A Multi-Dimensional Comparative Study of Exercise Psychological Experience Under AI Fitness Companion and Human Coach Paradigms

A Multi-Dimensional Comparative Study of Exercise Psychological Experience Under AI Fitness Companion and Human Coach Paradigms

This study conducted a comparative analysis of subjective exercise experiences between an AI-based fitness companion and traditional human coaching among 98 university students participating in a standardized 20-minute functional circuit training session. Participants were evaluated across three psychological dimensions: Emotional Resonance (ER), Interactive Dynamics (InD), and Embodied Presence (EP). The results indicated that human coaching elicited significantly higher levels of Emotional Resonance, whereas AI-based companions demonstrated superior performance in Interactive Dynamics. No significant differences were observed in Embodied Presence, suggesting that contemporary AI systems can provide spatial immersion and body-awareness comparable to human coaches. These findings indicate that AI and human coaches offer distinct psychological strengths, suggesting that AI should be viewed as a complementary, scalable tool for exercise guidance rather than a direct replacement for human emotional support.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Body Composition: Participants needed to have a body fat percentage between 15% and 25% for males, and between 20% and 30% for females.
2. Physical Capability: Participants were required to be physically capable of performing the designated bodyweight fitness movements, which included squats, lunges, and planks.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Physical Health: Individuals with musculoskeletal injuries or acute physical conditions that would prevent the safe performance of standard bodyweight exercises were excluded.
2. Psychological Status: Individuals with a history of severe discomfort or diagnosed anxiety related to one-on-one fitness coaching or digital monitoring were excluded.