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Motivation for bodily movement, physical activity and exercise varies from moment to moment. These motivation states may be "affectively-charged," ranging from instances of lower tension (e.g., desires, wants) to higher tension (e.g., cravings and urges). Currently, it is not known how often these states have been investigated in clinical populations (e.g., eating disorders, exercise dependence/addiction, Restless Legs Syndrome, diabetes, obesity) vs. healthy populations (e.g., in studies of motor control; groove in music psychology). The objective of this scoping review protocol is to quantify the literature on motivation states, to determine what topical areas are represented in investigations of clinical and healthy populations, and to discover pertinent details, such as instrumentation, terminology, theories, and conceptual models, correlates and mechanisms of action. Iterative searches of scholarly databases will take place to determine which combination of search terms (e.g., "motivation states" and "physical activity"; "desire to be physically active," etc.) captures the greatest number of relevant results. Studies will be included if motivation states for movement (e.g., desires, urges) are specifically measured or addressed. Studies will be excluded if referring to motivation as a trait. A charting data form was developed to scan all relevant documents for later data extraction. The primary outcome is simply the extent of the literature on the topic. Results will be stratified by population/condition. This scoping review will unify a diverse literature, which may result in the creation of unique models or paradigms that can be utilized to better understand motivation for bodily movement and exercise.

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Background: The study aimed to validate the Cravings for Rest and Volitional Energy Expenditure (CRAVE) scale among Chinese adults with different health conditions (healthy control, chronic illnesses, and psychiatric disorders) and skill levels (athletes vs. non-athletes). Methods: In Study 1, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using the Maximum Likelihood Method (MLM) was performed on a Chinese sample of emerging adults (N = 481) to evaluate the structural validity of the Cravings for Rest and Volitional Energy Expenditure-Chinese version (CRAVE-C). In Study 2, differences in "Move" and "Rest" desires were examined among patients with psychiatric disorders, patients with chronic illnesses, and healthy controls. In study 3, investigated the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise motivation using the CRAVE-C (N = 83). In Study 4, the changes in "Move" desire from baseline to post-training were compared between athletes and non-athletes. Results: Results from Study 1 indicated that the 10-item CRAVE-C showed good fit indices (Chi2 (34) = 118.769, CFI = 0.95, TLI = 0.934, SRMR = 0.053, RMSEA = 0.072). "Move" positively correlated with various factors of the Affective Exercise Experiences Questionnaire-Chinese and the Physical Effort Scale-Chinese, while "Rest" correlated negatively. In Study 2, Patients with psychiatric disorders had a significantly higher "Move" desire than healthy controls. Patients with chronic illnesses had a significantly higher "Rest" desire than healthy controls. In Study 3, higher cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with a slight increase in "Move" desire (3.26% ± 37.35%) and a decrease in "Rest" desire (18.94% ± 66.99%). Lower fitness was linked to a significant decline in "Move" desire (−54.61% ± 111.33%) and an increase in "Rest" desire (43.62% ± 63.64%). In Study 4, the athlete group demonstrated a significant increase in "Move" desire from baseline to post-training, whereas the non-athlete group reported a significant decrease in "Move" desire from baseline to post-training. Conclusion: The 10-item CRAVE-C has good reliability and validity in the Chinese cultural context and can be used among Chinese adults with different health conditions and skill levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Observational studies have suggested associations between sedentary behaviors (SB), physical activity (PA), sleep duration (SD), and obesity, but the causal relationships remain unclear. Methods: We used Mendelian randomization (MR) with genetic variation as instrumental variables (IVs) to assess the causality between SB/PA/SD and obesity. Genetic variants associated with SB/PA/SD were obtained from Genome-wide association study (GWAS), and obesity data came from FinnGen. The primary MR analysis used the instrumental variable weighted (IVW) method, with sensitivity tests including Cochran Q, MR-Egger intercepts, and MR-Radial. Expression Quantitative Trait Loci (eQTL) analysis was applied to identify significant genetic associations and biological pathways in obesity-related tissues. Results: The MR analysis revealed causal relationships between four SB-related lifestyle patterns and obesity. Specifically, increased genetic liability to television watching (IVW MR Odds ratio [OR] = 1.55, [95% CI]:[1.27, 1.90], p = 1.67×10−5), computer use ([OR] = 1.52, [95% CI]:[1.08, 2.13], p = 1.61×10−2), leisure screen time (LST) ([OR] = 1.62, [95% CI] = [1.43, 1.84], p = 6.49×10−14, and driving (MR [OR] = 2.79, [95% CI]:[1.25, 6.21], p = 1.23×10−2) was found to increase the risk of obesity. Our findings indicate that no causal relationships were observed between SB at work, sedentary commuting, PA, SD, and obesity. The eQTL analysis