Effects of autonomous motivational priming on motivation and affective responses towards high-intensity interval training

ABSTRACT

This study examined the effect of autonomous motivational priming on motivation, attitudes and intentions towards high-intensity interval training (HIT). Participants (N = 42) performed a graded exercise test to determine their peak aerobic power (W_PEAK). At a subsequent testing session, participants were randomised to complete either an autonomous or neutral motivational priming task followed by a 10 × 1 HIT exercise protocol, alternating 1-min bouts of hard (70% W_PEAK) and light (12.5% W_PEAK) exercises for 20 min. Participants primed with autonomous motivation reported greater enjoyment, P = .009, η_p² = .16, and perceived competence, P = .005, η_p² = .18, post-exercise compared to those in the neutral priming condition. Participants in the autonomous motivational priming condition also reported more positive attitudes, P = .014, η_p² = .14, towards HIT; however, there was no difference between the conditions for task motivation during HIT or intentions, P = .53, η_p² = .01, to engage in HIT. These findings highlight autonomous motivational priming as a method of enhancing affective and motivational experiences regarding HIT.

KEYWORDS:

• Supraliminal priming
• motivation
• attitudes
• high-intensity interval training

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.