Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026
09:24
A Rapidly Incremented Tethered-Swimming Maximal Protocol for Cardiorespiratory Assessment of Swimmers
Published on: January 28, 2020
Complex interplay between determinants of pacing and performance during 20-km cycle time trials
Andrew Renfree1, Julia West, Mark Corbett
1Institute of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Worcester, Worcester, UK.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
|December 17, 2011
Summary
Affective states, specifically positive and negative emotions, significantly influence pacing strategy and performance in self-paced maximal exercise. Higher positivity and lower negativity correlate with more aggressive pacing during cycling time trials.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Psychology
Background:
- Understanding pacing strategy is crucial for optimizing athletic performance.
- Psychological factors are increasingly recognized as key determinants of exercise intensity and endurance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the psychological and physiological determinants of pacing strategy during self-paced maximal exercise.
- To identify factors influencing performance differences between fastest and slowest trials.
Main Methods:
- Eight trained cyclists completed two 20-km time trials.
- Collected data included power output, perceived exertion, affect, electromyography (iEMG), and confidence.
- Post-exercise blood lactate and pH were measured.
Main Results:
- Higher power output was observed in the initial 90% of fastest trials.
- Greater positive affect and less negative affect were reported during faster trials.
- Slower trials showed higher iEMG activity and decreased confidence over time.
Conclusions:
- Affective states appear to be primary psychological regulators of pacing strategy.
- Positive affect and reduced negative affect may drive more aggressive pacing.
- Affect might influence performance by modulating tolerance to physiological disruption.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Factors Influencing Heart Rate
The heart rate, or pulse rate, is a vital indicator of cardiovascular health. It reflects the number of times the heart beats per minute. Various physiological and environmental factors influence heart rate, increasing or decreasing cardiac output. Understanding these factors is crucial for assessing heart function and identifying potential health issues.
Let us explore the significant factors affecting heart rate, including age, body temperature, posture, acute pain, chemical influences,...
Let us explore the significant factors affecting heart rate, including age, body temperature, posture, acute pain, chemical influences,...
01:29Pathophysiology of Cardiac Performance
Typical heart performance is influenced by heart rate, rhythm, myocardial contraction, and metabolism or blood flow. The cardiac muscle exhibits distinct electrophysiological features, including pacemaker activity and calcium channel control, which play a vital role in the heart's response to various drugs. The autonomic nervous system, comprising the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches, regulates heart rate. Sympathetic activation increases heart rate, while parasympathetic activation...
01:25Correlation between ECG and Cardiac Cycle
The electrical signals recorded on an electrocardiogram (ECG) occur before the mechanical processes of contraction and relaxation during the cardiac cycle.
A cardiac action potential originates in the SA node and spreads throughout the atria and the AV node in approximately 0.03 seconds. This results in the P wave in an ECG and triggers atrial contraction. The action potential is then briefly slowed at the AV node, allowing the atria to contract and fill the ventricles with blood before...
A cardiac action potential originates in the SA node and spreads throughout the atria and the AV node in approximately 0.03 seconds. This results in the P wave in an ECG and triggers atrial contraction. The action potential is then briefly slowed at the AV node, allowing the atria to contract and fill the ventricles with blood before...