revealed strong associations between specific genes (RPS26, TTC12, CCDC92, NICN1) and SNPs (rs10876864, rs2734849, rs4765541, rs7615206) in both subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues, which are associated with these SBs. Enrichment analysis further revealed that these genes are involved in crucial biological pathways, including cortisol synthesis, thyroid hormone synthesis, and insulin secretion. Conclusions: Our findings support a causal relationship between four specific SBs (LST, television watching, computer use, driving) and obesity. These results provide valuable insights into potential interventions to address obesity effectively, supported by genetic associations in the eQTL and enrichment analysis. Further research and public health initiatives focusing on reducing specific SBs may be warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This paper highlights the gap in understanding and meeting the needs of individuals with eating disorders (EDs) who are engaged in manual labor and proposes a novel solution for meeting those needs. Methods: In this paper, we describe the rationale, considerations, and opportunities for research and practice that can be adapted and created to meet the needs of individuals with EDs who are engaged in manual labor, a group that may be underserved by current methods for treating EDs. We highlight the potential utility of the industrial athlete (IA) framework for this population, propose the term Relative Energy Deficit in Occupation ("RED‐O"), and describe the potential applications of this framework and term for research, treatment, and public health promotion for EDs among individuals engaged in manual labor. Results: The IA framework and RED‐O provide opportunities to address the unique needs of individuals with EDs who are also engaged in manual labor and who are disproportionately of low socioeconomic status through new and adapted research and clinical applications as well as advocacy and public health promotion. Discussion: Equitable recovery for people with EDs requires the ability to engage in activities necessary for occupational functioning, including the physical capacity necessary to participate fully in their work. As access to treatment increases, it is imperative that the needs of IAs are adequately addressed, especially those who are of lower socioeconomic status. Public Significance: The industrial athlete and relative energy deficit in occupation (RED‐O) frameworks will enhance opportunities for identification and treatment of underserved and disadvantaged populations with eating disorders and reduce public health burden of eating disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical activity (PA) is important for the long-term health and weight management of patients who undergo metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). However, the roles of exercise professionals in MBS settings have not been systematically determined. To investigate: (1) who are the professionals implementing PA programming in MBS clinical settings; and (2) what patient-centric tasks do they perform? Clinical and academic exercise settings worldwide. This multimethod study included a scoping review of PA programs in MBS described in the research literature. Data about job tasks were extracted and provided to 10 experts to sort into categories. Cluster analysis was utilized to find the hierarchical structure of tasks. A Delphi process was used to agree on a final model. The majority of PA professionals were exercise physiologists in the USA and physiotherapists or other types of exercise professionals elsewhere. Forty-three tasks were identified, the most reported being supervision of exercise, fitness testing, and exercise prescription. Seven higher-order categories were determined: (1) Exercise-related health assessment, (2) Body composition and physical fitness assessment, (3) Lifestyle physical activity and sedentary behavior assessment, (4) Education, instruction, and prescription, (5) Exercise monitoring, (6) Behavioral counseling and psychosocial support, and (7) Dietary support. The following statements were rated an average of 9.0, classifying them as "imperative": 1) "Pre- and postoperative PA/exercise guidelines for MBS patients are needed", 2) "MBS programs need to include PA/exercise as part of multidisciplinary care". The expert group reached a consensus on 7 major classifications of job tasks for the exercise professional. It is important for governing medical associations across the world to formally recognize experienced exercise professionals as playing pivotal roles in continuing, multidisciplinary care for MBS patients. These findings also provide evidence-based information in the effort to solidify these positions within the greater context of healthcare. • Results identified 43 patient-centered job tasks, which were divided into 7 major categories. • The most common tasks were exercise prescription, supervision, and fitness testing. • Job tasks performed varied marginally by the type of exercise professional. • Including exercise in MBS patient care was deemed "imperative" by the Expert Group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivation states for physical activity and sedentarism potentially vary from moment to moment. The CRAVE scale (Cravings for Rest and Volitional Energy Expenditure) was developed to assess transient wants and desires to move. Three studies were conducted with the aims of: (1) translating and validating the scale in Brazilian Portuguese, (2) examining changes with exercise, and (3) determining the best single-item for Move and Rest subscales for English and Portuguese. In Study 1, six bilingual speakers translated the scale into Brazilian Portuguese [named Anseios por Repouso e Gastos com Energia (ARGE)]. The ARGE had good content validity coefficients across three dimensions (0.89-0.91), as determined by three independent, bilingual referees. 