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Can the Affective Response to Exercise Predict Future Motives and Physical Activity Behavior? A Systematic Review of Published Evidence

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Annals of Behavioral Medicine

Abstract

Background

Consistent with hedonic theories of behavior, the affective response to physical activity has been posited as an important determinant of future physical activity; yet, we are unaware of an overview of evidence regarding this relationship.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to review the published literature regarding whether the affective response to physical activity relates to future physical activity behavior and key motivational constructs.

Methods

A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was undertaken.

Results

Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. A positive change in the basic affective response during moderate intensity exercise was linked to future physical activity, but postexercise affect had a null relationship. Affective responses during and after exercise had a relatively negligible relationship with intention, mixed results for self-efficacy, and a reliable correlation with affective judgments about future physical activity.

Discussion

The findings support the basic premise of hedonic theory. Practical application studies with a focus on sustained behavioral interventions are warranted.

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Acknowledgments

RER is supported by a Canadian Cancer Society Senior Scientist Award and the Right to Give Foundation with additional funds from the Canadian Cancer Society, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, and the Canadian Institutes for Health Research.

Authors’ Statement of Conflict of Interest

Authors Rhodes and Kates declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Behavioural Medicine Laboratory, Faculty of Education, University of Victoria, PO Box 3015 STN CSC, Victoria, BC, V8W 3P1, Canada

    Ryan E. Rhodes Ph.D & Andrew Kates MSc

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  1. Ryan E. Rhodes Ph.D
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Correspondence to Ryan E. Rhodes Ph.D.

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Rhodes, R.E., Kates, A. Can the Affective Response to Exercise Predict Future Motives and Physical Activity Behavior? A Systematic Review of Published Evidence. ann. behav. med. 49, 715–731 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-015-9704-5

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