Qualitative and quantitative evidence of motivation states for physical activity, exercise and being sedentary from university student focus groups.

Motivation for physical activity and sedentary behaviors (e.g., desires, urges, wants, cravings) varies from moment to moment. According to the WANT model, these motivation states may be affectively-charged (e.g., felt as tension), particularly after periods of maximal exercise or extended rest. The purpose of this study was to examine postulates of the WANT model utilizing a mixed-methods approach. We hypothesized that: (1) qualitative evidence would emerge from interviews to support this model, and (2) motivation states would quantitatively change over the course of an interview period. Seventeen undergraduate students (mean age = 18.6y, 13 women) engaged in focus groups where 12 structured questions were presented. Participants completed the "right now" version of the CRAVE scale before and after interviews. Qualitative data were analyzed with content analysis. A total of 410 unique lower-order themes were classified and grouped into 43 higher order themes (HOTs). From HOTs, six super higher order themes (SHOTs) were designated: (1) wants and aversions, (2) change and stability, (3) autonomy and automaticity, (4) objectives and impulses, (5) restraining and propelling forces, and (6) stress and boredom. Participants stated that they experienced desires to move and rest, including during the interview, but these states changed rapidly and varied both randomly as well as systematically across periods of minutes to months. Some also described a total absence of desire or even aversion to move and rest. Of note, strong urges and cravings for movement, typically from conditions of deprivation (e.g., sudden withdrawal from exercise training) were associated with physical and mental manifestations, such as fidgeting and feeling restless. Urges were often consummated with behavior (e.g., exercise sessions, naps), which commonly resulted in satiation and subsequent drop in desire. Importantly, stress was frequently described as both an inhibitor and instigator of motivation states. CRAVE-Move increased pre-to-post interviews (p < .01). CRAVE-Rest demonstrated a trend to decline (p = .057). Overall, qualitative and quantitative data largely corroborated postulates of the WANT model, demonstrating that people experience wants and cravings to move and rest, and that these states appear to fluctuate significantly, especially in the context of stress, boredom, satiety, and deprivation.

Acute Psychological Effects of Resistance Exercise in Men With Symptoms of Muscle Dysmorphia: A Pilot Study.

ABSTRACT: SantaBarbara, NJ, Nosrat, S, Whitworth, JW, Ciccolo, JT. acute psychological effects of resistance exercise in men with symptoms of muscle dysmorphia: A pilot study. J Strength Cond Res 37(2): 277-283, 2023-This study tested the acute psychological effects of resistance exercise in men with symptoms of muscle dysmorphia. Twenty-one men completed 4 on-site sessions including a single session of moderate- (70% of 10 repetition maximum [RM]) and high- (100% of 10RM) intensity resistance exercise in a counter balanced order separated by at least 48 hours. State body image, perceived muscle size, exercise enjoyment, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed before, during, and after each session, and statistical significance was set a priori at p < 0.05. State body image significantly improve from pre to post during both sessions ( p < 0.01), with greater effect sizes seen for the high- ( d = 0.57) compared with the moderate- ( d = 0.39) intensity session. Perceived muscle size improved from pre to post during the high-intensity only ( p < 0.01, d = 0.66), and subjects enjoyed the high-intensity session significantly more than the moderate-intensity session ( p = 0.01), despite significantly higher RPE at each timepoint ( p < 0.01). Results contend with previous findings that show more positive psychological effects of moderate- compared with high-intensity resistance exercise. Education and client observation are essential to be aware of the potential for muscle dysmorphia. In instances where muscle dysmorphia is suspected, referral to qualified mental health professionals is recommended.

Exercise preferences for young people at-risk for and living with HIV: a short report.

Exercise can improve physical and mental health for young people at risk for and with HIV, but prevalence rates remain low. This study explored exercise preferences and barriers among young people at risk for and with HIV, and potential gender differences. A total of 129 participants (66.7% male, mean age = 23.8 [SD = 2.1; range: 19-28], 35.7% Black/African American) at-risk for or with HIV were recruited from a larger study and completed an online survey of exercise preferences and barriers. Overall, participants preferred an exercise program that takes place at a fitness center, occurs alone, has a coach/instructor present, is between 30 and 60 minutes, lasts longer than 8 weeks, and includes aerobic and resistance exercises. The fatiguing nature of exercise and cost were common barriers among all genders. Few gender differences emerged. These results should be used to design exercise programs for young adults at risk for and with HIV.

