Competitor presence reduces internal attentional focus and improves 16.1km cycling time trial performance

Abstract

Objectives: Whilst the presence of a competitor has been found to improve performance, the mechanisms influencing the change in selected work rates during direct competition have been suggested but not specifically assessed. The aim was to investigate the physiological and psychological influences of a visual avatar competitor during a 16.1-km cycling time trial performance, using trained, competitive cyclists. Design: Randomised cross-over design. Method: Fifteen male cyclists completed four 16.1km cycling time trials on a cycle ergometer, performing two with a visual display of themselves as a simulated avatar (FAM and SELF), one with no visual display (DO), and one with themselves and an opponent as simulated avatars (COMP). Participants were informed the competitive avatar was a similar ability cyclist but it was actually a representation of their fastest previous performance. Results: Increased performance times were evident during COMP (27.8 ± 2.0 min) compared to SELF (28.7 ± 1.9 min) and DO (28.4 ± 2.3 min). Greater power output, speed and heart rate were apparent during COMP trial than SELF (p < 0.05) and DO (p ≤ 0.06). There were no differences between SELF and DO. RPE was unchanged across all conditions. Internal attentional focus was significantly reduced during COMP trial (p < 0.05), suggesting reduced focused on internal sensations during an increase in performance. Conclusions: Competitive cyclists performed significantly faster during a 16.1-km competitive trial than when performing maximally, without a competitor. The improvement in performance was elicited due to a greater external distraction, deterring perceived exertion.

Deception has no acute or residual effect on cycling time trial performance but negatively effects perceptual responses

“…13,26,27 As both groups similarly improved performance in PACER, this study further supports that cyclists are able to perform faster when riding with a virtual avatar, in comparison to a ride-alone trial. 12,26,27 Performance time reduced by 23 s (1.4%) in the CON group and 19 s (1.2%) in the DEC group from FBL to PACER which is greater than the smallest worthwhile change in TT performance and thus demonstrates practical importance. 22 Notably, no increases in heart rate, respiratory gases or BLa accompanied the faster PACER performances in comparison to FBL, refuting previous conclusions that the access of a physiological reserve was the responsible mechanism.…”

“…26 This holds true for the results demonstrated in the CON group, perhaps due to the accurate perception of the pacer's performance, therefore allowing its presence to be facilitative. In the DEC group, the mismatch created in the participants' perceptions may have superseded the facilitative effects of the pacer and resulted in more unfavourable perceptions of exertion and affective valence, supporting previous findings.…”

The behavior of an opponent alters pacing decisions in 4-km cycling time trials

“…This was done to increase the participant's perception of the opponent as a realistic competitor of a level of performance within reach of the participant. Based on an expected performance improvement of 1% after FAM [8,13], the pacing profiles of the both opponents were constructed to a finishing time 1% faster compared to FAM. Although the pacing strategies differed between the opponent conditions, the finishing time of the opponent was for both opponent conditions exactly the same.…”

“…Table 2. RPE scores (6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20) before, during and after the 4-km time trial (TT). In addition, the average % completion time (Compl time %) at the moment of asking RPE is given.…”

“…Previous research has explored the effect of an opponent on pacing and performance, and reported a positive effect of the presence of a direct opponent on performance [5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. In addition, the performance enhancement when an opponent is present appeared to be…”