Abstract:
Dynamic mechanisms of exercise to improve body satisfaction: Perceived or actual fat loss?.

We examined the dynamic mechanisms of aerobic training (AT) and strength training (ST) to improve body satisfaction. Sixty‐six participants were randomised to either the AT or ST condition and completed an 8‐week intervention. Participants completed 3 weekly, 30‐minute sessions of moderate intensity AT (65–75% VO2max) or ST (65–75% 1‐RM). The energy consumption of each session was approximately equivalent under both conditions. Body satisfaction, body composition, perceived fitness and exercise self‐efficacy were measured at baseline and biweekly during the intervention. Exercise improved individuals' body satisfaction (p < .05). When the energy expenditures of AT and ST were equal, there was no difference in body satisfaction improvement. There were dynamic mechanisms underlying the effects of exercise on body satisfaction. Specifically, perceived fitness influenced body satisfaction improvements during the early stages of the exercise program, while changes in body composition influenced body satisfaction toward the end of the exercise program. There were sex differences in the mechanisms underlying body satisfaction. For women, perceived fat was more important in the early intervention period; for men, actual body fat was more valuable in the late intervention period. An effective strategy to improve body satisfaction is to initially target perceived fitness before focusing on changing body composition. 

Abstract:
Impact of COVID-19 restrictions on mental health and physical activity among LGBQAP and heterosexual adults.

Introduction: We compared the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on mental health (MH) and physical activity (PA) between US adults who identify as lesbian, gay men, bisexual, queer, asexual, and pansexual (LGBQAP) and heterosexual US adults. Method: Participants completed online questionnaires to assess PA and MH. Results: No difference in MH was identified between LGBQAP and heterosexual participants prior to lockdown, however LGBQAP participants reported significantly worse mental health during lockdown. No group differences were found in PA, but all participants exhibited a decline in PA during lockdown. Conclusion: This study highlights the differential impact of social restrictions on marginalized populations. 

Abstract:
The use of virtual reality head-mounted displays within applied sport psychology.

Virtual reality (VR) technology has been employed within several domains such as medicine, education, and the military. Nonetheless, there is limited research examining how VR can supplement applied sport psychology practice. This article provides the reader with an understanding of key components and concepts associated with VR head-mounted displays (HMDs). Subsequently, a range of possible applications within applied sport psychology are discussed, such as the training of perceptual-cognitive skills, relaxation strategies, and injury rehabilitation. Thereafter, the practicalities of using VR HMDs are outlined, and recommendations are provided to applied sport psychology practitioners wishing to embed this technology within their practice. 

Abstract:
Effects of music, video, and 360‐degree video on cycle ergometer exercise at the ventilatory threshold.

Despite the seemingly ubiquitous presence of audiovisual stimuli in modern exercise facilities, there is a dearth of research examining the effects of audiovisual stimuli in combination during exercise. Accordingly, we examined the influence of a range of audiovisual stimuli on the improvement of affective, perceptual, and enjoyment responses to cycle ergometer exercise at the ventilatory threshold (VT), an intensity that is associated with the most affect‐related interindividual variability. A within‐subject design was employed, and participants (N = 18) completed a 25‐minute protocol that consisted of 2 minutes of seated rest, 5 minutes of warm‐up, 10 minutes of exercise at VT, 5 minutes of cooldown, and 3 minutes of seated rest. Participants exercised at VT under music, video, music‐video, 360‐degree video, 360‐degree video with music, and control conditions. The results revealed a condition × time interaction for perceived activation and a main effect of condition for state attention and perceived enjoyment. The 360‐degree video with music condition elicited the most positive affective valence, greatest perceived activation, most dissociative thoughts, and highest ratings of perceived enjoyment. The present findings indicate that audiovisual stimuli can influence affective, perceptual, and enjoyment responses to cycle ergometer exercise at the VT. Given the emerging support pertaining to a positive relationship between affective responses and exercise adherence, audiovisual stimuli, such as 360‐degree video with music, should be considered as a means by which to promote an enjoyable exercise experience. 

Abstract:
Effects of music and music-video on core affect during exercise at the lactate threshold.

the objective of the present study was to examine the effects of music and music-video on core affect during and immediately after stationary cycling at the lactate threshold. A randomized, fully counterbalanced, crossover design with three conditions (music, music-video, and a no-music-video control) was adopted. Twenty-four participants exercised at lactate threshold while exposed to music, music-video, and control conditions. Affective valence and perceived activation were assessed every 2 min during a 20-min exercise bout and every 5 min post exercise over a 20-min period. Results indicated that there was a significant condition x time interaction for affective valence. The music-video condition elicited the highest levels of affective valence followed by the music condition and control. There was a main effect of condition for affective valence, wherein the experimental conditions facilitated significantly higher affective valence than control. Significant main effects of time emerged for both affective valence and perceived activation. Regardless of condition, affective valence decreased during the exercise bout and increased immediately post exercise. Conversely, perceived activation increased during exercise and decreased immediately post exercise. The present findings indicate that music and music-video can enhance core affect during exercise at the lactate threshold and the implications for exercise adherence are expounded.