Exercise Preferences for a Workplace Wellness Program to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk and Increase Work Productivity.

OBJECTIVE: Workplace wellness programs can reduce cardiovascular risk and improve worker productivity; however, recruitment and adherence remain a challenge. Tailoring programs based on employee exercise preferences may address these concerns. METHODS: A total of 458 UCLA adult employees who responded to UCLA Bruin marketing e-mail completed a battery of questions regarding their exercise preferences (eg, preferred duration, intensity, type). Recruitment took place in June 2021. RESULTS: Participants prefer workplace wellness programs that (1) focus on improving multiple different aspects of physical health; (2) take place in a variety of locations; (3) were administered by a coach who is physically present; (4) occur 2-3 times per week for roughly 60 minutes each time; (5) include a range of intensities; and (6) consist of aerobic and weight training. CONCLUSIONS: Future studies should use these results to design future workplace wellness programs.

Urges to Move and Other Motivation States for Physical Activity in Clinical and Healthy Populations: A Scoping Review Protocol.

Motivation for bodily movement, physical activity and exercise varies from moment to moment. These motivation states may be "affectively-charged," ranging from instances of lower tension (e.g., desires, wants) to higher tension (e.g., cravings and urges). Currently, it is not known how often these states have been investigated in clinical populations (e.g., eating disorders, exercise dependence/addiction, Restless Legs Syndrome, diabetes, obesity) vs. healthy populations (e.g., in studies of motor control; groove in music psychology). The objective of this scoping review protocol is to quantify the literature on motivation states, to determine what topical areas are represented in investigations of clinical and healthy populations, and to discover pertinent details, such as instrumentation, terminology, theories, and conceptual models, correlates and mechanisms of action. Iterative searches of scholarly databases will take place to determine which combination of search terms (e.g., "motivation states" and "physical activity"; "desire to be physically active," etc.) captures the greatest number of relevant results. Studies will be included if motivation states for movement (e.g., desires, urges) are specifically measured or addressed. Studies will be excluded if referring to motivation as a trait. A charting data form was developed to scan all relevant documents for later data extraction. The primary outcome is simply the extent of the literature on the topic. Results will be stratified by population/condition. This scoping review will unify a diverse literature, which may result in the creation of unique models or paradigms that can be utilized to better understand motivation for bodily movement and exercise.

Resistance training for Black men with depressive symptoms: a pilot randomized controlled trial to assess acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy.

BACKGROUND: Depression is under-recognized in Black men, who are less likely to seek or have access to psychiatric treatment. Resistance training (RT; i.e., weight lifting) can improve depressive symptoms and may be more acceptable to Black men, but its effects have not been examined for Black men with depressive symptoms. METHODS: Fifty Black men with depressive symptoms were randomized to either (a) 12 weeks of RT (coupled with Behavioral Activation techniques to promote adherence) or (b) an attention-control group (Health, Wellness, and Education; HWE). Both groups met twice/week for 12 weeks, and follow-up assessments were done at end-of-treatment (EOT) and 6 months after enrollment. Changes in physical activity and muscular strength were collected as a manipulation check. The primary outcome was interviewer assessed symptoms of depression using the Quick Inventory of Depression Symptomology (QIDS). Secondary outcomes included self-reported depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress. The association between change in QIDS from baseline to EOT and concurrent changes in physical activity and muscular strength in the RT group were explored as an initial assessment of mechanism. Longitudinal mixed effects regression models with subject-specific intercepts were used to examine intervention effects. RESULTS: A sample with high rates of medical comorbidities (e.g., 44% HIV positive), substance use (e.g., 34% smoking), and negative social determinates of health (e.g., 50% unemployed) was enrolled. Recruitment, engagement, and retention data indicate that the intervention and design were feasible. The RT group showed greater gains in self-reported exercise (b = 270.94, SE = 105.69, p = .01) and muscular strength (b = 11.71, SE = 4.23, p = .01 for upper body and b = 4.24, SE = 2.02, p = .04 for lower body) than the HWE group. The RT group had greater reductions in QIDS scores at both EOT (b = -3.00, SE = 1.34, p = .01) and 6 months (b = -2.63, SE = 1.81, p = .04). The RT group showed a greater reduction in anxiety at EOT (b = -2.67, SE = 1.06, p = .02). Findings regarding self-reported depressive symptoms and stress were non-significant, but in the expected direction with effect sizes in the small to medium range. In the RT group, improvement on the QIDS between baseline and EOT was associated with concurrent improvements in physical activity (b = 21.03, SE = 11.16, p = .02) and muscular strength (b = 1.27, SE = .44, p = .03 for upper body and b = .75, SE = .14, p = .03 for lower body). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that RT is feasible and may be efficacious for reducing depressive symptoms among underserved urban Black men. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrial.gov #: NCT03107039 (Registered 11/04/2017).

