Abstract
Sprint Interval Training (SIT) is time-efficient and yields health benefits equitable to traditional endurance training. However, the adverse physiological symptoms of SIT may be discouraging to exercisers. Altering affect while performing SIT may be one way to ensure exercisers have a more positive (less negative) experience. One variable that has been shown to influence affective responses within an exercise context is self-efficacy. This study examined the effect of efficacious beliefs on affective states while completing SIT. College-aged men and women (n = 74) with exercise experience were randomly assigned to one of three groups: High self-efficacy feedback (HE), Low self-efficacy feedback (LE), or no feedback control. Self-efficacy, affective states (i.e., positive well-being, psychological distress, fatigue, enjoyment, satisfaction), heart rate (HR), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed. There was group equivalency in HR and RPE among participants of each group. The HE group had significantly less of a decline in self-efficacy from pre to post SIT than their LE and control counterparts and reported significantly higher levels of exercise enjoyment than the control group. We recommend that exercisers receive positive feedback statements while performing SIT to minimize self-efficacy and negative affect declines and bolster feelings of enjoyment and satisfaction.
