The effects of internal versus external information processing on symptom perception in an exercise setting

Area of Science:

• Sport and Exercise Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Attentional focus influences how individuals perceive physical sensations during exercise.
• Internal focus (e.g., on breathing) may heighten awareness of discomfort, while external focus (e.g., on environment) might distract from it.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the differential effects of internal versus external attentional focus on symptom perception and performance in an exercise context.
• To compare an external 'word-cue' condition with an internal 'breathing' condition and a control.

Main Methods:

• Fifteen undergraduate students completed a 1-mile run under three conditions: external word-cue, internal breathing focus, and control.
• Symptom perception, particularly exercise-related symptoms, was measured across conditions.

Main Results:

• Participants reported significantly fewer symptoms, especially exercise-related ones, in the external word-cue condition.
• The breathing (internal focus) and control conditions did not differ significantly in symptom reporting.

Conclusions:

• An external attentional focus strategy can effectively reduce perceived symptomatology during exercise.
• Findings support theories suggesting that directing attention away from bodily sensations can improve the exercise experience.