Comparison of Affect-based, Self-selected, and Traditional Exercise Prescriptions
- Conditions
- Physical Activity
- Interventions
- Behavioral: Choice-based Exercise IntensityBehavioral: Positive Affect FocusBehavioral: Heart rate-based Exercise Intensity
- Registration Number
- NCT03047590
- Lead Sponsor
- Duke University
- Brief Summary
This study will evaluate adherence to four types of walking programs. Participants will be randomized to walking programs that included either (1) affect-based exercise intensity, (2) self-selected (or "choice-based") exercise intensity, (3) heart-rate based exercise intensity, or (4) heart-rate guided exercise intensity with the emphasis on affective benefits.
- Detailed Description
The purpose of this study is to determine if an "affect-based" or "choice-based" exercise prescription is more effective for behavior change than a traditional, "moderate-intensity" exercise prescription. Prior research suggests that "choice-based" or "self-selected" exercise intensity is more pleasant and adhered to than "moderate-intensity exercise" (Williams et al., 2014). Similarly, affect-based exercise prescriptions (i.e., an exercise prescription where intensity is regulated based on the pleasure-displeasure one feels while exercising) appear to have merit (Baldwin, Kangas, Denman, Smits, Yamada, \& Otto, 2016).
However, choice-based and affect-based exercise prescriptions have not been compared to each other. Further, it is unknown if it is the intensity regulation that matters (e.g., "choose an intensity that feels good" or the focus on affect (e.g., "focus on feeling good). Third, prior research has not objectively measured physical activity behavior.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 159
- Must be fluent in English
- Must be able to walk
- Exercise less than 90 minutes per week at a moderate-intensity
- Must be able to attend laboratory visits
- Must have mobile internet accent and a personal smartphone (iPhone iOS 9+ or Android OS 4.3+)
- Can safely exercise at an intensity that is at least "moderate"
- People who are recommended to have medical clearance prior to exercising, according to the American College of Sports Medicine's preparticipation screening criteria, will be excluded
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- PARALLEL
- Arm && Interventions
Group Intervention Description No Choice-Affect Heart rate-based Exercise Intensity These participants regulate their exercise intensity using their heart rate, with the goal of walking 30-60 minutes on most days of the week. The intensity is "moderate" according to the American College of Sports Medicine (40-59% of their heart rate reserve). Meanwhile, these participants are instructed to focus on the "good feelings" that come with exercise. this is heart rate-based exercise intensity with a focus on positive affect. No Choice-No Affect Heart rate-based Exercise Intensity These participants regulate their exercise intensity using their heart rate, with the goal of walking 30-60 minutes on most days of the week. The intensity is "moderate" according to the American College of Sports Medicine (40-59% of their heart rate reserve). This is heart rate-based exercise intensity with no focus on positive affect. Choice-No Affect Choice-based Exercise Intensity These participants self-select (i.e., choose) their exercise intensity with the goal of walking 30-60 minutes on most days of the week. For safety reasons, they are instructed not to exceed 59% of their heart rate reserve. This is choice-based exercise intensity with no focus on positive affect. Choice-Affect Choice-based Exercise Intensity These participants self-select their exercise intensity with the goal of walking 30-60 minutes on most days of the week. They're instructed to choose the intensity that makes them feel the best. For safety reasons, they are instructed not to exceed 59% of their heart rate reserve. This is choice-based exercise intensity with a focus on positive affect. No Choice-Affect Positive Affect Focus These participants regulate their exercise intensity using their heart rate, with the goal of walking 30-60 minutes on most days of the week. The intensity is "moderate" according to the American College of Sports Medicine (40-59% of their heart rate reserve). Meanwhile, these participants are instructed to focus on the "good feelings" that come with exercise. this is heart rate-based exercise intensity with a focus on positive affect. Choice-Affect Positive Affect Focus These participants self-select their exercise intensity with the goal of walking 30-60 minutes on most days of the week. They're instructed to choose the intensity that makes them feel the best. For safety reasons, they are instructed not to exceed 59% of their heart rate reserve. This is choice-based exercise intensity with a focus on positive affect.
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Change in objectively measured exercise behavior This will be measured throughout the baseline assessment period (2 weeks) and intervention period (4 weeks) Minutes per week of objectively measured exercise behavior.
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Enjoyment Measured at the end of the intervention period (4 weeks) Enjoyment of exercise program.
Change in weight Measured at the beginning and end of the study (6 weeks). Body weight
Change in self-reported exercise behavior This will be measured throughout the baseline assessment period (2 weeks) and intervention period (4 weeks) Minutes per week of self-reported exercise behavior that is reported using exercise log.
Change in affective attitudes Measured during baseline assessment period and at the end of the intervention Affective attitudes toward exercise
Self-reported intrinsic motivation (questionnaires) Two weeks into study intervention Intrinsic motivation for exercise program
Change in resting heart rate Measured at the beginning and end of the study (6 weeks). Resting heart rate
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
Duke University IBRC Lab
🇺🇸Durham, North Carolina, United States