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The effect of non-contingent and accurate performance feedback on pacing and time trial performance in 4-km track cycling
  1. A R Mauger,
  2. A M Jones,
  3. C A Williams
  1. School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, Devon, UK
  1. Correspondence to Alexis Mauger, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Bedfordshire, Bedford Campus, Polhill Avenue, Bedford MK41 9EA, UK; Lex.Mauger{at}beds.ac.uk

Abstract

Objective To determine whether the provision of comparative performance feedback during 4 km track cycling affects completion time.

Design Five highly trained male cyclists first performed a baseline (BL) 4-km time trial (TT) on a velodrome track, followed by two further randomised 4-km TT, during which riders received either correct (COR) or non-contingent (FAL) feedback based on their BL performance.

Results Participants completed the COR TT in a significantly faster time (t4=−3.10, p<0.05) than the FAL TT (341 (8) s vs 350 (12) s). Over the TT, a significant difference in mean speed was apparent between the two conditions (F15,60=1.95, p<0.05) on the second (t4=4.71, p<0.05), 15th (t4=3.45, p<0.05) and final lap (t4=3.30, p<0.05).

Conclusion The significant difference in completion time and pacing strategy between the two conditions suggests that accurate, comparative performance feedback is beneficial to performance, especially during the start and end of an exercise bout. The results support the previously unfounded assumption that performance feedback is advantageous during exercise and highlights the importance of an athlete's support team during an event.

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Footnotes

  • Competing interests None.

  • Patient consent Obtained.

  • Ethics approval This study was conducted with the approval of the University of Exeter.

  • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.