Pacing Ability in Elite Runners with Intellectual Impairment

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Disability Studies

Background:

• Pacing is crucial for athletic performance, involving energy investment over a race.
• Understanding pacing differences in athletes with intellectual impairment (II) is vital for fair competition and training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate pacing ability differences between well-trained runners with and without intellectual impairment (II).
• To assess the impact of intellectual impairment on maintaining a preplanned submaximal running velocity.

Main Methods:

• A novel field test involving two 400-m running trials on an athletics track was used.
• Sixty-seven well-trained runners (34 with II, 33 without II) participated.
• Pacing accuracy was assessed by measuring deviations from a standardized velocity, with varying feedback conditions.

Main Results:

• Runners with II deviated significantly more from the target pace than runners without II.
• While runners without II improved pace self-regulation in a second trial, those with II showed increased deviation.
• The study identified specific difficulties for II runners in maintaining consistent velocity.

Conclusions:

• Intellectual capacity is implicated in pacing ability during running.
• Athletes with II experience challenges in self-regulating pace, impacting exercise performance.
• The developed field test can assess pacing and performance in individual athletes, aiding Paralympic classification.