Vaccine Attitudes and COVID-19 Vaccine Intentions and Prevention Behaviors among Young People At-Risk for and Living with HIV in Los Angeles and New Orleans.

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) and racial or ethnic minority youth at-risk for or living with HIV may have higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, there are few data on vaccine hesitancy/acceptance and COVID-19 self-protective behaviors among this population. Youth aged 15-24 years (n = 440), predominantly African American and Latine (73%, n = 320) SGM, from Los Angeles and New Orleans reported their vaccine attitudes and COVID-19 and HIV preventive behaviors in October 2020. Latent class analyses categorized individuals into groups based on their vaccine attitudes and preventive behaviors. Relationships between these groups and other factors were analyzed using Fisher's exact tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression. Most youth had accepting vaccine attitudes (70.2%, n = 309), with 20.7% hesitant (n = 91), and 9.1% resistant (n = 40). SGM and African Americans were significantly less accepting than their cis-gender and heterosexual peers. About two-thirds (63.2%, n = 278) of the respondents reported consistent COVID-19 self-protective behaviors. Youth with pro-vaccine attitudes were most consistently self-protective; however, only 54.4% (n= 168/309) intended to take a COVID-19 vaccine. Homelessness history, race, and sexual orientation were associated with vaccine attitudes. Accepting vaccine attitudes and consistent COVID-19 self-protective behaviors were closely related. COVID-19 attitudes/behaviors were not associated with HIV risk and only loosely associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccine intentions.

Exercise and antiretroviral adherence in adults living with HIV: A systematic review.

This systematic review assessed the relationship between exercise and ART adherence in adults living with HIV. A comprehensive search through June 2020 for relevant studies was conducted, and PRISMA guidelines were followed. To be included, studies had to meet the following criteria: (a) published in a peer-reviewed journal; and (b) examined the relationship between exercise and ART adherence. A total of 4310 studies were identified, and nine were included. The majority (five out of nine) of studies found a significant and positive relationship between exercise and ART adherence. Strengths, limitations, and future directions are discussed.

Preliminary Efficacy and Acceptability of an Online Exercise and Nutrition Workplace Wellness Program: A Brief Report.

BACKGROUND: Workplace wellness programs (WWP) offer physiological and psychological benefits to employees and financial and productivity benefits to employers. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented in-person sessions and has required WWP's to transition to online platforms. The purpose of this brief report was to assess the preliminary feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a mobile version of the Bruin Health Improvement Program (BHIP mobile) WWP. METHODS: Participants virtually attended (i.e., via Zoom) twice weekly physical activity sessions and a once weekly nutrition seminar for 10-weeks with the option of a 30-minute one-on-one consultation with a registered dietician. Demographics, anthropometric indices, stress, muscular endurance, and aerobic fitness were assessed at baseline and follow-up. All analyses were conducted in SPSS v. 27. RESULTS: Twenty-seven participants (96% female) enrolled and 13 (100% female) completed the 10-week program. There were significant reductions in bodyweight (p < .01) and body mass index (p < .02) but not stress (p > .05), and significant increases in muscular endurance (p < .01) but not aerobic fitness (p > .05). Overall, BHIP mobile appears to be acceptable to participants but logistical concerns such as inconsistent internet connection was noted as potential downfalls. CONCLUSIONS/APPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE: Improvements in health outcome among completers of a mobile WWP were promising. Completer feedback highlighted program strengths as the flexibility and comfort of attending exercise sessions and nutrition classes from home. Future versions of the program will allocate resources to improve completion and expand appeal for men and women.

