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Deception and perceived exertion during high-intensity running bouts.
David B Hampson1, Alan St Clair Gibson, Mike I Lambert
1MRC/UCT Research Unit of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Faculty of Health Sciences, Newlands, South Africa.
Perceptual and Motor Skills
|June 24, 2004
Summary
Deceiving runners about exercise intensity did not change overall perceived exertion. However, expecting higher intensity may slightly reduce perceived exertion increases during repeated high-intensity running bouts.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Psychology
Background:
- Perceived exertion is a key indicator of exercise intensity.
- Psychological factors, such as expectations, may influence perceived exertion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of deception on perceived exertion during repeated high-intensity running.
- To examine localized perceived exertion responses under deceived conditions.
Main Methods:
- 40 trained runners completed three 1680-m running bouts at 80-86% peak speed.
- Two groups were deceived about run intensity; two control groups were informed.
- Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) were recorded for whole body and specific areas post-run.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in overall RPE between deceived and control groups.
- A trend suggested 'Expected Increase' group had attenuated RPE increase compared to 'Control Increase'.
- Legs and chest consistently reported higher localized exertion than head and other areas.
Conclusions:
- Afferent feedback primarily mediates overall perceived exertion in high-intensity running.
- Altering pre-exercise expectations via psychological intervention has minimal effect on post-exercise exertion ratings.