title: Self-control training leads to enhanced cardiovascular exercise performance.
abstract: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of two weeks of self-control strength training on maximum cardiovascular exercise performance. Forty-one participants completed a cognitive self-control depletion task (Stroop task) followed by a maximal graded cycling test and were randomized to training (maximal endurance contractions of spring handgrip trainers, twice daily) or no-treatment control groups. At follow-up (2 weeks), half of each group completed either a time-matched or trial-matched Stroop task followed by another maximal graded cycling test. Results showed a significant 2-way (training X time) interaction (P < 0.001), and a trend for the 3-way (training X time X cognitive task) interaction (P = 0.07). Decomposition of the interactions revealed that across sessions cycling performance increased in both training groups, did not change in the trial-matched cognitive task control group, and declined in the time-matched control group. We conclude that isometric handgrip training leads to self-control strength adaptations that enhance maximal cardiovascular exercise performance or tolerance of exercise at maximal levels of effort.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Kinesiology , McMaster University , Hamilton , ON , Canada L8S 4K1.
authors.forename: Steven R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Bray
authors.forename: Jeffrey D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Graham
authors.forename: Paul D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Saville
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction; D008297:Male; D010465:Perception / Q000502:physiology; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*; D000068356:Self-Control; D057190:Stroop Test
keywords: Stroop task; graded exercise; perceived exertion; self-regulation