Boris Cheval

Boris Cheval is an Associate Professor at École Normale Supérieure de Rennes, where he investigates the behavioral and brain mechanisms involved in the regulation of movement-based behaviors. His research focuses on understanding the 'exercise paradox'—why individuals intending to be physically active often fail to translate these intentions into actions. With a strong background in health psychology and neuroscience, Cheval has developed the Theory of Effort Minimization in Physical Activity (TEMPA), which proposes that humans have a natural tendency to avoid unnecessary physical effort, a mechanism that contributes significantly to the global pandemic of physical inactivity.

• Current Position: Associate Professor, École Normale Supérieure de Rennes (2023–present)
• Previous Positions: Senior Research Scientist, University of Geneva (2019–2023); Researcher, University of Geneva (2014–2018); Researcher, University of Ottawa (2013–2014); Researcher, University of Nice (2012–2013)

Cheval's research interests span health psychology, neuropsychology, physical activity behavior, and cognitive neuroscience. He argues that the automatic attraction to effort minimization, while evolutionarily advantageous for conserving energy, has become maladaptive in modern sedentary environments. His work examines how built environments, social contexts, and psychological factors interact to influence physical activity decisions. A significant portion of his research explores how making physical activity the 'default option' in our environments, rather than sedentary alternatives, could effectively combat inactivity. His studies frequently incorporate ecological models of behavior that consider multiple levels of influence from individual factors to public policy.

Analysis of Cheval's recent publications reveals a strong focus on effort perception, cognitive neuroscience of physical activity, and the relationship between sedentary behavior and health outcomes. His work spans multiple methodologies including genetic studies, neuroimaging, longitudinal observational research, and intervention studies. Notably, his research demonstrates that moderate physical activity provides 1.5 times greater cognitive benefits than vigorous activity, challenging assumptions about exercise intensity requirements. His publications consistently address the intention-behavior gap in physical activity through the lens of effort minimization theory, examining how automatic processes and environmental factors shape behavior beyond conscious intentions.

• Research Funding: Rennes Métropole Research Chair, European Union (Horizon)
• Key Publications: Theory of Effort Minimization in Physical Activity (2021), Genetic insights into the causal relationship between physical activity and cognitive functioning (2023)

Cheval's work has significant implications for public health policy, urban planning, and educational environments. His research on school settings demonstrates how integrating movement into classroom learning can improve cognitive performance without sacrificing academic achievement. He advocates for rethinking school architecture and scheduling to make movement the default option, noting that French students collectively spend the equivalent of a full year seated during their schooling. His collaborative work emphasizes that addressing physical inactivity requires moving beyond individual motivation to consider environmental design, social determinants, and evolutionary predispositions toward effort minimization.