1,168 participants (mean age = 30.6, SD = 12.2) from across Brazil completed an online version of the ARGE. An Exploratory Factor Analysis found two clear, oblique, and inversely related factors (Move and Rest; GFI = 1.00, RMSR = 0.03). Reliability was good (Cronbach α's: 0.93 and 0.92). Two models of the scale (10 vs. 13 items) were compared with Confirmatory Factor Analysis. The previously validated version using 10 scored items (GFI = 1.00, RMSEA = 0.07, RMSR = 0.02) outperformed the version scored with 13 items. State anxiety and exercise behavior had small associations with Move and Rest (-0.20 to 0.26). In Study 2, ARGE Move scores had high correspondence post-session (ICC = 0.83) for 9 women performing short Sprint Interval Training (sSIT; 6 sessions). Large, but non-significant, effects were detected for changes in motivation states with sSIT. In Study 3, IRT analyses found that for the United States sample, "be physically active" and "be still" were the most representative items for Move and Rest, respectively, while for the Brazil sample they were "exert my muscles" and "be a couch potato." Overall, it was found that: (A) the ARGE scale demonstrated good psychometric properties, (B) the original scoring (with 10 items) resulted in the best model, (C) it had small associations with exercise behavior, and (D) the subscales were reduced to single items that varied by country, indicating potential cultural differences in the concept of motivation states for physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weight loss is a major motive for engaging in exercise, despite substantial evidence that exercise training results in compensatory responses that inhibit significant weight loss. According to the Laws of Thermodynamics and the CICO (Calories in, Calories out) model, increased exercise-induced energy expenditure (EE), in the absence of any compensatory increase in energy intake, should result in an energy deficit leading to reductions of body mass. However, the expected negative energy balance is met with both volitional and non-volitional (metabolic and behavioral) compensatory responses. A commonly reported compensatory response to exercise is increased food intake (i.e., Calories in) due to increased hunger, increased desire for certain foods, and/or changes in health beliefs. On the other side of the CICO model, exercise training can instigate compensatory reductions in EE that resist the maintenance of an energy deficit. This may be due to decreases in non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT), increases in sedentary behavior, or alterations in sleep. Related to this EE compensation, the motivational states associated with the desire to be active tend to be overlooked when considering compensatory changes in non-exercise activity. For example, exercise-induced alterations in the wanting of physical activity could be a mechanism promoting compensatory reductions in EE. Thus, one's desires, urges or cravings for movement-also known as "motivation states" or "appetence for activity"-are thought to be proximal instigators of movement. Motivation states for activity may be influenced by genetic, metabolic, and psychological drives for activity (and inactivity), and such states are susceptible to fatigue-or reward-induced responses, which may account for reductions in NEAT in response to exercise training. Further, although the current data are limited, recent investigations have demonstrated that motivation states for physical activity are dampened by exercise and increase after periods of sedentarism. Collectively, this evidence points to additional compensatory mechanisms, associated with motivational states, by which impositions in exercise-induced changes in energy balance may be met with resistance, thus resulting in attenuated weight loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical activity, while less necessary for survival in modern times, is still essential for thriving in life, and low levels of movement are related to numerous physical and mental health problems. However, we poorly understand why people move on a day-to-day basis and how to promote greater energy expenditure. Recently, there has been a turn to understand automatic processes with close examination of older theories of behavior. This has co-occurred with new developments in the study of non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT). In this narrative review, it is hypothesized that psycho-physiological drive is important to understand movement in general and NEAT, specifically. Drive, in short, is a motivation state, characterized by arousal and felt tension, energizing the organism to acquire a basic need. Movement is a biological necessity, like food, water, and sleep, but varies across the lifespan and having the greatest impact before adolescence. Movement meets various criteria for a primary drive: (a) deprivation of it produces feelings of tension, such as an urge or craving, known as affectively-charged motivation states, and particularly the feelings of being antsy, restless, hyper or cooped up, (b) provision of the need quickly reduces tension - one can be satiated, and may even