Browsing by Author "Dregney, Tyler"

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    The Impact of Physical Activity Variety on Physical Activity Participation
    (2024-06) Dregney, Tyler
    Research indicates variety (i.e., multiple types of activities) may be effective for increasing physical activity; however, more information is needed on variety’s impact on various psychosocial factors. This study examined the effect of a home-based physical activity variety intervention on physical activity participation and psychosocial variables in an eight-week randomized intervention trial. Participants (n=47; mean age, 19.9 +/- 1.9; 75% female) were low-active, 18-25-year-old college students randomized to participate in the physical activity variety intervention or the comparison control condition. Both conditions received a website containing workout videos (14 for variety; one video for consistency) and written outlines for each video, while also receiving weekly individual counseling sessions. Findings suggest that participants in the variety condition reported marginally significant more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (p<.10) over the course of the intervention relative to the consistency condition when controlling for baseline. Additionally, participants in the variety condition reported marginally significant higher psychological needs satisfaction (p<.10) at four weeks than the control. The variety intervention condition reported significantly higher perceived autonomy (p<.05) within psychological needs at four weeks, physical activity feelings of tranquility (p<0.01) at eight weeks, and physical activity self-efficacy (p<0.05) at eight weeks relative to control. There was inconsistent support for incorporating variety into physical activity, however, there was some evidence that variety may lead to increased physical activity and improved psychological responses to physical activity among college-age individuals. Given that variety can be introduced to physical activity in multiple ways, future studies should examine how a variety of different activities (e.g., cycling, tennis, group fitness classes) influence motivation and physical activity, in addition to including larger and more diverse samples.
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    Individual’s Affective Responses to High Intensity Interval Training Relative to Moderate Intensity Continuous Training
    (2021-05) Dregney, Tyler
    Even though physical activity among adults is associated with several health benefits, the majority of adults do not meet physical activity recommendations. Examining if the type of physical activity has an impact on an individual’s affective and psychological responses is vital in potentially increasing the physical activity rates among young adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the affective responses among participants who completed a high intensity interval training (HIIT) class or a moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) class. Participants (n=41) were randomized to participate in either the HIIT or MICT class. There was no effect of group assignment on enjoyment, self-efficacy for physical activity, tranquility, positive engagement, or revitalization. There was an effect of group assignment on physical exhaustion and mid-class affect. HIIT resulted in more physical exhaustion and displeasurable affect during physical activity than MICT. However, group assignment did not impact participant’s enjoyment or post-class affect. These findings suggest that although HIIT requires more exertion and intensity relative to MICT, the affect and enjoyment experienced as a result of physical activity does not differ. Given the lack of physical activity in young adults, examining enjoyable avenues for physical activity is crucial. Further research is needed to examine the extent that affect before, during, and after a session of physical activity predicts future engagement in physical activity.