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This study examined the extent to which different high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and sprint interval training (SIT) protocols could influence psychophysiological responses in moderately active young men. Fourteen participants completed, in a randomized order, three cycling protocols (SIT: 4 × 30-second all-out sprints; Tabata: 7 × 20 seconds at 170% ⋮O2max; and HIIT: 10 × 60 seconds at 90% HRmax) and three running HIIT protocols (4 × 4 minutes at 90%–95% HRmax, 5 × at v⋮O2max, and 4 × 1,000 meters at a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of 8, from the OMNI-Walk/Run scale). Oxygen uptake (⋮O2), heart rate, and RPE were recorded during each interval. Affective responses were assessed before and after each trial. The Tabata protocol elicited the highest ⋮O2and RPE responses, and the least pleasant session-affect among the cycling trials. The v⋮O2maxelicited the highest ⋮O2and RPE responses and the lowest mean session-affect among the running trials. Findings highlight the limited application of SIT and some HIIT protocols to individuals with low fitness levels.

The aim of this study was to compare acute affective responses at exercise intensities based on the ventilatory threshold between normal weight, overweight, and obese women. 66 sedentary women (22 in each Body Mass Index group) performed a maximal graded treadmill test to measure their maximal oxygen uptake and ventilatory thresholds. Affective valence was compared at intensities spanning the ventilatory threshold (below, at, and above threshold). Affective valence below ventilatory threshold did not differ among the Body Mass Index groups. The obese group had a lower affective response at ventilatory threshold and above ventilatory threshold than the normal weight and overweight groups; the latter two groups did not differ. The obese group had a lower affective response than the normal and overweight groups, which corresponds to a less pleasant experience. Exercise prescriptions for obese subjects targeting intensities below ventilatory threshold can provide a more pleasant experience and may facilitate exercise adherence.