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ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6118-1015
Date of Graduation
5-8-2024
Semester of Graduation
Spring
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Department of Kinesiology
First Advisor
Kathryn Hobson
Second Advisor
Nicholas D. Luden
Third Advisor
Nicholas D. Luden
Abstract
Purpose: This study examined the effects of self-reported effort ratings on time trial performance variability in cyclists. Methods: Seven cyclists completed a preliminary trial and 3 identical exercise trials. Exercise trials consisted of 15 min of constant load cycling (5 min at 50% Wmax, 10 min at 70% Wmax), followed immediately by a 20-km self-paced time trial (TT). Performance was assessed as the time to complete the 20-km TT. Immediately following the exercise trial, participants completed two self-reported measures of expended effort (i.e., Student Opinion Subscale and Effort Thermometer scale) to ascertain their perceived effort during the TT. Subjects also completed a Conscientiousness questionnaire during their preliminary trial and a Rating of Effort Given by Others (other participants in time trials) following their final exercise trial. For statistical analyses, subjects were divided into either a higher effort group (HEG) or lower effort group (LEG) based on their effort ratings during the TT. Independent t-tests were used to assess potential differences in TT performance variability between HEG and LEG groups, with an alpha-level for statistical significance at p < 0.05. Results: No differences in TT performance were observed between trials 1, 2 and 3 (38.3 ± 4.0 min; 37.6 ± 2.4 min; 37.6 ± 3.0 min, respectively; p > 0.05). Between-trial variability (CV) in TT time were numerically lower between trials 2-3 (2.1 ± 1.6%) versus trials 1-2 (3.3 ± 1.5%), though the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Individual effort ratings on both the Effort Thermometer (9.0 ± 0.9; 1-10 point scale) and the SOS (22 ± 2.4; 5-25 point scale) were generally high across all subjects and trials. There was no systematic evidence that those who reported higher effort (or more consistent effort between trials) had a lower CV in performance between trials. Similarly, scores from the Conscientiousness questionnaire and the Rating of Effort Given by Others questionnaire were not associated with TT performance variability. Conclusion: Self-reported effort ratings were not associated with between-trial variability in TT performance. This may be due to the generally high (and consistent) ratings of effort reported by those who volunteer for laboratory-based exercise studies.
