None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Exercise has many benefits for overall health and well-being, and is particularly beneficial for health; however, individuals often consume unhealthy, energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods and drinks following exercise, and such consumption can undermine—at least in part—some of the benefits of exercise. There is growing evidence to suggest that food and drink choices can be influenced by both the format of, and psychological experiences in, exercise. In particular, high-intensity intermittent exercise is associated with reduced food intake in the post-exercise period compared with traditional moderate-intensity continuous exercise (which is current standard care). Likewise, there is accumulating evidence to suggest that certain social conditions during exercise may reduce the propensity to engage in unhealthy food intake post-exercise. Unfortunately, to date, researchers have only considered these factors in isolation, with no previous work focused on the interactive effects of the exercise format and social conditions of exercise on subsequent food choices. Furthermore, the majority of studies have examined a one-off acute bout of exercise, leaving questions about the longer-term influence of these exercise conditions on individuals’ dietary patterns and overall health. We aim to address these issues to determine the optimal exercise ‘conditions’ that promote healthy food choices in the long-term. It is hypothesised that participants randomised to the high-intensity intermittent exercise with need-support condition will have a greater decrease in post-exercise food intake post-intervention compared with participants who complete the moderate-intensity continuous exercise intervention without need-support.
Interventions
This study will employ a between-subjects yoked design whereby participants will be pair-matched on variables measured at an initial familiarisation session, including sex, fitness, body mass, and height. Within each pair, each participant will be randomised, using a random number generator, to one of two 12-week training interventions, commencing one week following the pre-intervention assessment. The training intervention will involve three sessions per week on a stationary cycle ergometer, su
This study will employ a between-subjects yoked design whereby participants will be pair-matched on variables measured at an initial familiarisation session, including sex, fitness, body mass, and height. Within each pair, each participant will be randomised, using a random number generator, to one of two 12-week training interventions, commencing one week following the pre-intervention assessment. The training intervention will involve three sessions per week on a stationary cycle ergometer, supervised by an exercise scientist. To accommodate for an increase in fitness throughout the intervention period, the workload and duration of training sessions will be progressively increased (e.g., 30 min during weeks 1-3, 35 mins during weeks 4-6, etc.). Participants randomised to the interval training group will be required to complete repeated bouts of high-intensity cycling (15 s at a power output equivalent to ~170% VO2peak) with an active recovery period (60 s at a power output of ~32% VO2peak) between efforts. Verbal psychological need-support will be provided to participants in this intervention through a number of well-established techniques, at the researchers' discretion. For example, autonomy-support will be facilitated by providing clear rationales and the benefits of the exercise, offering choices where possible, and using non-controlling language. Competence will be supported by providing clear instructions and expectations, offering positive feedback, and encouraging goal setting. Relatedness will be provided by interacting with warmth and care, offering empathy where appropriate, and displaying appreciation and concern for participants’ well-being. To confirm that the desired psychological conditions have been established, participants will complete a validated questionnaire to assess instructor psychological need-support (see secondary outcomes).
Sponsors
Dr Kym Guelfi
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Prevention
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Subject)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 40 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Participants will be eligible for participation if they are aged between 18 and 40 years and physically inactive, defined as performing less than 75 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week.
Exclusion criteria
- History of medical conditions such as diabetes, hyperlipidaemia - History of eating disorders known to affect appetite or restrained eaters (measured as scoring above 3.5 on the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire) - Diet status which may interfere with food intake (e.g., on a weight-loss diet) - Currently taking medication which could interfere with energy intake, appetite, or exercise - Any known food allergies or dietary requirements (e.g., vegan) - Injury or condition preventing exercise - Pregnancy or breastfeeding - Inability to attend the exercise sessions three times per week for 12 weeks
Outcome results
None listed