Do Self-Reported Individual Differences in Preference For and Tolerance Of Exercise Intensity Predict CrossFit WOD Performance?
Year: 2016
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: CrossFit is an increasingly popular, wide-ranging strength and conditioning exercise program. Exercise research has begun to shed light on the exercise intensity-affect-adherence relationship, but this kind of exercise is unique and has yet to be systematically studied. By examining individual difference characteristics (e.g., personality) of participants as well as their responses to single sessions of training, important information could be gained about the psychological makeup of the type of individual who does best in these high intensity group training settings. PURPOSE: Examine several individual difference factors, along with psychological responses to an individual workout session (i.e., WOD). METHODS: Participants (N =29; 17 female; 33.2±8.3 yrs; BMI=24.89±3.62; M±SD) completed measures of exercise intensity preference (Pref) and tolerance (Tol). On a separate day they performed a workout (WOD) consisting of 5 pull-ups, 10 box jumps, and 15 weighted ball overhead throws, which were done repeatedly for 12 min. Performance was the total number of repetitions completed. Measures of affect were completed Pre and immediately post (P0) WOD, along with measures of satisfaction and enjoyment. RESULTS: Average WOD performance was 196±39.3 repetitions, with satisfaction of 5.1±1.2 (somewhat satisfied) and enjoyment of 103.1±11.6. Affect changed from Pre to P0 with Energy (d= 1.35) and Tension (d= -1.21) increasing while Tiredness (d= 0.97) and Calmness (d= -0.73) decreased. Visual analog fatigue also increased (d= -1.40). Further, after accounting for age, sex, and BMI, Pref predicted unique variance in WOD performance (β= 0.57, R2[INCREMENT]=28.3%, P= 0.004); after accounting for age, sex, and BMI, Tol predicted unique variance in WOD performance (β= 0.54, R2[INCREMENT]=26.3%, P= 0.005). Those completing more repetitions also had greater satisfaction (r= 0.43, P= 0.008) and enjoyment (r= 0.45, P= 0.007) of the WOD. CONCLUSION: These findings extend previous research by examining affective responses to high-intensity exercise along with providing evidence of individual difference factors that predict behavior in such types of exercise. Specifically, the findings suggest that individuals preferring and tolerating higher intensities of exercise push themselves more in such exercise settings.
Institution: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2462735024