Resposta afetiva ao exercício físico realizado em plataformas digitais na modalidade de HIIT (Treinamento intervalado de alta intensidade).

Abstract

Physical activity is closely linked to health-related behaviors, with motivation playing a key role in establishing long-term habits. The COVID-19 pandemic imposed restrictions on mobility and confinement, leading to a substantial increase in the use of digital platforms for This study aimed to analyze affective responses during HIIT (High-intensity interval training exercise sessions performed in person or online. A total of 30 participants took part in the study, with a mean age of 36.6 ± 6.6 years in the online group and 39.3 ± 12.5 years in the face-to-face group. Subjective experience, physical activity enjoyment, and perceived exertion questionnaires were administered immediately after each session. Physical assessments included sit-up and push-up tests, alongside a health habits anamnesis conducted before and after the intervention. Statistical analyses included Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney test for continuous variables, and chi-square test for categorical variables. Results indicated that differences were more pronounced across training modalities than between groups. The face-to-face group reported higher levels of pleasure, well-being, and satisfaction, but also greater fatigue and discomfort, suggesting stronger affective engagement. In contrast, the online group displayed more stable responses over time, with lower variation and reduced levels of discomfort and fatigue. Tabata training was particularly well accepted in terms of pleasure and satisfaction, while high-intensity circuit training (HICT) produced higher wellbeing scores in both groups. Conversely, cardiorespiratory and maximal strength sessions elicited higher levels of discomfort, fatigue, and perceived exertion. In conclusion, face-to-face settings appear to foster more intense affective engagement-both positive and negative-highlighting the relevance of professional supervision. However, online environments also showed the potential to provide consistent and positive exercise experiences, reinforcing their viability as an alternative mode of physical activity delivery.