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AFFECTIVE RESPONSES TO SELF-SELECTED AND MODERATE-INTENSITY AEROBIC EXERCISE IN ADULTS WITH DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS

Abstract

Despite the known antidepressant effects of exercise, participation rates remain low among depressed individuals. One potential barrier is the affective experience of exercise, which is particularly relevant for individuals with depression, as they often avoid physical activity and experience reduced motivation. Research assessing affective responses to exercise may help inform more targeted strategies for exercise prescription. PURPOSE: This study examines affective responses to self-selected versus prescribed moderate-intensity exercise in adults with mild-to-severe depressive symptoms. METHODS: Using a within-subjects crossover design, 26 participants (age=23.6±5.6 years; 62% female) completed two counterbalanced laboratory sessions, each involving 30 min of cycling at a self-selected or prescribed moderate intensity (64-76% of maximal heart rate [HR]). Exercise intensity was monitored via HR and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), while affective responses—pleasure and perceived activation—were assessed before, during, and after exercise using the Feeling Scale and Felt Arousal Scale. RESULTS: Prescribed exercise resulted in a higher HR (136 vs. 133 bpm; t(275)=2.3, p=.022) and RPE (11.7 vs. 11.2; t(275) = 3.0, p =.003) during exercise than self-selected exercise. Pleasure did not differ overall but showed a depressive symptom severity x condition interaction, with greater pleasure during the self-selected bout for those with high depressive symptoms (b=-0.4; F(1,264)=4.4, p=.037). Perceived activation followed an inverted-U trend and also showed a depressive symptom severity x condition interaction. That is, perceived activation was higher during the prescribed exercise for those with low depressive symptoms (b=0.6; F(1,264)=20.1, p<.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that exercise intensity and autonomy influence affective responses among individuals with depressive symptoms. Considering individual differences in depressive symptoms may optimize exercise prescription effectiveness. Future research should explore tailoring exercise prescriptions to individual preferences for improved engagement and adherence.

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