Pattern of developing the performance template

Abstract

Background: The pattern of energy expenditure during sustained high-intensity exercise is influenced by several variables. Data from athletic populations suggest that a pre-exercise conceptual model, or template, is a central variable relative to controlling energy expenditure. Aims: The aim of this study was to make systematic observations regarding how the performance template develops in fit individuals who have limited specific experience with sustained high-intensity exercise (eg, time trials). Methods: The study was conducted in four parts and involved measuring performance (time and power output) during: (A) six 3 km cycle time trials, (B) three 2 km rowing time trials, (C) four 2 km rowing time trials with a training period between trials 2 and 3, and (D) three 10 km cycle time trials. All time trials were self-paced with feedback to the subjects regarding previous performances and momentary pace. Results: In all four series of time trials there was a progressive pattern of improved performance averaging 6% over the first three trials and 10% over six trials. In all studies improvement was associated with increased power output during the early and middle portions of the time trial and a progressively greater terminal rating of perceived exertion. Despite the change in the pattern of energy expenditure, the subjects did not achieve the pattern usually displayed by athletes during comparable events. Conclusions: This study concludes that the pattern of learning the performance template is primarily related to increased confidence that the trial can be completed without unreasonable levels of exertion or injury, but that the process takes more than six trials to be complete.

Even Between-Lap Pacing Despite High Within-Lap Variation During Mountain Biking

“…The current study therefore lends support to the existing literature suggesting that the pacing strategy adopted during self-paced exercise is anticipatory, based on the expectation of the exercise duration and other pertinent factors. 4,[27][28][29] It is astonishing that, given the many factors that could have influenced velocity over the duration of the event, similar lap pacing profiles were produced, resulting in the similar lap times.…”

“…While only 6 of the recruited participants competed in the race reported here, previous studies have clearly demonstrated the robustness of pacing. 27 In addition, since the data are reported over a 5-lap race (4 laps for women) they represent 29 individual laps in which high intralap variability has been observed. A second limitation is that power was not measured.…”

Deception Studies Manipulating Centrally Acting Performance Modifiers

“…An associated component of self-efficacy is the confidence in being able to complete the exercise task required (7) without catastrophic failure before the end (23). Confidence maybe reinforced through repeated performances or experience; the memory of which, has been proposed to be one of the determinants of perceived exertion and effort regulation during a subsequent similar exercise task (51).…”

Distance-dependent Association of Affect with Pacing Strategy in Cycling Time Trials

“…Previous experience and knowledge of the exercise endpoint are essential factors in the formation of a stable performance template for a given exercise bout and the initial setting of work-rate (14,17), which is crucial in the development of an optimal pacing strategy. The mechanisms by which pacing strategy is continually regulated during exercise, however, have yet to be clearly identified (20,44), despite receiving considerable attention in the literature (1,8,32).…”