over-consume, (c) it can be provoked by qualities of the environment, (d) it is under homeostatic control, (e) there is an appetite (i.e., appetence) for movement but also aversion, and (f) it has a developmental time course. Evidence for drive has mainly come from children and populations with hyperkinetic disorders, such as those with anorexia nervosa, restless legs syndrome, and akathisia. It is also stimulated in conditions of deprivation, such as bed rest, quarantine, long flights, and physical restraint. It seems to be lacking in the hypokinetic disorders, such as depression and Parkinson’s. Thus, drive is associated with displeasure and negative reinforcement, subsuming it within the theory of hedonic drive, but it may fit better within new paradigms, such as the WANT model (Wants and Aversions for Neuromuscular Tasks). Recently developed measurement tools, such as the CRAVE scale, may permit the earnest investigation of movement drive, satiation, and motivation states in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivation for bodily movement, physical activity and exercise varies from moment to moment. These motivation states may be "affectively-charged," ranging from instances of lower tension (e.g., desires, wants) to higher tension (e.g., cravings and urges). Currently, it is not known how often these states have been investigated in clinical populations (e.g., eating disorders, exercise dependence/addiction, Restless Legs Syndrome, diabetes, obesity) vs. healthy populations (e.g., in studies of motor control; groove in music psychology). The objective of this scoping review protocol is to quantify the literature on motivation states, to determine what topical areas are represented in investigations of clinical and healthy populations, and to discover pertinent details, such as instrumentation, terminology, theories, and conceptual models, correlates and mechanisms of action. Iterative searches of scholarly databases will take place to determine which combination of search terms (e.g., "motivation states" and "physical activity"; "desire to be physically active," etc.) captures the greatest number of relevant results. Studies will be included if motivation states for movement (e.g., desires, urges) are specifically measured or addressed. Studies will be excluded if referring to motivation as a trait. A charting data form was developed to scan all relevant documents for later data extraction. The primary outcome is simply the extent of the literature on the topic. Results will be stratified by population/condition. This scoping review will unify a diverse literature, which may result in the creation of unique models or paradigms that can be utilized to better understand motivation for bodily movement and exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical activity, and likely the motivation for it, varies throughout the day. The aim of this investigation was to create a short assessment (CRAVE: Cravings for Rest and Volitional Energy Expenditure) to measure motivation states (wants, desires, urges) for physical activity and sedentary behaviors. Five studies were conducted to develop and evaluate the construct validity and reliability of the scale, with 1,035 participants completing the scale a total of 1,697 times. In Study 1, 402 university students completed a questionnaire inquiring about the want or desire to perform behaviors "at the present moment (right now)." Items related to physical activity (e.g., "move my body") and sedentary behaviors (e.g., "do nothing active"). An exploratory structural equation model (ESEM) revealed that 10 items should be retained, loading onto two factors (5 each for Move and Rest). In Study 2, an independent sample (n = 444) confirmed these results and found that Move and Rest desires were associated with stage-of-change for exercise behavior. In Study 3, 127 community-residing participants completed the CRAVE at 6-month intervals over two years- two times each session. Across-session interclass correlations (ICC) for Move (ICC = 0.72–0.95) and Rest (ICC = 0.69–0.88) were higher than when they were measured across 24-months (Move: ICC = 0.53; Rest: ICC = 0.49), indicating wants/desires have state-like qualities. In Study 4, a maximal treadmill test was completed by 21 university students. The CRAVE was completed immediately pre and post. Move desires decreased 26% and Rest increased 74%. Changes in Move and Rest desires were moderately associated with changes in perceived physical fatigue and energy. In Study 5, 41 university students sat quietly during a 50-min lecture. They completed the CRAVE at 3 time points. Move increased 19.6% and Rest decreased 16.7%. Small correlations were detected between move and both perceived energy and tiredness, but not calmness or tension. In conclusion, the CRAVE scale has good psychometric properties. These data also support tenets of the WANT model of motivation states for movement and rest (Stults-Kolehmainen et al., 2020a). Future studies need to explore how desires to move/rest relate to dynamic changes in physical activity and sedentarism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To better explain daily fluctuations in physical activity and sedentary behavior, investigations of motivation are turning from social cognitive frameworks to those centered on affect, emotion and automaticity, such as the Affect and Health Behavior Framework (AHBF), Integrated Framework and Affective-Reflective Theory (ART). This shift has necessitated: (a) re-examination of older theories and their constructs, such as