Interactions of sprint interval exercise and psychological need-support on subsequent food intake among physically inactive men and women.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of sprint interval training (SIT) and psychological need-support in exercise on postexercise appetite and energy intake. Forty physically inactive men and women (body mass index, 24.6 ± 4.8 kg·m; peak oxygen consumption, 26.6 ± 4.9 mL·kg·min) were randomised to either a need-support or no-support condition, with each participant completing 2 experimental trials involving 30 min of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT; 60% peak oxygen consumption) and SIT (alternating 15 s at 170% peak oxygen consumption and 60 s at 32% peak oxygen consumption) matched for total work. Perceptions of appetite and appetite-related blood variables were assessed, together with ad libitum energy intake for 3 h following exercise using a laboratory test meal and available snacks. Greater enjoyment, perceived exertion, heart rate, and blood lactate were observed in SIT compared with MICT (all ≤ 0.006). Ratings of perceived appetite were similar across conditions and trials ( > 0.05); however, active ghrelin was lower following SIT compared with MICT ( < 0.001), and there was a significant condition-by-type interaction for energy intake ( = 0.033), with participants in the support group consuming less energy from foods following SIT (1895 ± 1040 kJ) than MICT (2475 ± 1192 kJ). Findings from this work highlight the need to reconsider traditional exercise guidelines where dietary intake is a concern. Enjoyment was greater during SIT compared with MICT. Enjoyment and choice were higher among participants provided with psychological need-support. In a need-supportive environment, SIT reduced subsequent energy intake compared with MICT.