Intersection of COVID-19, HIV and exercise: a commentary with home-based exercise recommendations for practice.

The worldwide spread of COVID-19 has led to closures or reduced capacity of non-essential businesses and recreational areas and stay-at-home orders to promote social distancing. Although effective to reduce transmission, these policies may negatively impact exercise behaviors. Exercise is effective at mitigating the risk of developing or exacerbating several of underlining risk factors for a more severe COVID-19 disease course and may be particularly important for people with HIV (PWH). In this commentary, we discuss the intersection of COVID-19 and exercise with a specific focus on people living with HIV. We then provide a pragmatic, home-based exercise routine that can be performed with little to no equipment or supervision. It is important for PWH (and others) to start or maintain at least some level of exercise to reduce the risk of a severe COVID-19 disease course and to improve other health outcomes in this unfamiliar climate.

Feasibility of Resistance Exercise for Posttraumatic Stress and Anxiety Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.

Emerging evidence suggests that exercise may beneficially affect posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), but few randomized trials exist. Additionally, the effects of resistance exercise (i.e., weight lifting or strength training) on PTSS have not been thoroughly examined. This study aimed to explore the feasibility of a brief high-intensity resistance exercise intervention for PTSS and related issues, such as anxiety, sleep, alcohol use, and depression, in non-treatment-seeking adults who screened positive for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety. The sample included 30 non-treatment-seeking, urban-dwelling adults (M age = 29.10 years, SD = 7.38; 73.3% female) who screened positive for PTSD and anxiety and were randomly assigned to either a 3-week resistance exercise intervention or a time-matched contact control condition. The results suggest the intervention was feasible, with 80.0% (n = 24) of participants completing the study, 88.9% of the resistance exercise sessions attended, and no adverse effects reported. Additionally, resistance exercise had large beneficial effects on symptoms of avoidance, d = 1.26, 95% CI [0.39, 2.14]; and hyperarousal, d = 0.90, 95% CI [0.06, 1.74], relative to the control condition. Resistance exercise also produced large improvements concerning sleep quality, d = 1.31, 95% CI [0.41, 2.21], and hazardous alcohol use, d = 0.99, 95% CI [0.13, 1.86], compared to the control condition. Overall, the findings suggest that 3 weeks of high-intensity resistance exercise is a feasible intervention for PTSS reduction in non-treatment-seeking adults who screen positive for PTSD and anxiety; additional research is needed to verify these preliminary findings.

Acute Effects of Resistance-Exercise Intensity in Depressed Black/African Americans Living With HIV: A Randomized Pilot Study.

Depressive symptoms and fatigue are prevalent among people living with human immunodeficiency virus. Resistance exercise is known to stimulate a positive affective response. OBJECTIVE: To examine the acute psychological effects of resistance-exercise intensity among Black/African-American people living with human immunodeficiency virus and experiencing depressive symptoms. METHODS: A total of 42 participants were randomized into a moderate- (n = 21) or high-intensity (n = 21) group. Assessments were collected before exercise (PRE), at the midpoint (MID), immediately following (POST) exercise, and 15 (DELAY 15) and 30 (DELAY 30) min after. RESULTS: In the moderate-intensity group, affect improved PRE to POST, PRE to DELAY 15 and DELAY 30, and perceived distress decreased from PRE to all time points. In the high-intensity group, affect declined PRE to MID, and perceived distress decreased PRE to DELAY 15 and DELAY 30. Perceived activation increased PRE to MID, and POST in both groups (ps < .01). CONCLUSIONS: The moderate-intensity group compared with the high-intensity group is more effective at improving affect and energy and at reducing distress.

