Exercise self-efficacy moderates the relation between anxiety sensitivity and body mass index and exercise tolerance in treatment-seeking smokers. (March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Farris, Samantha G.; Davis, Michelle L.; Rosenfield, David; Kauffman, Brooke Y.; Baird, Scarlett O.; Powers, Mark B.; Otto, Michael W.; Marcus, Bess H.; Church, Timothy S.; Smits, Jasper A.J.; Zvolensky, Michael J.
• Is Part Of: Mental health and physical activity. Volume 10(2016)
• Page Start: 25
• Page End: 32
• Publication Date: 2016-03
• Subjects: Nicotine dependence -- Obesity -- Physical activity -- Self-efficacy -- Anxiety vulnerability -- Functional capacity; Mental illness -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Depression, Mental -- Exercise therapy -- Periodicals; Anxiety -- Exercise therapy -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mhpa.2016.05.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-2966

Abstract

Abstract: There is little known about factors that contribute to the comorbidity of cigarette smoking and obesity. The current study sought to test whether exercise self-efficacy moderated the relation between anxiety sensitivity (fear of internal sensations) and BMI and exercise tolerance among cigarette smokers. Smokers ( n = 72; 50% female; M cpd = 19.3, SD = 10.65) were recruited to participate in a smoking cessation treatment trial. During medical screen, we measured weight, height, and exercise tolerance (functional capacity) employing a standardized maximal exercise testing protocol. After adjusting for participant sex and cigarettes per day, exercise self-efficacy moderated the association between anxiety sensitivity and BMI, such that the positive association between anxiety sensitivity and BMI was significantly stronger when exercise self-efficacy was low. The same pattern of results emerged for exercise tolerance. Exercise self-efficacy moderated the association between anxiety sensitivity and exercise tolerance, such that the negative association between anxiety sensitivity and exercise tolerance was significantly stronger when exercise self-efficacy was low. Among smokers, anxiety sensitivity may be a risk variable that, directly and indirectly in the context of low self-efficacy for exercise, causes or maintains higher body weight and lower exercise tolerance. Highlights: Higher anxiety sensitivity is associated with lower exercise tolerance in smokers. Self-efficacy about ability to engage in exercise is an important cognitive process related to exercise tolerance. Sensitivity to internal distress states may contribute to physical inactivity, especially when exercise self-efficacy is low.