Opposite effects of a time-trial and endurance cycling exercise on the neural efficiency of competitive cyclists.

PURPOSE: Time-trial require cyclists to have an acute control on their sensory cues to regulate their pacing strategies. Pacing an effort accurately requires an individual to process sensory signals with efficacy, a factor that can be characterized by a high neural efficiency. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a cycling time-trial on neural efficiency in comparison to a low intensity endurance exercise, the latter supposedly not requiring high sensory control. METHODS: On two separate days, 13 competitive cyclists performed a session comprising of two 10 min treadmill tests, performed at different intensity zones from 1 to 5 on the rating subjective exercise intensity scale. The tests were performed before and after both a time-trial and endurance cycling exercise. Electroencephalography activity was measured during each intensity zones of the treadmill exercises. Neural efficiency was then calculated for each intensity block using the α/ß electroencephalography activity ratio. RESULTS: The neural efficiency averaged on the 5 IZ decreased following the time-trial in the motor cortex (- 13 ± 8%) and prefrontal cortex (- 10 ± 12%), but not after the endurance exercise. CONCLUSION: To conclude, the time-trial impaired the neural efficiency and increasing the RPE of the cyclists in the severe intensity zone.

Effect of Protective Equipment on Firefighters' External and Internal Workloads During a Simulated Rescue Intervention.

ABSTRACT: Marcel-Millet, P, Ravier, G, and Groslambert, A. Effect of protective equipment on firefighters' external and internal workloads during a simulated rescue intervention. J Strength Cond Res 36(8): 2291-2297, 2022-Firefighter's protective equipment is one of the main factors increasing psychophysiological demand during rescue intervention. Workload quantification defines the amount of stress placed on an individual. This study aimed to test the relationships and compare different workload methods to discriminate 3 protective equipment conditions based on simulated rescue intervention. The protective equipment was (a) personal protective clothing (PPC); (b) PPC and a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), including a cylinder, a full-face piece, and a breathing regulator; and (c) PPC and only the cylinder of the SCBA (SCBAc). Workload was determined using methods based on heart rate (HR), perceived exertion (sRPE), acceleration, and an indirect method based on postexercise HR variability. Differences between conditions were analyzed with repeated-measures analyses of variance. Relationships between workload methods were determined using Pearson's correlations. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The HR-based and sRPE methods showed higher values in the SCBA and SCBAc conditions than the PPC condition ( p < 0.0001); only the sRPE method had a higher workload for the SCBA condition than the SCBAc condition ( p < 0.0001). Acceleration-based workloads were lower in the SCBA and SCBAc conditions than the PPC condition ( p < 0.0001). The indirect method revealed no difference between the 3 conditions. Significant relationships were observed between the HR-based and sRPE methods ( r = 0.544-0.738). Inverse significant correlations were observed between the HR-based and sRPE methods and the acceleration workload methods ( r = -0.319 to -0.762). Although HR-based and sRPE methods might quantify the workloads, the sRPE method was more sensitive to discriminate between the SCBAc and SCBA conditions.

The type of visual biofeedback influences maximal handgrip strength and activation strategies.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the effects of force and electromyographic (EMG) feedbacks on forearm muscle activations and handgrip maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC). METHODS: Sixteen males performed a set of MIVC in four different feedback conditions: (1) NO-FB: no feedback is given to the participant; (2) FORCE-FB: participants received a visual feedback of the produced force; (3) AGO-FB: participants received a visual feedback of the EMG activity of two agonist grip muscles; (4) ANTAGO-FB: participants received a visual feedback of the EMG activity of two hand extensors muscles. Each feedback was displayed by monitoring the signal of either force or electrical activity of the corresponding muscles. RESULTS: Compared to NO-FB, FORCE-FB was associated with a higher MIVC force (+ 11%, P < 0.05), a higher EMG activity of agonist and antagonist muscles (+ 8.7% and + 9.2%, respectively, P < 0.05) and a better MIVC/EMG ratio with the agonist muscles (P < 0.05). AGO-FB was associated with a higher EMG activity of agonist muscles (P < 0.05) and ANTAGO-FB was associated with a higher EMG activity of antagonist muscles (P < 0.05). MIVC force was higher in the agonist feedback condition than in the antagonist feedback condition (+ 5.9%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results showed that the MIVC force can be influenced by different visuals feedback, such as force or EMG feedbacks. Moreover, these results suggested that the type of feedback employed could modify the EMG-to-force relationships. Finally, EMG biofeedback could represent an interesting tool to optimize motor strategies. But in the purpose of performing the highest strength independently of the strategy, the force feedback should be recommended.

