Themes for Improving Exercise Motivation During Extra-Orbital Space Flight: Implications for the Intervention of Guided Imagery

Abstract

Exercise adherence during long duration, extra-orbital space flight is critical for maintaining health in astronauts. Physical and psychological hazards that could compromise astronaut health, including physiological deconditioning and emotional-cognitive decline, may be improved through exercise participation. Due to the importance of maintained physical fitness and the environmental limitations of space flight, specialized interventions for exercise adherence are required. Guided Imagery, a multi-sensory led cognitive practice, may fill this need. Understanding exercise motivation in this unique population is necessary to create effective Guided Imagery. Due to the limitation of available research, a review was undertaken to determine a) the psychological themes relevant to improving exercise motivation in this population and b) the specific suggestions for Guided Imagery in order to create an effective intervention for astronauts. The concepts of self-efficacy and Self Determination Theory, a theory describing the regulation of human motivation, were utilized for this work. Research included gives possible psychological explanations and recommendations for increasing exercise motivation. Support of the basic needs (autonomy, competency, and relatedness) and the theme of self-efficacy are recommended. In addition, the themes of extrinsic motivation, values, protective mentality, resilience, and action control are discussed. This research provides a direction of future efforts in Guided Imagery creation in order to support astronaut health and assist in the success of future space endeavors.