Exploring the potential relationship between mindfulness and ratings of perceived exertion.
Scott Hanneman
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 90 |
| Population | Undergraduate and graduate students ages 18-23, fluent in English, physically healthy, exercising three or more times per week |
| Duration | 10 to 20 minutes of treadmill exercise |
| Measures | Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE), heart rate |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key findings | Mindfulness was significantly negatively correlated with ratings of perceived exertion, particularly during light exercise intensity, but no relationship was found between mindfulness and the accuracy of those ratings relative to heart rate. The authors suggest mindfulness training could reduce the perceived burden of exercise, increase motivation, and promote safety by preventing over-exertion. |
Abstract
This study focuses on an evolving, interdisciplinary area of research involving Exercise Science and Clinical Psychology. It investigated the relationship between the perception of present-moment exertion or effort during exercise and a concept called mindfulness. Exertion is commonly measured more objectively using physiological measures (e.g., heart rate) or more subjectively using self-rated Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE). Mindfulness is characterized as “present-moment, non-judgmental awareness,” or “living in the present.” Despite the acknowledged benefits of physical activity, many people find it burdensome, stressful, and emotionally taxing, especially when first starting an exercise program. Based upon previous research, it was hypothesized that mindfulness would affect RPE during exercise, and that people who by nature are “mindful” would perceive exercise-based exertion more accurately, measured by correlating an objective index of physical exertion (heart rate) and RPE. If true, mindfulness training could: 1) reduce the perception of exercise as burdensome; 2) increase motivation to exercise, and; 3) promote safety during exercise by preventing over-exertion. Ninety undergraduate and graduate students ages18-23 were recruited from psychology courses for this study. All were fluent in English, physically healthy, and exercised three or more times per week. They completed a series of self-report paper-and-pencil questionnaires measuring mindfulness and related psychological factors. Next, they exercised on a treadmill for between 10 and 20 minutes, during which RPE were periodically assessed. Exercise intensity was gradually increased up to a predetermined heart rate level (76% of their age-predicted maximum heart rate) by varying treadmill speed and elevation. Behaviorally, this involved a transition from walking to jogging or running. Results of this study suggested that mindfulness was significantly negatively correlated with RPE, particularly during light exercise intensity. No relationship was found between mindfulness and RPE accuracy. Overall, these results suggest that the relationship between mindfulness and RPE is likely a fruitful area for future research.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Undergraduate students | 2006 | Observational cohort | |
| Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders Patients with generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder with or without agoraphobia | 1992 | Observational cohort | n = 22 |
| Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness Participants with extensive Insight meditation experience and matched controls | 2005 | Observational cohort | n = 20 |
| Meditation experience is associated with differences in default mode network activity and connectivity Experienced meditators and matched meditation-naive controls | 2011 | Observational cohort | |
| Long-term meditators self-induce high-amplitude gamma synchrony during mental practice Long-term Buddhist practitioners and controls | 2004 | Observational cohort |
Citations in the library
Cites 33
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2004
- Mechanisms of mindfulness Journal of Clinical Psychology December 29, 2005
- Construct Validity of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Meditating and Nonmeditating Samples Assessment February 29, 2008
and 28 more in the library