drives, needs and tensions and (b) an inspection of competing theories from other fields that also attempt to explain dynamic changes in health behaviors. The Dynamical Model of Desire, Elaborated Intrusion Theory and others commonly share with AHBF the idea that human behavior is driven strongly by desires and/or the similar concepts of wants, urges, and cravings. These affectively-charged motivation states (ACMS) change quickly and may better explain physical activity behavior from one moment to the next. Desires for movement predominantly derive from negative but also positive reinforcement. Data from clinical populations with movement dysfunction or psychiatric disorders provides further evidence of these drivers of movement. Those with Restless Legs Syndrome, akathisia, tic disorders and exercise dependence all report strong urges to move and relief when it is accomplished. Motor control research has identified centers of the brain responsible for wants and urges for muscular movement. Models elaborated herein differentiate between wants, desires, urges and cravings. The WANT model (Wants and Aversions for Neuromuscular Tasks) conceptualizes desires for movement and rest as varying by magnitude, approach or avoidance-orientation (wants versus aversions) and as occupying independent dimensions instead of opposite ends of the same axis. For instance, one hypothetically might be in a state of both high desire for movement and rest simultaneously. Variations in motivation states to move and rest may also be associated with various stress states, like freezing or fight and flight. The first validated instrument to measure feelings of desire/want for movement and rest, the CRAVE Scale (Cravings for Rest and Volitional Energy Expenditure) is already shedding light on the nature of these states. With these advances in theory, conceptual modeling and instrumentation, future investigations may explore the effects of desires and urges for movement and sedentary behavior in earnest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objective: Many adolescents with type 1 diabetes do not achieve 60 minutes of daily moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA). Recognizing the importance of peer influence during adolescence, we evaluated the feasibility and safety of a group MVPA intervention for this population. Methods: Eighteen adolescents with type 1 diabetes (age 14.1 ± 2.3 years, female 67%, black or Latino 67%, median body mass index 92%'ile, A1c 79.9 ± 25.1 mmol/mol, 9.5 ± 2.3%). Intervention sessions (35 minutes MVPA and 45 minutes discussion) occurred 1×/week for 12 weeks. Feasibility and safety metrics were enrollment, completion of intervention and assessments, cost, and hypoglycemia rates. Participants completed MVPA (accelerometry), and exploratory nutritional, psychosocial, clinical, and fitness variable assessments at baseline, 3 months, and 7 months. Hedges' effect sizes were calculated. Results: Enrollment was 16%, and intervention completion was 56%. Assessment completion at 7 months was 67% for MVPA, nutrition, and fitness, 83% for psychosocial assessments, and 94% for clinical assessments. Cost was $1241 per completing participant. One episode of mild hypoglycemia occurred during the sessions (0.6%). Self‐reported daily fruit/vegetable servings (d = −0.72) and diabetes self‐management behaviors decreased over time (d = −0.40). In the 10 completers, endurance run score improved (d = 0.49) from low baseline levels, while systolic blood pressure decreased (d = −0.75) and low‐density lipoprotein increased (d = 0.49) but stayed within normal ranges. Conclusions: The protocol for the group MVPA intervention was safe and had some feasibility metrics meriting further investigation. MVPA levels and glycemic control remained suboptimal, suggesting the need for more intensive interventions for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to: (1) investigate the influence of a 2-weeks sprint interval training (SIT) program on aerobic capacity, cardiac autonomic control, and components of attention in young healthy university students; and (2) to ascertain whether training fidelity would influence these adaptations. One hundred and nine participants were divided into an experimental (EG) and control (CG) groups. The EG performed a SIT program that consisted of 6 sessions of 4 x 30 s "all-out" efforts on a cycle ergometer, interspersed with active rests of 4min. The criterion for fidelity was achieving >90% of estimated maximum heart rate (HR) during sprint bouts. After analyses, the EG was divided into HIGH (n = 26) and LOW(n = 46) fidelity groups. Components of attention were assessed using the Attention Network Test (ANT). Aerobic capacity (VO2max) was estimated while the sum of skinfolds was determined. Autonomic control of HR was assessed by means of HR variability (HRV) and HR complexity at rest and during ANT. Both HIGH and LOW significantly increased aerobic capacity, vagal modulation before and during ANT, and executive control, and decreased body fatness after SIT (p < 0.05). However, only participants from HIGH showed an increase in HR complexity and accuracy in ANT when compared to LOW (p < 0.05). Two weeks of SIT improved executive control, body fatness, aerobic fitness, and autonomic control in university students with better results reported in those individuals who exhibited high fidelity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Physical activity may improve chronic pain, anxiety, and depression, which are prevalent among patients in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), but