Previous experience influences pacing during 20 km time trial cycling

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Human Performance

Background:

• Understanding pacing strategies in endurance sports is crucial for optimizing performance.
• The influence of performance feedback on self-regulated pacing during time trials is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of accurate, false, and no performance feedback on pacing and performance during cycling time trials.
• To examine the role of previous experience in modulating the response to feedback during cycling.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-nine cyclists completed three 20 km cycling time trials using a Computrainer.
• Participants were assigned to groups receiving no feedback, accurate feedback, or false feedback (5% faster) during the first two trials.
• Performance and pacing data were compared across feedback conditions and against a third trial with full feedback.

Main Results:

• False feedback altered pacing (lower cadence, higher initial power) but not overall performance.
• No feedback led to faster completion times and increased power output in the final 5 km.
• Accurate feedback resulted in no significant changes in performance or pacing.

Conclusions:

• Pacing during cycling time trials is influenced by an interaction between performance feedback and prior experience.
• Cognitive processes, including perceived exertion, are modulated by feedback and experience, impacting pacing decisions.