Analysis of the indirect effects of basic psychological needs and motivational regulations in the relationship between intensity, frequency

and emotional response to exercise Teixeira, DS1, 2 & Palmeira, AL1, 3

1 Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, ULHT, Portugal 2 Sport Sciences Department, ISCE, Portugal 3 CIPER, Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal

Study Framework

Purpose

Discussion

ISBNPA 2015, 14th Annual Meeting, 3rd – 6th June, Edinburgh - Scotland References: Garber, C.E., et al. 2011. Quantity and quality of exercise for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and neuromotor fitness in apparently healthy adults: Guidance for prescribing exercise. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 43 (7), 1334–59. IRSHA (2014). The 2014 IHRSA Global Report. Retrieved October, 16, 2014, from http://www.ihrsa.org/blog/2014/5/27/2014-ihrsa-global-report-is-out-in-pdf.html U.S. Department of Health and Human Service (2008). Physical Activity Guidelines Advidory Committee. Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Report. Washington, DC

diogo.sts.teixeira@gmail.com

Methods Exercise frequency/intensity, BPN satisfaction, motivational regulations and emotional response (Positive/Negative Affect (PA/NA); Psychological Well-being/Distress (PWB/PD)) were measured through self-report in 807 health club members (40.50±13.54 yrs) averaging 2.61±1.29 exercise sessions/week. Serial multiple mediation models were used to evaluate the predictive value of exercise and motivational variables on the emotional response.

Frequency and intensity are associated with stronger emotional responses. This is partially explained by BPN satisfaction and motivational regulations. Autonomous regulation plays an important role in the quality of exercise experience. Results refer to the importance of the development of need-supportive contexts in order to facilitate a better emotional response in exercise thus facilitating continuous adherence.

It is well know that physical exercise plays an important role in the promotion of health. It appears that the optimal benefits occur when exercise is done regularly and at an appropriate intensity (Garber et al., 2011). However, research indicates that people seem to struggle to reach the international recommendations for the warranted effects (USDHHS, 2008). Recent reports point that health club’s activities are one the biggest sport related industries, with an average of 140 million club members worldwide (IHRSA, 2014). At this scale, the research and understanding of ways to enhance the quality of practice and health outcomes is an important concern.

The study analyzed the indirect effects basic psychological needs (BPN) satisfaction and motivational regulations in the relationship between exercise frequency, intensity and emotional response to exercise.

Results

Intensity

BPN Aut. Reg.

Positive

Activation Intensity

Psyc. Well-Being

Cont. Reg. BPN

c’ = 0.70***; Indirect total = 0.25¥

c’ = 0.79***; Indirect total = 0.17¥

Sig. effect

Non Sig. effect

¥ – significant indirect effect

* p<0.05; ** p<0.01; *** p<0.001

Figure 1a – Serial mediation analysis for intensity, BPN, motivational regulations and positive activation

Ind. effect M1 = 0.12¥

Ind. effect M1 + M2 = 0.05¥

Ind. effect M2 = 0.08¥

Ind. effect M1 = 0.17¥

Ind. effect M1 + M2 =- 0.01

Ind. effect M2 = -0.01

Ind. effect M1 = 0.08¥

Ind. effect M1 + M2 = 0.05¥

Ind. effect M2 = 0.09¥

Ind. effect M1 = 0.13¥

Ind. effect M1 + M2 = -0.01

Ind. effect M2 =- 0.01

BPN Aut. Reg.

Cont. Reg. BPN

Figure 1b – Serial mediation analysis for intensity, BPN, motivational regulations and psychological well-being