To run or not to run? Differences in implicit attitudes towards running: An EEG study

Objective: To understand the reasons for individuals do or do not exercise, we examined differences in implicit (affective and instrumental) attitudes between runners and non-runners.Methods: In conjunction with electroencephalography (EEG) technology, 31 participants completed the affective and instrumental implicit associations test (IAT).Results: Behavioural results showed that runners had more positive implicit (affective and instrumental) attitudes than non-runners. EEG results further explained the underlying mechanisms for the differences, namely that runners had higher cortical functional connectivity in the compatible condition than in the incompatible condition, while non-runners had the opposite results. Conclusions: Higher levels of neural processing efficiency were required for runners to perceive affective expectations towards running. Furthermore, ERP indicators (N1 amplitudes of incompatible tasks) can be used as valid criteria for potentially predicting exercise. This contributed to understanding why individuals do or do not exercise. Further research should focus on the effects of implicit attitudes towards exercise.

Automated summary

By examining the differences in implicit attitudes between runners and non-runners, this study aims to understand the reasons for individuals' exercise behaviors. The results showed that runners had more positive implicit attitudes towards exercise compared to non-runners. The study also revealed the underlying mechanisms for these differences, including higher cortical functional connectivity in runners and its impact on affective expectations towards running. Further research should focus on the effects of implicit attitudes on exercise behaviors.