Effects of resistance training on depression and cardiovascular disease risk in Black men: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Depression is severely undertreated in Black men. This is primarily because Black men are less likely to seek traditional psychiatric treatment, have less access and more barriers to treatment, and perceive more stigma associated with treatment. Depression contributes to cardiovascular disease (CVD), and Black men have the highest rate of mortality from CVD. Resistance training (RT) can have beneficial effects on both depression and CVD. This study will be the first randomized controlled trial to test the effects of RT on depression and cardiovascular health in a sample of depressed Black men. METHOD/DESIGN: Fifty Black men with clinically significant symptoms of depression will be randomized to either (a) a 12-week RT or (b) an attention-control group. Behavioral Activation techniques will be used to support adherence to home-based RT goals. Both groups will meet on-site twice/week during the 12-week program, and follow-up assessments will occur at the end-of-treatment and 3 months post-treatment. Qualitative interviews will be conducted after the 3-month follow-up. The objectives of this study are (1) to assess the feasibility and acceptability of recruitment, retention, and intervention procedures, (2) to obtain preliminary evidence of efficacy, and (3) to explore potential mediators of the effects of RT on depression. DISCUSSION: This study will advance the field of minority men's health by producing new data on the effects of RT for depression, the potential mechanisms of action that may support its use, and its effects on markers of CVD risk in Black men. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03107039).

A Systematic Review of the Effects of Resistance Training on Body Image.

The purpose of this systematic review was to identify and appraise the literature that has specifically tested the independent effects of resistance training (i.e., weightlifting) on body image in adults. A comprehensive search of electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, PsycNET, and Web of Science for relevant studies published in peer-reviewed journals through December 2016 was conducted, and PRISMA guidelines were followed. Inclusion criteria were that a study had to be (a) written in English, (b) published in a peer-reviewed journal, (c) conducted an assessment of body image using a validated scale before and after a stand-alone resistance training intervention (i.e., not coupled with another mode of treatment), and (d) excluded participants younger than 18 years. Methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. A total of 7,324 studies were identified, and 11 were included in this review. The majority (8 of 11) of studies concluded that resistance training can significantly improve multiple dimensions of body image, including body satisfaction, appearance evaluation, and social physique anxiety; however, only 3 studies were considered high quality based on their PEDro score, and several methodological limitations exist. Overall, resistance training seems to have the potential to improve body image in adults, but future high-quality studies with more rigorous testing methods and study designs are needed.

Acute effects of resistance exercise on affect, arousal, and urge to drink in temporarily abstinent young adult hazardous drinkers.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Young adults frequently engage in hazardous alcohol consumption, and many meet the diagnostic criteria for an alcohol use disorder. The urge to drink is a defining symptom of alcohol dependence, and it is closely tied to and exacerbated by negative affect. This study examined the acute effect of resistance exercise on affect, arousal, and drinking urges in young adult (ages 21-40) hazardous drinkers. METHODS: On two separate occasions, 14 participants underwent an 18-hour alcohol abstinence before completing, in a counter-balanced manner, a 20-minute session of resistance exercise and a 20-minute video control. RESULTS: Significant improvements in affect (t = 2.07, p = .04) and arousal (t = 4.09, p < .01), but not urge to drink, were found with exercise. CONCLUSION: Single sessions of resistance exercise can positively alter affect and arousal during alcohol abstinence. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: Practical exercise interventions designed to alter affect and arousal could potentially alter drinking. (Am J Addict 2016;25:623-627).

Muscular strength is associated with self-esteem in college men but not women.

Muscular strength is a well-known predictor of morbidity and mortality. Similarly, self-esteem is a predictor of health and well-being. The relationship between these two variables, however, is currently unknown. This study examined the cross-sectional relationship between maximal muscular strength (i.e. handgrip and one-repetition-maximum (1-RM) squat) and global self-esteem in 126 college students. Significant correlations were found between both measures of muscular strength and self-esteem. Further analyses revealed that these relationships were only significant for men. Based on these results, additional research is needed to further explore the relationship between muscular strength and self-esteem, especially in other demographic groups and longitudinally.