Associations between physical activity intensity and experience, self-regulation, and self-reported interoceptive accuracy and attention

Abstract

Interoception may play a key role in promoting healthy lifestyles, but its determinants are largely unknown. This study examines how (1) regular engagement in physical activity (PA), (2) years of PA experience, and (3) self-regulation are associated with interoceptive accuracy and attention. Included were 1178 participants (age = 52.13 +/- 16.78). The Interoceptive Accuracy Scale and Interoceptive Attention Scale were used, along with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire to determine physical activity, with in-depth questions to determine years of experience. Self-regulation was assessed using the Short Self-Regulation Questionnaire. Results indicated that PA experience (M = 13.39 +/- 15.39, beta = -0.021, CI = [-0.036, -0.006]) was negatively associated with interoceptive attention, but not accuracy. Self-regulation (M = 109.36 +/- 13.50, beta = 0.262, CI = [0.210, 0.315]) was positively associated with interoceptive accuracy, but not attention. Different PA intensities were not associated with either interoceptive accuracy nor attention (all beta < |0.022| and p > 0.07). More years of PA experience may result in adaptive habituation effects where well-developed internal models reduce the need for monitoring of bodily signals. Self-regulatory skills negatively associated with interoceptive attention, potentially reflecting greater bodily trust. Adaptive interoceptive processing may be crucial for PA engagement.