Neural Efficiency and Ability to Produce Accurate Efforts in Different Perceived Intensity Zones.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between neural efficiency and the ability of an athlete to produce accurate efforts in different perceived intensity zones during a racing scenario. The α/ß ratio was used to quantify the neural efficiency during cycling, as it traduced the degree of participants information processing activity with lower cortical activity possible. Twelve trained competitive male cyclists delimited their perceived intensity zones 2 to 6 on a scale to assess the rating of exercise intensity. Then, they performed a 30 min racing scenario during which they had to produce different perceived intensities. The ability of athletes to produce perceived effort with accuracy and their neural efficiency was quantified during the racing scenario. The increase in the neural efficiency with the increase in the effort intensity could partly explain the improvement in athletes' ability to produce accurately perceived efforts from intensity zones 3 to 6. Moreover, the neural efficiency during the racing scenario was significantly correlated to the ability to produce perceived effort with accuracy at submaximal intensities.

Physiological responses and parasympathetic reactivation in rescue interventions: The effect of the breathing apparatus.

This study aimed to assess the effect of wearing a breathing apparatus during a simulated rescue intervention on psychophysiological responses and parasympathetic reactivation of firefighters. Thirty-four firefighters participated in this study which consisted of four experimental sessions conducted randomly: a maximal fitness test and three rescue interventions performed (a) with personal protective clothing (PPC); (b) with PPC and the full self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), including cylinder, full-face piece, and breathing regulator; and (c) with PPC and only the cylinder of the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAc). Physiological (heart rate [HR], breathing frequency [BF]) and perceptual (rating of perceived exertion [RPE]) responses were continuously collected during the three rescue interventions. Parasympathetic reactivation was assessed using HR recovery and variability indexes after experimental sessions. HR responses ranged between 63% and 95% of HRmax , and BF responses ranged between 22 and 55 breaths/min for the different activity tasks. Parasympathetic reactivation indexes were similar for the rescue interventions but lower than after the intermittent fitness test (P = 0.016 - P < 0.0001). Mean HR for both SCBAc (83.2 ± 4.1%HRmax ) and SCBA (83.1 ± 5.2%HRmax ) was higher in comparison with PPC (79.5 ± 5.3%HRmax ). RPE was higher for SCBA than for SCBAc which was higher than PPC. Mean BF for SCBA (34 breaths/min) was lower than PPC (40 breaths/min) and SCBAc (43 breaths/min). Based on HR, BF, and RPE, rescue interventions seem to be psychologically and physiologically stressful. Parasympathetic reactivation after PCC, SCBA, and SCBAc suggests that these conditions induce higher cardiac stress than the maximal fitness test. The study showed that SCBA increased psychophysiological perturbations.

Effects of a Training Program Involving Body Cooling on Physical and Cognitive Capacities and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: Two methods using exercise and body cooling could influence the well-being of patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). The aim of this study was to determine whether wearing a cooling vest during a physical training program could increase the cognitive and physical capacities and quality of life in PwMS. METHODS: Eighteen PwMS (49.6 ± 8 years; Expanded Disability Status Score 5.0 ± 1.0) were randomly assigned to a cooling or control group. PwMS underwent a 7-week physical training program. In the cooling group, PwMS wore a cooling vest during each training session, whereas in the control group, PwMS wore a cotton T-shirt. Before and after the training program, both groups completed the Isaacs Set Test (IST), Trail Making Test A-B (TMT A-B), SEP-59, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory and performed a 6-minute walk test (6MWT). RESULTS: The cooling group showed significantly (p < 0.05) improved performance for IST, TMT A and 6MWT. Their emotional well-being and cognitive functions investigated in SEP-59 were significantly (p < 0.05) improved, and general and physical fatigue significantly (p < 0.05) decreased. CONCLUSIONS: This physical training program combined with a cooling strategy could have a significant positive influence on both cognitive and physical performances, perceived fatigue and emotional well-being in heat-sensitive PwMS.

