Teleoanticipation in all-out short-duration cycling

Br J Sports Med. 2011 Feb;45(2):114-9. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2009.061580. Epub 2009 Aug 12.

Abstract

Objective: to investigate the effect of all-out cycling test duration on indices of power, anaerobic lactic energy metabolism, perceived exertion and mood.

Methods: nine physically active men undertook four all-out cycling tests of 5, 15, 30 or 45 s from seated stationary start on an ergometer fit with power cranks. The participants completed a Profile of Mood States questionnaire before each test and indicated perceived exertion immediately post-test (Borg 6-20 scale). Indices of anaerobic lactic metabolism were determined from blood lactate concentrations.

Results: pacing strategy was apparent in the 45-s tests with lower peak (p<0.01) and mean power in the initial 10 s compared to the 5- and 15-s tests (p<0.05). The first 15 s of the 30- and 45-s tests revealed lower fatigue indices compared to the 15-s tests (p<0.05) indicating some pacing in the 30-s tests. Perceived exertion increased with duration, with no difference between the 15- and 30-s tests (p>0.05). Extravascal lactate generation (reflecting exercising muscle lactate production) explained 59% of the variance in perceived exertion. There was no effect of knowledge of test duration on mood states or total mood disturbance (p>0.05).

Conclusions: an all-out pacing strategy was apparent for at least up to 15 s, with indicators of dampened power in both 30 and 45 s sprints. Reduced power at the start of all-out long-duration sprints support a central control of at least initial pacing strategy.

MeSH terms

  • Affect / physiology*
  • Anticipation, Psychological / physiology*
  • Bicycling / physiology*
  • Energy Metabolism / physiology*
  • Ergometry
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Fatigue / etiology
  • Humans
  • Lactic Acid / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Oxygen Consumption / physiology
  • Perception / physiology
  • Pulmonary Gas Exchange / physiology
  • Time Factors
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Lactic Acid