Home > Medical Research Archives > Issue 149 > Partner Weight as a Moderator of Exercise Motivation in an Obese Sample
Published in the Medical Research Archives
Jul 2015 Issue
Partner Weight as a Moderator of Exercise Motivation in an Obese Sample
Published on Jul 05, 2015
DOI
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Köhler motivation gain principles were utilized (based on the group dynamics principles of upward social comparison and indispensability) to explore increasing exercise duration in an obese community sample (mean BMI = 38 kg∙m-2) with a lighter versus same weight virtually-presented interactive exergame partner.
METHODS: Community adults (N = 48; age = 45.3 ± 15.86 years) completed the first block of three isometric abdominal exercises alone. After resting, participants completed the second block either alone (Control), with a lighter weight (LW), or with a same weight partner (SW). Partners were actually confederates recorded earlier and presented virtually as live, from another lab. Exercise persistence, self-efficacy beliefs, enjoyment, perceived exertion, perceptions of one’s own and relative partner ability, and body image were collected.
RESULTS: Mean persistence was greater for participants in the LW (23.2 sec) condition than for those in the Control condition (-12.44 sec; 95% CI: 11.57, 59.3, p < 0.002). Mean persistence was also greater for participants in the SW (21 sec) condition than for those in the Control condition (-12.44 sec; 95% CI: 8.74, 58.14, p < 0.006). Despite persisting longer than Controls, SW participants rated their own ability lower than Controls (p = 0.027). Body image assessment choice correlated with BMI (r =.69), but was not significantly related to persistence.
CONCLUSIONS: The Köhler motivation effect increased persistence with abdominal isometric exercises in obese adults and was not moderated by the relative weight of one’s partner.
Author info
Author Area
Have an article to submit?
Submission Guidelines
Submit a manuscript
Become a member