Influence of personality and self-efficacy on perceptual responses during high-intensity interval exercise in adolescents

Abstract

Inter-individual cognitive factors have been shown to be related to the changes in affect evaluations during continuous high-intensity exercise in adolescents, but the role of cognitive factors on affect during high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) is currently unknown. This study evaluated the influence of personality traits (behavioral activation system; BAS and behavioral inhibition system; BIS) and self-efficacy on affect, enjoyment and perceived exertion during HIIE in adolescents. Participants (n = 30; 15 boys; mean age = 12.2 ± 0.4 years; moderate to vigorous physical activity levels per day = 33 ± 12 min) were median split into low vs. high BAS/BIS and self-efficacy groups. All participants performed HIIE consisting of 8 × 1-min work-intervals at 85% of peak power separated by 75 s recovery. Affect, enjoyment, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded 5 min before HIIE, near the end of the HIIE work intervals, and 20 min after HIIE. The high BAS/low BIS group elicited greater affect and enjoyment compared to low BAS/high BIS group during work-intervals 5–8 (all p < 0.039, all ES > 0.59) and after HIIE for post-enjoyment (all p < 0.038, all ES > 0.95). Affect and enjoyment were greater in high compared to low self-efficacy group during work-intervals 5–8 (all p < 0.048, all ES > 0.62). The BAS/BIS groups elicited similar RPE (all p > 0.10), but RPE was lower in high than low self-efficacy group at work-intervals 5–8 (all p < 0.037, ES > 0.98). Individual differences in personality and self-efficacy may influence the affective, enjoyment and RPE responses during HIIE in adolescents.

Lay summary: This study aimed to evaluate the role of personality characteristics and self-efficacy on perceptual responses (pleasure/displeasure and enjoyment) during HIIE in youth. Individual differences in personality characteristics and self-efficacy may decrease or increase the likelihood that a person will experience pleasurable feelings and enjoyment to HIIE in youth.

Additional information

Funding

The present work was financially supported by the Government of Malaysia for the funding under the academic staff training scheme (USM/PPSP(Pent)/L2/bJld.XV).