european college of sport science

THE COMPARISON OF EXERCISE AND DIETING BEHAVIORS AMONG STUDENTS
HEIN, V.
UNIVERSITY OF TARTU
OP-PS04 Psychology 4
Previous research of the motivational model, based on self-determination theory and theory of planned behaviour, has shown that
relative autonomous motivation predicted intentions to exercise or diet via the mediation of attitudes and perceived behavioral control,
and the latter two predicted actual level of exercise and dieting behaviour via the mediation of intentions (Hagger et al., 2006). The aims
of the present study were: 1) to retest motivational models of exercise and dieting behaviour with Estonian students; and 2) to compare
the components of motivational models for exercise and dieting behaviour among overweight students.
Participants were 251 students aged 18 to 23 years. The motivational model components were measured according to the method reported
by Hagger et al (2006) A structural equation modeling procedures were used. The comparison of the models components was
made by the Paired - Sample T - Test. According to self-reported data about height and weight (Davis, 1990), 32 participants had BMI
over 25 and were viewed as overweight.
The fit indexes of the models were acceptable (NNFI = 0.95, CFI = 0.96 and RMSEA = 0,07; NNFI = 0.94, CFI = 0.95 and RMSEA = 0,08,
respectively for motivational models of exercise and dieting behavior). The models explained 56 and 35 % of the variance in the dieting
and exercise behavior respectively. The direct effect from autonomous motivation to intention was followed in the both motivational
models. The testing the mediation effect of intention between autonomous motivation and actual behaviors showed the existence of the
complete mediation in the motivational model for exercise behavior and partial mediation in dieting behavior.
The comparison of the model components showed that all participants evaluated all motivational types, expect amotivation, higher for
exercise behavior than for dieting behavior. The similar trend was followed in respect of the attitude and perceived behavioral control.
The analysis of the group with overweight indicated that they were more intrinsically motivated in respect of physical activity than in the
following the diet. Also the attitude toward the physical exercise was high than for diet.
The results of this study confirmed that the motivational models can be replicated not only in both behavioral contexts but is also applicable
in other cultural context. Students were more motivated in physical activity than in following the diet.
References
Hagger M., Chatzisarantis N., Harris, J. (2006) The Process by Which Relative Autonomous Motivation Affects Intentional Behavior: Comparing
Effects Across Dieting and Exercise Behaviors. Motiv Emot. 30, 307–321
Davis, C. (1990) Body image and weight preoccupation: A comparison between exercising and non- exercising. Appetite, 15,13- 21.
IMPAIRMENTS IN COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE DURING LONG LASTING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
DOPPELMAYR, M.
UNIVERSITY OF SALZBURG
It is generally accepted, that short bouts of aerobic exercises are capable to improve cognitive performance (Audiffren et al. 2008), while
on the other hand, very long lasting strenuous physical activity, possibly accompanied by dehydration or sleep deprivation, leads to a
severe reduction in intellectual capabilities (Tomporowski, 2003, Lieberman et al., 2005). Although there are several studies addressing
these in- or decreases in cognitive performance for exercise intervals up to three hours, there are almost no reports exceeding this time
interval.
Three studies will be presented focusing on cognitive performance changes during foot races lasting 24 hours or longer. The first study is
a single case report of a 24 hours race where the subject underwent EEG recordings and reaction time tests approximately every two
hours. In the second study the results of two subjects participating in the Badwater Ultramarathon (216 km in the Death Valley, with ambient
temperatures well above 50°C) are reported. Concentration (as a part of the working memory system) and sustained attention have
been investigated at 6 points along the route. The third study, carried out again during the Badwater Race included 5 subjects that have
been tested until km 130. Reaction times, working memory span, long term memory (encoding and retrieval) have been investigated.
In general we can conclude that cognitive performance is at least in part somewhat impaired after more than 24 hours of exercise,
although most of these effects are small and show considerable interindividual variations. While the performance in simple reaction time
tasks, or working memory span is almost unimpaired, the encoding into long term memory shows a dramatic decrease. The fact that
ultra-race participants are unable to encode and retrieve information into and from long-term memory, is of relevance for the organization
of those events.
Audiffren M, Tomporowski P, Zagrodnik J (2008). Acta Psychologica 129: 410-419
Doppelmayr M, Finkernagel H, Doppelmayr H (2005) Perceptual and Motor Skills 100: 473-487.
Lieberman H, Bathalon G, Falco C, Kramer F, Morgan Iii C, Niro P (2005) Biological Psychiatry 57: 422-429.
Tomporowski P (2003) Acta Psychologica 112: 297-324.
MODIFICATIONS OF BODY STATE IMAGE AFTER A PHYSICAL ACTIVITY SESSION
NART, A., SCARPA, S., CAENA, F., CAVALLO, A.
UNIVERSITY OF PADUA
Introduction: Body image (BI) can be considered as a multidimensional construction about perceptions and attitudes that individuals refer
to their bodies and in particular to their appearance. Despite the fact that athletes are generally more satisfied with their bodies than
others, physical activities seem to wield both negative and positive influences on BI. The aim of the study was to understand the role
played by physical activity (PA) in BI modifications. In particular we wanted to observe if a single session of sport or PA in general could
have some positive influences on BI state, meant as an episodical evaluative and affective perception of physical appearance.
Methods: 180 subjects (128 women, 71.1% and 52 men, 28,9%) aged from 15 to 78 (M= 37.42, SD=18.78) were involved in the study. The
main research tools were the following: (a) the Body Image States Scale (BISS, Cronbach’s alpha in neutral context .77); an Italian version
was obtained by means of back-translation (Cronbach’s alpha .74); (b) one hour session of PA or sport; (c) additional personal information
(sex, age, body mass index, physical and sport activity type, reasons linked to their practice, intensity and enjoyment level of the
practised activity). Written informed consent was obtained from all participants.
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ANNUAL CONGRESS OF THE EUROPEAN COLLEGE OF SPORT SCIENCE