Adherence to exercise prescriptions: Effects of prescribing moderate versus higher levels of intensity and frequency.

Abstract

Sedentary adults (N = 379) were randomly assigned in a 2 x 2 design to walk 30 min per day at a frequency of either 3-4 or 5-7 days per week, at an intensity of either 45%-55% or 65%-75% of maximum heart rate reserve. Analyses of exercise accumulated over 6 months showed greater amounts completed in the higher frequency (p = .0001) and moderate intensity (p = .021) conditions. Analyses of percentage of prescribed exercise completed showed greater adherence in the moderate intensity(p = .02) condition. Prescribing a higher frequency increased the accumulation of exercise without a decline in adherence, whereas prescribing a higher intensity decreased adherence and resulted in the completion of less exercise.

Exercise intensity and insulin sensitivity: how low can you go?

“…Hansen et al [30] raise the important issue of psychosocial determinants of behaviour, citing work showing that moderate, as opposed to high-intensity exercise is associated with greater patient adherence to a training programme [35]. While there are equivocal data regarding the influence of exercise intensity on adherence/compliance [36], it should be noted that the overwhelming barrier to regular exercise participation is lack of time [37].…”

Exercise does not feel the same when you are overweight: the impact of self-selected and imposed intensity on affect and exertion

“…17,18 Consequently, within the time constraints considered acceptable by an individual, intensity must be as high as possible without increasing the risk of adverse consequences. The intensity of physical activity has been found to be negatively related to adherence in several studies, [19][20][21] including some, though not all, studies involving overweight participants. 6,22,23 This could be due to the fact that higher intensity entails increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries, particularly among the overweight.…”

Inflammation and exercise (INFLAME): Study rationale, design, and methods

“…Exercise at 60% VO 2 max will be sufficient to elicit clinically significant physiological changes associated with exercise training; 80% VO 2 max will allow those participants who wish to work at a higher intensity but not above most individuals' anaerobic threshold. [25][26][27][28] Current data suggest that most physiological adaptations occur within the first four months of exercise training when exercise prescription remains unchanged. [29;30] Therefore, in view of the expectation of little further adaptation after four months and considering the increased logistical and participant burdens and costs of running a highly controlled, laboratory-based study for a longer period, the intervention will be limited to four months.…”