Psychological responses, muscle damage, inflammation, and delayed onset muscle soreness to high-intensity interval and moderate-intensity continuous exercise in overweight men

We compared in-task affect to HIIE and MICE, and its relationship with time spent at different metabolic domains, perceived exertion (RPE), self-efficacy, enjoyment, and future intention of exercise in overweight inactive men. Muscle damage and soreness, and inflammation were assessed post-exercise. Fifteen participants (28.9 ± 5.0 yr; 29.2 ± 3.8 kg/m2) completed a HIIE (10 × 1 min at 100% Vmax, 1 min recovery) and MICE (20 min at 55–59% VO2reserve) session. Affect, alertness, RPE, and self-efficacy were assessed in-task, and enjoyment and future intention post-task. At baseline, 24 and 48 h, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, interleukin-6 and -10, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and muscle soreness were assessed. Affect (−3.1 ± 1.8 vs. 0.8 ± 1.8, P