Effects of autonomous motivational priming on motivation and affective responses towards high-intensity interval training

This study examined the effect of autonomous motivational priming on motivation, attitudes and intentions towards high-intensity interval training (HIT). Participants (N = 42) performed a graded exercise test to determine their peak aerobic power (W-PEAK). At a subsequent testing session, participants were randomised to complete either an autonomous or neutral motivational priming task followed by a 10 x 1 HIT exercise protocol, alternating 1-min bouts of hard (70% W-PEAK) and light (12.5% W-PEAK) exercises for 20 min. Participants primed with autonomous motivation reported greater enjoyment, P = .009, eta(2)(p) = .16, and perceived competence, P = .005, eta(2)(p) = .18, post-exercise compared to those in the neutral priming condition. Participants in the autonomous motivational priming condition also reported more positive attitudes, P = .014, eta(2)(p) = .14, towards HIT; however, there was no difference between the conditions for task motivation during HIT or intentions, P =.53, eta(2)(p) = .01, to engage in HIT. These findings highlight autonomous motivational priming as a method of enhancing affective and motivational experiences regarding HIT.