Data set for "Taking aversive action: an experimental investigation into the negotiation of bodily limits"

Data collection method:

Thirty-eight participants (19F; Mean age: 23y; SD±4y) were recruited from a university campus through poster and electronic advertisement. All participants were screened for their health and activity level via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ short form) prior to the initiation of the study (Appendix. 1): only participants determined to be inactive (performed less than 3 x 20 minutes of vigorous exercise per week; <600 MET minutes) and otherwise healthy met the inclusion criteria (Total screened=40; two excluded due to activity levels). Participants were excluded if they had previously completed the maximal exercise tasks, were currently experiencing pain or had a history of pain lasting more than 3 months (full exclusion criteria: diagnosed cardiovascular disease, diagnosed respiratory disorder [COPD; cystic fibrosis] or neurological disorder [TIA, infarction/haemorrhage, cerebral palsy or neurological deficit], diagnosed psychiatric disorders [major depressive disorder; schizophrenia, bipolar]). This study was conducted in accordance with the declaration of Helsinki and ethical approval was obtained from divisions of Health and Psychology. All 38 participants provided written, informed consent. Participants were required to complete two separate sessions: first a baseline session and then a test session, with a minimum of 24 hours’ rest between each one. For the total duration of both sessions, participants wore a heart rate monitor, which was connected to a Polar V800 watch. All participants were asked to abstain from alcohol and caffeine in the preceding 24-hours of the baseline and test sessions.