relatively little is known about the physical activity levels or interest in exercise of patients in MMT.Methods: We used a brief self-report instrument to assess physical activity levels, chronic pain, psychiatric distress, and interest in exercise group participation among 303 adults seeking MMT.Results: Most (73%) reported no moderate or vigorous intensity physical activity in the past week; 27% met recommended physical activity levels, and 24% reported interest in exercise group participation. Participants with (compared to those without) chronic pain had higher levels of psychiatric distress and were less likely to meet recommended levels of physical activity (p < .05), but did not differ significantly in their interest in participating in an exercise group. Participants who met recommended levels of physical activity in the past week were more likely to be men and had lower levels of depression than others (p < .05).Conclusions and Scientific Significance: Low levels of physical activity and low interest in exercise group participation among patients entering MMT point to the need for and likely challenges of implementing exercise interventions in MMT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine whether mental stress moderates perceptions of muscular pain, exertion, pleasure and arousal during a bout of strenuous resistance exercise. Two hundred and ten undergraduate students recruited from resistance exercise classes were screened with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Fifty-seven individuals (age = 20.1 ± 1.2 y) were invited to complete the Undergraduate Stress Questionnaire (USQ), a measure of life event stress, and fitness testing. They later performed a two-phase, acute heavy-resistance exercise protocol: first phase: 10-repetition maximum (RM) leg press test; second phase: six sets at 80–100% of 10-RM. During exercise, participants responded to the Feeling Scale (pleasure), Felt Arousal Scale, Omni-RPE and the Pain Intensity Scale. Affective responses and heart rate were analyzed with a hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) growth curve analysis. USQ moderated the trajectories of affective responses and heart rate during exercise. Higher stress (USQ) levels were significantly related to lower rise in RPE (time 2 , p = .002; time 3 , p < .001) and heart rate (time 2 , p < .001; time 3 , p < .001). USQ had a main effect on pleasure and arousal ( p values < .001), in which higher levels of stress were related to less affect. Models using the PSS scale produced similar results. PSS, but not USQ, interacted with time to predict pain (time 2 , p = .048; time 3 , p = .024). Relationships held even after adjusting for covariates, such as depression. Future research should determine if differential responses to exercise by stress have implications for behavioral interventions and mental health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both cumulative adversity, an individual's lifetime exposure to stressors, and insufficient exercise are associated with poor health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether exercise buffers the association of cumulative adverse life events (CALE) with health in a community-wide sample of healthy adults (ages 18-50 years; women: n = 219, 29.5 ± 9.2 years; men: n = 176, 29.4 ± 8.7 years, mean ± standard deviation). Participants underwent the Cumulative Adversity Interview, which divides life events into three subsets: major life events (MLE), recent life events (RLE) and traumatic experiences (TLE). These individuals also completed the Cornell Medical Index and a short assessment for moderate or greater intensity exercise behavior, modified from the Nurses' Health Study. Results indicated that higher CALE was associated with greater total health problems ( r = 0.431, p < 0.001). Interactions between stress and exercise were not apparent for RLE and TLE. However, at low levels of MLE, greater exercise was related to fewer total, physical, cardiovascular and psychological health problems ( p value <0.05). Conversely, at high levels of MLE, the benefits of exercise appear to be absent. Three-way interactions were observed between sex, exercise and stress. Increased levels of exercise were related to better physical health in men, at all levels of CALE. Only women who reported both low levels of CALE and high levels of exercise had more favorable physical health outcomes. A similar pattern of results emerged for RLE. Together, these data suggest that increased exercise is related to better health, but these effects may vary by cumulative stress exposure and sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psychological stress and physical activity (PA) are believed to be reciprocally related; however, most research examining the relationship between these constructs is devoted to the study of exercise and/or PA as an instrument to mitigate distress. Objective: The aim of this paper was to review the literature investigating the influence of stress on indicators of PA and exercise. Methods: A systematic search of Web of Science, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus was employed to find all relevant studies focusing on human participants. Search terms included 'stress', 'exercise', and 'physical activity'. A rating scale (0-9) modified for this study was utilized to assess the quality of all studies with multiple time points. Results: The literature search found 168 studies that examined the influence of stress on PA. Studies varied widely in their