ABSTRACT
This study examined the perceptual responses to various upper-body sprint interval exercise (SIE) protocols matched for total work and work/rest ratio. Fourteen active men (24⯱â¯4â¯years, BMIâ¯=â¯26.2⯱â¯2.7â¯kg/m2, body fatâ¯=â¯11.5⯱â¯4.4%) participated in 3 all-out SIE protocols consisting of battling rope exercise: P10:30 (12â¯×â¯10-s bouts with 30-s recovery); P15:45 (8â¯×â¯15-s bouts with 45â¯s recovery); and P30:90 (4â¯×â¯30-s bouts with 90-s recovery). During exercise, affective valence (FS +5 to -5), arousal (FAS 1-6), rating of perceived exertion (RPE 6-20), and heart rate (HR) were assessed. Post-exercise, enjoyment, self-efficacy, and intentions were measured. Results revealed a significant decline in FS (pâ¯=â¯.02; partial eta squared [η2p]â¯=â¯0.27) and a progressive increase in FAS (pâ¯=â¯.001; η2pâ¯=â¯0.86), RPE (pâ¯=â¯.001; η2pâ¯=â¯0.88), and HR (pâ¯=â¯.001; η2pâ¯=â¯0.94), but no protocol X time interaction. Affective valence reached a nadir at values equal to -0.36⯱â¯3.41 (Cohen's dâ¯=â¯-0.49), -0.43⯱â¯3.75 (Cohen's dâ¯=â¯-0.44), andâ¯-â¯0.93⯱â¯3.49 (Cohen's dâ¯=â¯-0.56) in response to P10:30, P15:45, and P30:90, respectively. There were no differences between protocols for enjoyment, intention, or self-efficacy. A negative relationship exhibited between FS and RPE was moderated by participants' tolerance of exercise intensity (ßâ¯=â¯1.84, pâ¯<â¯.05). Further, the association between FS and future intention was mediated by self-efficacy. Overall, upper-body SIE protocols exhibit similar perceptual responses when volume and work to rest ratio (1:3) are matched. Tolerance of exercise intensity may be used to predict changes in FS during SIE.