescription would shift away from objective intensity measures and instead centre on the individual’s level of enjoyment. If proven successful, this project has the potential to transform how exercise is prescribed and can be translated to the community and the health care system.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria3
- I. Aged 18 years or older
- II. No major changes in medications for at least 3 months
- III. GP Clearance (if required by screening forms and or >40years old)
Exclusion Criteria3
- I. A major cardiovascular event with the previous 6 weeks or a planned hospitalization within the next 2 months
- II. Involvement in regular physical activity (3 or more days/week and/or >120min of exercise at moderate or high intensity per week).
- III. Abnormal response to cardiopulmonary exercise testing
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Interventions
This project is a two phased (acute and chronic) randomised controlled pilot trial. Participants will complete a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), questionnaires related to mental health, physical activity and perceived enjoyment of exercise as well as a semi-structured interview focusing on their beliefs about exercise and enjoyment of exercise. Following these baseline assessments, participants will then be randomised in a cross-over design to complete an acute enjoyment-driven and an intensity-driven exercise session, with one week washout in-between. Following one week washout post acute exercise sessions, all participants will then be further randomised into parallel groups and complete 4 weeks (three 30 minute exercise sessions per week, with total session time of approximately 40 minutes including resting and post measures ) of either intensity-driven (standard prescription of moderate intensity 40% -60% heart rate reserve [HRR]) or enjoyment driven (novel prescription) exercise. Affective response (Feeling Scale, FS), and heartrate (HR), Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and blood pressure (BP) will be measured each session. On completion of the four weeks of training, all participants will repeat the baseline assessments. Finally, four weeks following post assessment completion, participants will be asked to complete the same questionnaires one final time. Each session of the enjoyment regulated exercise prescription within the acute or chronic phase will use the FS to guide intensity. There will be no minimum intensity set for the enjoyment-regulated sessions. Sessions will be deivered by trained exercise physiologists or by student exercise physiologists under direct supervision of certified exercise physiologists. The sessions will each last approximately 40 minutes (30 minutes exercise, 5 mins each for pre/post measures). Participants will be blinded to the treadmill intensities in both sessions, but will be able to modify the intensity of the treadmill themselves for the enjoyment-regulated sessions. The sessions will be delivered in an individualised manner (1:1). Adherence will be monitored for all acute/chronic sessions (attendence).
Locations(1)
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ACTRN12622000970741