Resposta afetiva e treino com resistência : uma exploração baseada em pressupostos hedónicos

  • Vasco Alambre Bastos

Student thesis: Master's Thesis

Abstract

Purpose. Resistance training (RT) provides many health benefits and, as such, it is of relevance for public health. However, like other forms of exercise, RT suffers from high dropout rates, making the development of effective exercise adherence strategies paramount. One approach to this problem relies on the affective response to exercise. Grounded in hedonic principles, evidence suggests people tend to perform activities they consider pleasurable while simultaneously avoiding pain and displeasure. In this approach, the Feeling Scale (FS) and the Felt Arousal Scale (FAS) have been extensively used in the literature to assess the affective dynamics of an exercise session. However, the literature on the affective response for RT is still preliminary with further investigation being paramount to clarify methodological issues on its measurement and to better understand how to promote more pleasurable and sustained RT programs As such, the objective of this masters’ dissertation is to explore the affective response in RT dynamics, particularly in one of its most common ecological settings, gyms and health clubs. Method. In order to accomplish this objective, two studies were conducted: a systematic review of the literature and a quasi-experimental study. In the review, a literature search was conducted with the purpose of analyzing how the FS and/or the FAS have been applied for affective response measurement in RT. The feasibility, timing of application, and implications for the measurement of affective response in RT were the focal points of this analysis, with the objective of presenting recommendations for real-life application and future research alike. In the second study, a RT program was developed and applied to recreational exercisers in a quasi experimental design aiming to: (1) explore the affective response dynamic through a continuous assessment after the last set of each exercise, prescribed to muscle failure; and (2) analyze possible differences of preference and tolerance profiles in affective variables (core affect and enjoyment). A total of 43 participants were recruited in two health clubs in Lisbon. Descriptive statistics, correlational analyses, repeated measures ANOVA, and several non-parametric tests were conducted for all studied variables. Additionally, further statistical analyses were conducted to test the study’s hypothesis. Results. After a meticulous search in three different databases, a total of 26 studies were included and qualitatively analyzed in the systematic review. Results indicate that both scales were able to detect core affect within a wide array of intensities, ages, equipment, and in both genders. However, methodological issues, lack of parameterization, and protocols heterogeneity were detected in the majority of the studies, which could bias some results and limit interpretation. The second study showed that applying the FS/FAS immediately after a set represents a feasible and ecologically valid approach to tap core affect. In recreationally trained exercisers, a single measurement appears to be enough to assess the affective response, but with various scenarios existing where further measurements can potentially allow for a more rich interpretation. Results also suggest that individuals with different profiles of preference and tolerance present distinct affective responses. In general higher profiles for these variables present more positive affective responses, thus supporting the study’s hypothesis. Conclusion. Overall the FS/FAS are feasible and useful in assessing affective response in RT, providing a more fine-grained differentiation of different affective states when used to plot the circumplex model of affect. Furthermore, a measurement immediately after the final set in each RT exercise represents a feasible and ecologically valid approach to tap core.
Date of Award2022
Original languageEnglish
SupervisorDiogo dos Santos Teixeira (Supervisor)

Keywords

  • WELL-BEING
  • PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
  • PHYSICAL EXERCISE
  • NUTRITION
  • NDURANCE TRAINING
  • AFFECTIVITY
  • TID:203110870

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