title: The effect of self- even- and variable-pacing strategies on the physiological and perceptual response to cycling.
abstract: It has been proposed that an even-pacing strategy is optimal for events lasting <120 s, but this assertion is not well-established. This study tested the hypothesis that even-paced cycling is less challenging than self- or variable-paced cycling. Ten well-trained male cyclists (VO2max, 4.89 ± 0.32 L min(-1)) completed a self-paced (SP) 20-km time trial followed by time- and work-matched even-paced (EP 100% SP mean power) and variable-paced (VP 142 and 72% SP mean power, 1:1.5 high:low power ratio) trials in a random, counterbalanced order. During all trials expired air and heart rate were analysed throughout, blood lactate was sampled every 4 km, and perceptual responses (rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and affect) were assessed every 2 km and post-trial. There were no whole trial statistically significant differences between trials for any of the respiratory variables measured, although there was a trend for higher RER's in VP compared to EP (P = 0.053). Blood lactate was lower in EP compared to VP (P = 0.001) and SP (P = 0.001), and higher in SP compared to VP (P = 0.008). RPE was lower, and affect more positive, in EP compared to both SP and VP (P > 0.05). The results of this study show that, for a time- and work-matched 20-km time trial, an even-paced strategy results in attenuated perturbations in the physiological response and lower perception of effort in comparison to self- and variable-paced strategies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Northumbria University, Northumberland Building, Northumberland Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK. kevin2.thomas@northumbria.ac.uk
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Mark R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Stone
authors.forename: Kevin G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: St Clair Gibson
authors.forename: Les
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ansley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001642:Bicycling / Q000523:psychology*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004739:England; D005080:Exercise Test; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010465:Perception; D010807:Physical Endurance; D012119:Respiration; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D019344:Lactic Acid