Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 9, 2026
07:54
Field-Based Thermal Physiology Assay: Cold Shock Recovery under Ambient Conditions
Published on: March 9, 2021
3.4K
Interval running with self-selected recovery: Physiology, performance, and perception.
Gary McEwan1, Rosemary Arthur1, Shaun M Phillips2
1a Institute for Clinical Exercise and Health Science , University of the West of Scotland , Hamilton , UK.
European Journal of Sport Science
|May 30, 2018
Summary
Self-selected recovery periods in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) allow longer recovery durations, leading to reduced time near maximal heart rate but enhanced time at high intensity compared to externally regulated intervals.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Human Performance
Background:
- High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a popular training method.
- Recovery periods within HIIT can be externally regulated or self-selected.
- Understanding the physiological and psychological differences between these recovery types is important for optimizing training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare physiological responses and performance during HIIT with externally regulated (ER) versus self-selected (SS) recovery.
- To investigate the psychophysiological factors influencing self-selected recovery durations.
Main Methods:
- 14 recreationally active males completed two HIIT sessions on a non-motorised treadmill.
- Sessions involved 12 intervals at 105% maximal aerobic speed (MAS) with either 30s ER or SS recovery.
- Physiological data (heart rate) and performance metrics were recorded; semi-structured interviews were conducted post-SS.
Main Results:
- Self-selected recovery periods were significantly longer (51s vs 30s) than externally regulated periods.
- Between-interval heart rate recovery was higher, and time spent at or above 90% maximal heart rate (HRmax) was lower during SS.
- Relative time spent above 105% MAS was greater during SS compared to ER.
Conclusions:
- Self-selected recovery in HIIT leads to longer recovery durations and altered physiological responses compared to fixed, externally regulated intervals.
- This strategy may enhance high-intensity performance by allowing greater recovery, despite reducing overall time at very high heart rates.
- Inter-individual variability in recovery choices is influenced by afferent cue utilization.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:03Prediction Intervals
3.4K
The interval estimate of any variable is known as the prediction interval. It helps decide if a point estimate is dependable.
However, the point estimate is most likely not the exact value of the population parameter, but close to it. After calculating point estimates, we construct interval estimates, called confidence intervals or prediction intervals. This prediction interval comprises a range of values unlike the point estimate and is a better predictor of the observed sample value, y.
However, the point estimate is most likely not the exact value of the population parameter, but close to it. After calculating point estimates, we construct interval estimates, called confidence intervals or prediction intervals. This prediction interval comprises a range of values unlike the point estimate and is a better predictor of the observed sample value, y.
3.4K
01:15Subliminal Perception
801
Subliminal perception refers to the processing of sensory information that occurs below the level of conscious awareness. Researchers study subliminal perception by presenting a stimulus, such as a word or image, very quickly, typically around 50 milliseconds. This rapid presentation is often followed by another stimulus, such as a pattern of dots or lines, which blocks further mental processing of the initial stimulus. As a result, if participants cannot identify the initial stimulus better...
801
01:25Factors Affecting Perception
2.8K
Perception is influenced by perceptual set, context, motivation, and emotion. Perceptual set, or perceptual expectancy, refers to the tendency to perceive things in a particular way, influenced by previous experiences and expectations. This phenomenon affects the interpretation of stimuli, creating a set of mental tendencies and assumptions that impact sensory perceptions of sound, taste, touch, and sight.
An illustrative example of a perceptual set is the scenario where an airline pilot told...
An illustrative example of a perceptual set is the scenario where an airline pilot told...
2.8K
01:17Wald-Wolfowitz Runs Test II
560
The Wald-Wolfowitz runs test, commonly referred to as the runs test, is a nonparametric test used to assess the randomness of ordered data. The test evaluates the number of runs, which are consecutive sequences of similar elements within the data. If the number of runs is significantly higher or lower than expected, the data is considered non-random, indicating a detectable pattern or structure.
For binary data, runs are identified using symbols such as + and −, or equivalently, 1s and 0s. In...
For binary data, runs are identified using symbols such as + and −, or equivalently, 1s and 0s. In...
560
01:28Perception
1.2K
Perception is a fundamental psychological process that enables individuals to organize, interpret, and consciously experience sensory information. This process is crucial for understanding and interacting with the world around us. It includes both bottom-up and top-down processing, each playing a distinct role in how we perceive our environment.
Bottom-up processing begins at the sensory level, where receptors detect external environmental stimuli. These could include the tactile sensation of...
Bottom-up processing begins at the sensory level, where receptors detect external environmental stimuli. These could include the tactile sensation of...
1.2K
01:17Wald-Wolfowitz Runs Test I
970
The Wald-Wolfowitz test, also known as the runs test, is a nonparametric statistical test used to assess the randomness of a sequence of two different types of elements (e.g., positive/negative values, successes/failures). It examines whether the order of the elements in a sequence is random or if there is a pattern or trend present. This nonparametric test applies to any ordered data despite the population and sample data distribution, even if a higher sample size is available.
The test works...
The test works...
970