title: Competitor presence reduces internal attentional focus and improves 16.1km cycling time trial performance.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomised cross-over design.
  
  
  METHODS
  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±2.0min) compared to SELF (28.7±1.9min) and DO (28.4±2.3min). 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. Ratings of perceived exertion were 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.
authors.affiliation: Sports Performance Group, Edge Hill University, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Emily L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.affiliation: Sports Performance Group, Edge Hill University, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Hollie S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.affiliation: Sports Performance Group, Edge Hill University, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Andy Sparks
authors.affiliation: Sports Performance Group, Edge Hill University, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: David C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Marchant
authors.affiliation: Sports Performance Group, Edge Hill University, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Adrian W
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Midgley
authors.affiliation: Sports Performance Group, Edge Hill University, United Kingdom. Electronic address: lars.mcnaughton@edgehill.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Lars R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Mc Naughton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000523:psychology*; D001288:Attention; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D003163:Competitive Behavior; D003196:Computer Graphics; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D005082:Physical Exertion; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Motivation; Pacing strategy; Perceived exertion; Power output; Visual feedback