| Panteleimon "Paddy" Ekkekakis, Ph.D. | ||
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"The vigorous, the healthy, and the happy survive". Charles Darwin |
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The circumplex model of affect serves as the template upon which the affective responses to exercise are mapped. According to the circumplex model, the affective space can be adequately defined by two orthogonal and bipolar dimensions, namely affective valence (positivity-negativity or pleasure-displeasure; see the horizontal dimension in the schematic) and activation (also referred to as arousal; see the vertical dimension in the schematic). When combined, these two dimensions divide the affective space into four meaningful quadrants: (a) pleasant high activation (e.g., excitement, energy), (b) pleasant low activation (e.g., calmness, relaxation), (c) unpleasant low activation (e.g., boredom, fatigue), and (d) unpleasant high activation (e.g., tension, distress). Because of its broad scope, balance, and unparalleled parsimony, the circumplex is a very useful investigative platform for studying the effects of various exercise stimuli on affect. Regardless of their exact nature and direction, which, in most cases, cannot be accurately predicted, affective responses to exercise can be plotted within this two-dimensional space, enabling the identification and basic description of their most salient experiential features. |
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| Exercise Psychology Laboratory Research Focus | ||
The Exercise Psychology Laboratory at Iowa State University conducts research related to affective responses to exercise. Specific topics include (a) the relationship between exercise intensity and affective responses, (b) the cognitive and physiological correlates of affective responses, (c) individual differences in preference for and tolerance of exercise intensity. The long-term aim of this research is to develop new methods for prescribing exercise that take into account not only the maximization of fitness and health benefits, but also enjoyment and the potential for continued exercise involvement over the long haul. The populations primarily involved in our research until now have been young and physically active, but we are now beginning to examine middle-aged and older adults.
Dr
Ekkekakis's lecture at the 2004
ACSM in Indianapolis
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| Main Findings and Theoretical Framework | ||
There is a complex relationship between the intensity of exercise and affective responses. During and for a short period following moderate-intensity exercise, most people respond positively. During exercise performed at an intensity that approximates the gas exchange ventilatory threshold, there is considerable variability from individual to individual, with some responding positively and others responding negatively. These differences can be accounted for to some degree by individual differences in preference for and tolerance of the somatic sensations associated with vigorous exercise, as well as by differences in self-efficacy. Beyond the gas exchange ventilatory threshold, where a physiological steady-state can no longer be maintained, there is a near-universal decline in the valence of affective responses. At this level, ratings of affective valence (positivity versus negativity) are primarily correlated with physiological parameters (i.e., ventilation, blood lactate). 
The guiding conceptual framework of this research is a newly developed model, named the dual-mode model of exercise-induced affective responses. According to this model, affective responses to exercise are jointly influenced by two interacting factors, namely cognitive factors, such as physical self-efficacy, and interoceptive (e.g., muscular or respiratory) cues that reach the affective centers of the brain via subcortical routes. Furthermore, the balance between these two determinants is hypothesized to shift systematically as a function of exercise intensity, with the cognitive factors being dominant at low intensities and interoceptive cues gaining salience as intensity approaches the individual's functional limits and the maintenance of a physiological steady-state becomes impossible. |
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| Applications | ||
On average, 50% of the people who start an exercise program drop out within the first six months. Although numerous factors may be responsible for this, one is mainly of interest to this laboratory. Most people who lack exercise experience are unable to accurately monitor and regulate the intensity of their exercise efforts. Consequently, some overestimate the intensity of exercise and, thus, choose intensities that are unlikely to confer rapid, visible benefits. Others underestimate the intensity of exercise, overexert themselves, and experience negative affective responses or injuries. Both problems may lead to dropout. A new method for improving the self-monitoring and self-regulation of exercise intensity can be developed based on affective responses. The key is the fact that affect deteriorates in a near-universal fashion following the transition to anaerobic metabolism. This is also the intensity that appears to optimize the accrual of health and fitness benefits for previously sedentary individuals. |
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| Publications | ||
Reviews of "Psychobiology of Physical Activity" "Psychobiology of Physical
Activity" is a long-awaited contribution to
the understanding of the physiological
connection between motor movement/exercise,
mood, health, and brain functioning. It
takes the reader beyond the fragmentary
patchwork of psychobiological knowledge
of the past and presents a well-coordinated
journey through the neuroanatomy,
neurophysiology, and neurochemistry of
physical activity and the resultant health
benefits. [...] "Psychobiology of Physical
Activity" will help clinicians understand
the highly complex physiological connection
between exercise and movement therapies and
physiological and psychological health and
well-being. [...] This
text helps put to rest Cartesian dualism,
black-box metaphors, and the belief that
the mind-brain connection is too complex
to truly understand. [...] The relevance
of this book cuts across disciplines and
provides insights and explanations for
many exercise-related questions that for
a long time appeared to defy answers. This book will introduce
many of us to exciting new territory. The text puts research
into practice and is informative in its
approach to the study of human behaviour
and physical activity. This text is suitable
for both academics and postgraduate
students, and despite my limited
knowledge of this area, it was a
stimulating read. |
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| Graduate Study in Exercise Psychology | ||
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Would you like to conduct cutting-edge research on fascinating topics, such as human emotions and human health? Would you like to work in a state-of-the-art lab with some of the nicest people around? Would you like to publish in some of the leading scientific journals? Then, join our team! Prospective applicants for entering the master's degree program in exercise psychology are strongly encouraged to e-mail Dr Ekkekakis prior to applying. In particular, prospective applicants should read this letter (in PDF), explaining the difference between sport and exercise psychology. Prospective applicants for entering the doctoral program in exercise psychology are required to contact Dr Ekkekakis prior to applying. Requests for reprints of research articles are welcome. Please, look at the list of recent articles and let me know which ones you would like to receive. Also, please explain your reasons for becoming interested in exercise psychology, which particular aspects of the exercise psychology research conducted at ISU you are mostly interested in, and what your career goals are. |
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