theoretical orientation and included perceived stress, distress, life events, job strain, role strain, and work-family conflict but not lifetime cumulative adversity. To more clearly address the question, prospective studies ( n = 55) were considered for further review, the majority of which indicated that psychological stress predicts less PA (behavioral inhibition) and/or exercise or more sedentary behavior (76.4 %). Both objective (i.e., life events) and subjective (i.e., distress) measures of stress related to reduced PA. Prospective studies investigating the effects of objective markers of stress nearly all agreed (six of seven studies) that stress has a negative effect on PA. This was true for research examining (a) PA at periods of objectively varying levels of stress (i.e., final examinations vs. a control time point) and (b) chronically stressed populations (e.g., caregivers, parents of children with a cancer diagnosis) that were less likely to be active than controls over time. Studies examining older adults (>50 years), cohorts with both men and women, and larger sample sizes ( n > 100) were more likely to show an inverse association. 85.7 % of higher-quality prospective research (≥7 on a 9-point scale) showed the same trend. Interestingly, some prospective studies (18.2 %) report evidence that PA was positively impacted by stress (behavioral activation). This should not be surprising as some individuals utilize exercise to cope with stress. Several other factors may moderate stress and PA relationships, such as stages of change for exercise. Habitually active individuals exercise more in the face of stress, and those in beginning stages exercise less. Consequently, stress may have a differential impact on exercise adoption, maintenance, and relapse. Preliminary evidence suggests that combining stress management programming with exercise interventions may allay stress-related reductions in PA, though rigorous testing of these techniques has yet to be produced. Conclusions: Overall, the majority of the literature finds that the experience of stress impairs efforts to be physically active. Future work should center on the development of a theory explaining the mechanisms underlying the multifarious influences of stress on PA behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the link between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stress. Particular focus is given to the prevalence of CVD in the U.S., as well as the projected costs associated with CVD by 2030. Topics discussed include the role of stress in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease, exercise interventions for preventing and treating CVD, and influence of physical activity on the relationship between stress and CVD.

Abstract: Objectives: To examine the relationships between stress events/intensity and exercise frequency, intensity, and duration, and to determine whether stage of change moderates these relationships. Design: Prospective, 6-week longitudinal observational study. Method: College-aged females (N = 95) were recruited from undergraduate classes and completed a battery of questionnaires before a 6-week evaluation period. During this period, participants were asked to return a daily exercise log and to return a weekly stress events scale (Weekly Stress Inventory: ). Results: HLM analyses revealed that exercise stage of change interacted with stress (both event frequency and intensity) to effect: (1) the amount of exercise minutes/day reported per week, (2) the number of days of exercise/week, and, (3) mean RPE for exercise/week. For those in the maintenance stage, the number of stressful events were positively related to exercise frequency, intensity, and duration. This relationship was negative or nonexistent for all other stages combined. Likewise, stress intensity showed a positive relationship with exercise duration and a minimally positive relationship with exercise frequency for maintenance stage exercisers, compared to a negative relationship for all other stages combined. Conclusions: These results suggest differential patterns of exercise engagement based on stage of change – with those in maintenance responding to stress with enhanced activity, while those in other stages were more likely to reduce physical activity. Implications for intervention design and theories of exercise behavior change are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Few studies have examined exercise as a substance use disorder treatment. This pilot study investigated the feasibility and acceptability of an exercise intervention comprising the Wii Fit Plus™ and of a time-and-attention sedentary control comprising Wii™ videogames. We also explored their impact on physical activity levels, substance use, and psychological wellness. Twenty-nine methadone-maintained patients enrolled in an 8-week trial were randomly assigned to either Active Game Play (Wii Fit Plus™ videogames involving physical exertion) or Sedentary Game Play (Wii™ videogames played while sitting). Participants had high satisfaction and study completion rates. Active Game Play participants reported greater physical activity outside the intervention than Sedentary Game Play participants despite no such differences at baseline. Substance use decreased and stress and optimism improved in both conditions. Active Game Play is a feasible and acceptable exercise intervention, and Sedentary Game Play is a promising time-and-attention control. Further investigations of these interventions are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]