title: Head-to-head running race simulation alters pacing strategy, performance, and mood state.
abstract: The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of the presence and absence of competitors on pacing, overall running performance, and mood state during a self-paced 3-km run. Nine recreational runners participated in this study. They performed the following tests: a) an incremental test to exhaustion to measure the respiratory compensation point (RCP), maximal oxygen uptake, and peak treadmill speed; b) a submaximal speed constant test to measure running economy; and c) two 3-km running time trials performed collectively (COL, head-to-head competition) or individually (IND, performed alone) to establish pacing and running performance. The COL condition was formed of a group of four runners or five runners. Runners were grouped by matched performance times and to retain head-to-head characteristics.A mood state profile questionnaire was completed before and after the 3-km running time trial. The overall performance was better in the COL than in the IND (11.75 ± 0.05 min vs. 12.25 ± 0.06 min, respectively; p = 0.04). The running speeds during the first 500 m were significantly greater in COL (16.8 ± 2.16 km·h−1) than in IND (15.3 ± 2.45 km·h−1) (p = 0.03).The gain in running speed from IND to COL during the first 400 m (i.e. running speed in COL less running speed in IND) was significantly correlated with the RCP (r = 0.88; p = 0.05). The vigor score significantly decreased from pre- to post-running in COL (p=0.05), but not in IND (p=0.20). Additionally, the post running vigor was significantly higher in IND compared to COL (p = 0.03).These findings suggested that the presence of competitors induces a fast start, which results in an improved overall performance and reduced post-exercise vigor scores, compared to an individual run.
authors.affiliation: Endurance Performance Research Group (GEDAE), School of Physical Education and Sport (EEFE) of the University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Fabiano
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Tomazini
authors.affiliation: Endurance Performance Research Group (GEDAE), School of Physical Education and Sport (EEFE) of the University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Leonardo A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Pasqua
authors.affiliation: Endurance Performance Research Group (GEDAE), School of Physical Education and Sport (EEFE) of the University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Mayara V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Damasceno
authors.affiliation: Endurance Performance Research Group (GEDAE), School of Physical Education and Sport (EEFE) of the University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Marcos D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Silva-Cavalcante
authors.affiliation: Center of Studies in the Physical Exercise Prescription (NEPEF), Physical Education of Department, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Lavras, MG, Brazil.
authors.forename: Fernando R
authors.initials: FR
authors.lastname: de Oliveira
authors.affiliation: Sports Science Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports Science (CAV), Federal University of Pernambuco, Vitoria de Santo Antão, Brazil.
authors.forename: Adriano E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Lima-Silva
authors.affiliation: Endurance Performance Research Group (GEDAE), School of Physical Education and Sport (EEFE) of the University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Electronic address: bertuzzi@usp.br.
authors.forename: Rômulo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bertuzzi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect / Q000502:physiology*; D003163:Competitive Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Middle-distance running; Mood state; POMS; Pacing strategy; Respiratory compensation point