title: Let them roam free? Physiological and psychological evidence for the potential of self-selected exercise intensity in public health.
abstract: In recommending physical activity for public health, authors have advocated either an approach in which the participant is to follow a prescription developed by a professional or an approach based on the participants' own preferences. This review explores the potential for convergence between these two approaches by examining: (i) whether the exercise intensity that participants select is within the range recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine for the development and maintenance of cardiorespiratory fitness and health; (ii) what is known about the determinants of self-selected intensity and the factors underlying interindividual differences; and (iii) the psychological consequences of imposing a level of intensity compared with allowing participants to select their preferred level. The results indicate that, among middle-aged or older, sedentary or obese participants, or those in cardiac rehabilitation, self-selected exercise intensities are, on average, within the recommended range. However, some individuals select levels well below the recommended range and others select near-maximal levels. Most individuals apparently select intensities proximal to their ventilatory or lactate threshold, presumably because higher intensities would reduce pleasure. The factors underlying the large interindividual differences in self-selected intensity remain poorly understood. Imposed intensities lead to declines in pleasure, even when they exceed the self-selected level by a small amount. These results demonstrate the compatibility of prescription-based and preference-based approaches. Public health practitioners can consider self-selected intensity as an appropriate option.
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA. ekkekaki@iastate.edu
authors.forename: Panteleimon
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ekkekakis
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002755:Choice Behavior; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D011634:Public Health; D012648:Self Care