Interplay Between Workload and Functional Perceptual-Cognitive-Affective Responses: An Inclusive Model.

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sport Psychology

Background:

• Psychological states and physiological responses to physical effort are often studied separately.
• Understanding the interplay between exertion, attention, and affect is crucial for exercise science.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationships among perceived exertion, attentional allocation, and affective responses under varying workload domains.
• To investigate the role of the ventilatory threshold as a landmark for these psychological and physiological changes.

Main Methods:

• Thirty male participants completed an incremental cycling test.
• Key measures included rating of perceived exertion, attentional focus, affect, felt arousal, and heart rate.
• The ventilatory threshold was used as a reference point for physiological and psychological assessments.

Main Results:

• The ventilatory threshold served as a metabolic landmark.
• At this threshold, participants exhibited attentional shifts towards aversive sensory cues.
• Sustained increases in perceived exertion, negative valence, and physiological activation were observed.

Conclusions:

• The ventilatory threshold is a significant physiological marker influencing psychological states during exercise.
• Monitoring perceived exertion, attention, and affect dynamics complements physiological data for effective training prescription.
• This integrated approach allows for more accurate control of exercise workloads.