Do self-reported individual differences in preference for and tolerance of exercise intensity predict CrossFit® WOD performance?

CrossFit® is an increasingly popular, wide-ranging strength and conditioning exercise program. Research has begun to shed light on the exercise intensity-affect-adherence relationship, but this kind of exercise is unique and has yet to be systematically studied. By examining individual difference characteristics (e.g., personality) of participants as well as their responses to single sessions of training, important information could be gained about the psychological makeup of the type of individual who does best in these high intensity group training settings. PURPOSE: Examine several individual difference factors, along with affective and enjoyment responses to an individual workout session. METHODS: Participants (N =39; 23 female; 32.2±7.9 yrs; BMI=24.34±3.38; M±SD) completed a number of measures of individual differences related to extraversion, including the Preference for and Tolerance of Intensity of Exercise Questionnaire (PRETIE-Q). On a separate day they performed a workout-of-the-day (WOD) consisting of 5 pull-ups, 10 box jumps, and 15 weighted ball overhead throws, which were done repeatedly for 12 min. Performance was the total number of repetitions completed. Measures of affect were completed pre and immediately post- WOD, along with measures of satisfaction and enjoyment. RESULTS: Average WOD performance was 197.95±39.3 repetitions, with satisfaction of 5.4±1.1 (somewhat satisfied) and enjoyment of 104.7±11.4 (range= 18-126). Affect changed from pre-to-post-WOD, with Energy (d= 1.44) and Tension (d= -0.79) increasing while Tiredness (d= 1.17) and Calmness (d= -1.01) decreased. Visual analog fatigue also increased (d= -1.34). Further, after accounting for age, sex, and BMI, Pref predicted unique variance in WOD performance (β= 0.48, R^2∆=21.4%, P= 0.003); after accounting for age, sex, and BMI, Tol predicted unique variance in WOD performance (β= 0.56, R^2∆=27.5%, P= 0.001). Those completing more repetitions also had greater satisfaction (r= 0.41, P= 0.005) and enjoyment (r= 0.43, P= 0.004) of the WOD. CONCLUSION: These findings extend previous research by examining affective responses to high-intensity exercise along with providing evidence of individual difference factors that predict behavior in such types of exercise. Specifically, the findings suggest that individuals preferring and tolerating higher intensities of exercise push themselves more in such exercise settings.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Kinesiology

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2016

Author dc:creator

• Whitney, Andra J.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Petruzzello, Steven J.
• De Lisio, Michael

• Exercise
• Personality

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2016 Andra Whitney

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/90699

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/90699