The associations of reinforcing value and liking of exercise with participation in exercise is analyzed.
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The reinforcing value of exercise is a significant predictor of participation in that mode of exercise.
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Liking of exercise is not a strong predictor of usual exercise behavior.
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It is uncertain whether exercise reinforcement can be increased or if it is a stable inherited trait.
Abstract
Objective
Reinforcing value (motivating value) is a stronger predictor than hedonic value (liking) for engaging in drug use, gambling, and eating. The associations of reinforcing value and liking with physical activity of adults have not yet been studied and may depend on the modes of exercise (e.g., aerobic/cardiovascular exercise, resistance training) under consideration. The purpose of this study was to test associations of the reinforcing value and liking of aerobic exercise training (AT) and resistance exercise training (RT) modes of exercise with usual participation in aerobic and resistance exercise in adults.
Methods
Men (n = 38) and women (n = 50) were measured for their liking and relative reinforcing value (RRV) of AT and RT, for their usual vigorous physical activity (VPA) participation, and for usual resistance exercise behavior (Yale physical activity questionnaire).
Results
The RRV of AT (RRVAT) and liking of AT were correlated, (r = 0.22, p < 0.04), as were the RRV of RT (RRVRT) and liking of RT (r = 0.42, p ˂ 0.01). The reinforcing value for, but not the liking of, a mode of exercise predicted how much an individual engaged in that mode of exercise. RRVAT (p ˂ 0.01) was positively associated with usual VPA. RRVRT (p ˂ 0.01) was positively associated with RT behavior. The hedonic value of AT and of RT were not associated (p > 0.30) with VPA or RT behavior.
Conclusion
Reinforcing value of a mode of exercise is a stronger predictor than the liking of that mode of exercise for usual amount of participation in the exercise.
This study was funded by the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, USDA 3062-51000-51-00D. The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the United States Department of Agriculture or the Agricultural Research Service, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement from the U.S. government. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.