Psychological state and running economy

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Psychology

Background:

• Running economy (RE) is crucial for endurance performance.
• The influence of psychological state on RE is under-researched.
• Limited studies investigate the interplay between psychological factors and physiological responses during exercise.

Purpose of the Study:

• Critique studies on psychological state's influence on running economy.
• Examine psychological state's impact on physiological and behavioral responses across exercise modes.
• Highlight the need for a multidisciplinary approach to understand RE mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature focusing on psychological state and exercise.
• Analysis of studies measuring oxygen consumption during running.
• Examination of studies involving affect, perception, and cognition interventions.

Main Results:

• Two studies found tension correlated with oxygen cost; stress management improved RE.
• Affect interventions (hypnosis, imagery) altered heart rate and performance.
• Cognitive strategies (mental strategy, biofeedback) changed physiological/behavioral responses, but not always oxygen consumption.

Conclusions:

• Psychological state significantly influences physiological and behavioral responses to exercise.
• Changes in RE may require physiological adaptations beyond immediate responses.
• A multidisciplinary approach integrating physiology, psychology, and biomechanics is essential for understanding RE.