Physiological and perceptual responses to affect-regulated exercise in healthy young women

The purpose of the study was to objectively measure the exercise intensity associated with affective responses of “good” and “fairly good.” In Study 1, 8 active females completed 20 min of affect-regulated exercise to feel “good” or “fairly good” (order counterbalanced) followed by an intensity replication session. On-line gas analysis was used during the replication session to measure the physiological cost of exercising. In Study 2, 10 females completed either 3 trials of exercise to feel “good” (n = 5) or 3 trials to feel “fairly good” (n = 5). Each trial consisted of an affect-regulated session followed by a replication session. Across studies, the intensity to feel “fairly good” was significantly higher than to feel “good.” Both intensities lay close to ventilatory threshold. The results add to evidence that women can use affect to regulate intensity and exercise at an intensity that would confer fitness and health benefits if maintained. Descriptors: Affect, Exercise intensity, Heart rate, Perceived exertion