RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The effect of non-contingent and accurate performance feedback on pacing and time trial performance in 4-km track cycling
JF British Journal of Sports Medicine
JO Br J Sports Med
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine
SP 225
OP 229
DO 10.1136/bjsm.2009.062844
VO 45
IS 3
A1 A R Mauger
A1 A M Jones
A1 C A Williams
YR 2011
UL http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/45/3/225.abstract
AB 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.