Exercise Video Games are Associated with More Positive Affective Response, which Predicts Physical Activity Adherence.

Background: A more positive affective valence during exercise is predictive of adherence to physical activity programs. This study examines the relationship between affective response during exercise and longer-term maintenance of physical activity among individuals using exercise video games (EVGs) and standard modalities of physical activity (i.e., walking, cycling).

Methods: Healthy adults (mean age 45.4, SD=14.5) were randomly assigned to a 12-week supervised, thrice weekly program of EVGs (n=93) or Standard exercise (n=96), and were assessed for affect immediately before, at the mid-point, and immediately after one exercise session per week. Participation in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was conducted at end of treatment (EOT) and 6-month follow up.

Results: EVG participants reported more positive affective valence during exercise compared to Standard participants (b=.63, SE=.08, p<.001), and perceived less exertion (b=.52, SE=.36, p=.04) compared to Standard participants. For both groups, a more positive affective valence during exercise was significantly predictive of continued physical activity at 6-months (b=6.64, SE=2.50, p=.01). EVG participants also showed a significant chronic effect such that week-to-week there were improvements in affect prior to exercise and this effect was significantly associated with greater MPVA at EOT and follow-up (b=21.96, SE=10.10, p=.03 at EOT). Among Standard participants no significant chronic effect was seen over time.

Conclusions: EVGs may provide an effective means of promoting more positive shifts in affective valence both during, and in anticipation of, physical activity that encourages longer-term participation.