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Published on: September 11, 2017
Altering Pace Control and Pace Regulation: Attentional Focus Effects during Running.
Noel E Brick1, Mark J Campbell, Richard S Metcalfe
11Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, IRELAND; 2School of Sport, Ulster University, Jordanstown, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland, UNITED KINGDOM; and 3Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, IRELAND.
External pace control in running may improve performance by enhancing focus on efficiency strategies. However, relying solely on perceived exertion can lead to slower speeds due to over-monitoring bodily sensations.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Psychology
- Performance Science
Background:
- Pace control significantly influences cognitive strategies and effort perception in endurance tasks.
- Limited research exists comparing self-controlled (SC) and externally controlled (EC) pacing in running.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the impact of perceived pace control on attentional focus, physiological, and psychological outcomes during running.
- Assess the reproducibility of self-paced running performance regulated by perceived exertion.
Main Methods:
- Twenty experienced runners completed four 3-km treadmill time trials: two SC, one perceived exertion clamped (PE), and one EC.
- EC and PE conditions replicated pacing strategies from the fastest SC trial.
Main Results:
- EC running led to greater focus on cognitive strategies (e.g., relaxation, optimizing form) compared to SC.
- Heart rate was 2% lower in EC versus SC, despite identical pacing.
- Perceived exertion was similar across conditions, but PE resulted in a 10% slower completion time than SC.
Conclusions:
- Manipulating pace control alters attentional focus during running.
- External pace control may enhance performance by promoting efficiency-focused strategies.
- Reliance on perceived exertion alone can hinder performance through excessive internal monitoring.
