Exploring Determinants of Exercise-Related Affective Valence in Regular Exercisers Between the Ages of 55 and 69 Years

Abstract

This study aimed to understand determinants of recalled in-task affective valence experienced during a regularly performed aerobic bout in adult exercisers aged 55+. Qualitative data were collected (January to March, 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic) using interviews wherein individuals (N = 16, 69% women, 61 ± 5 years) recalled deviations in affective valence in response to a regularly completed bout. Using thematic analyses, two themes emerged regarding how COVID-19 impacted regular exercise behaviors: (a) “loss” and (b) “adaptation.” Two themes encompassed the determinants of recalled in-task affective valence: (a) “person-specific conditions” and (b) “external conditions.” Finally, an increase in duration/intensity during a pleasant session was indicated by 44% of the participants, while 75% indicated a decrease in duration/intensity during an unpleasant session. The participants indicated that affective valence was determined by previously cited and novel factors that relate to exercise performed in naturalistic environments. Volitional modifications to planned exercise volume appear more responsive to feelings of displeasure.

Exploring person-specific associations of situational motivation and readiness with leisure-time physical activity effort and experience

“…The current analyses also revealed that the nomothetic interpretation that physical readiness had almost no association with recalled affective valence. This lack of association opposes a growing body of qualitative findings, which identify factors underlying perceptions of physical readiness (e.g., energy, fitness, body integrity) as influencing physical activity-related cognitions and affective experiences [ 61 – 63 ]. Relying solely on the nomothetic interpretation, a client’s poor perception of physical readiness may not dissuade a practitioner from imposing a scheduled, more strenuous exercise session–potentially eliciting a rather unpleasant experience.…”