Effects of cognitive stimulation with a self-modeling video on time to exhaustion while running at maximal aerobic velocity: a pilot study.

This study assessed whether video self-modeling improves running performance and influences the rate of perceived exertion and heart rate response. Twelve men (M age=26.8 yr., SD=6; M body mass index=22.1 kg.m(-2), SD=1) performed a time to exhaustion running test at 100 percent maximal aerobic velocity while focusing on a video self-modeling loop to synchronize their stride. Compared to the control condition, there was a significant increase of time to exhaustion. Perceived exertion was lower also, but there was no significant change in mean heart rate. In conclusion, the video self-modeling used as a pacer apparently increased endurance by decreasing perceived exertion without affecting the heart rate.

Acute Responses to Repeated-Sprint Training in Hypoxia Combined With Whole-Body Cryotherapy: A Preliminary Study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate acute psychophysiological responses to repeated-sprint training in hypoxia (RSH) combined with whole-body cryotherapy (WBC). METHOD: Sixteen trained cyclists performed 3 sessions in randomized order: RSH, WBC-RSH (WBC pre-RSH), and RSH-WBC (WBC post-RSH). RSH consisted of 3 sets of 5 × 10-second sprints with 20-second recovery at a simulated altitude of 3000 m. Power output, muscle oxygenation (tissue saturation index), heart-rate variability, and recovery perception were analyzed. Sleep quality was assessed on the nights following test sessions and compared with a control night using nocturnal ActiGraphy and heart-rate variability. RESULTS: Power output did not differ between the conditions (P = .27), while the decrease in tissue saturation index was reduced for WBC-RSH compared to RSH-WBC in the last set. In both conditions with WBC, the recovery perception was higher compared to RSH (WBC-RSH: +15.4%, and RSH-WBC: +21.9%, P < .05). The number of movements during the RSH-WBC night was significantly lower than for the control night (-18.7%, P < .01) and WBC-RSH (-14.9%, P < .05). RSH led to a higher root mean square of the successive differences of R-R intervals and high-frequency band during the first hour of sleep compared to the control night (P < .05) and RSH-WBC (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Inclusion of WBC in an RSH session did not modify the power output but could improve prolonged performance in hypoxia by maintaining muscle oxygenation. A single RSH session did not deteriorate sleep quality. WBC, particularly when performed after RSH, positively influenced recovery perception and sleep.

Influence of a conservative sleep management strategy during a solo Pacific Ocean crossing on anxiety and perceived fatigue: a case study.

The aim of this case study was to determine whether a sailor's deliberate choice of a conservative strategy to manage sleep deprivation would allow him to cross the Pacific Ocean and to minimize his state of anxiety and perceived fatigue. The participant, who had more than 10 years' sailing experience in severe conditions, was tested on a small catamaran without any living quarters during a solo Pacific Ocean crossing. Estimations of sleep hours, state anxiety, and perceived fatigue were self-reported by the sailor on a daily basis using a specific questionnaire. The most important finding is that the sailor's deliberate sleep strategy, 5.4 h sleep per day (24% less than on-shore), was enough to keep his anxiety and perceived fatigue within acceptable limits and enabled him to achieve his goal, which was the first crossing of the Pacific Ocean on a catamaran of less than 6 m. In conclusion, our results suggest that the sailor observed in the present case study was able to minimize anxiety and perceived fatigue with adequate sleep to optimize his performance, security, and to achieve his goal.

Does firefighters' physical fitness influence their cardiac parasympathetic reactivation? Analysis with post-exercise heart rate variability and ultra-short-term measures.

Purpose. This study assessed the influence of firefighters' physical fitness on performances and parasympathetic reactivation in rescue interventions, and tested the validity of post-exercise ultra-short-term heart rate variability. Methods. Twenty-four firefighters were assigned to two groups based on their fitness and performed three simulated interventions. The mean completion time was recorded. The post-exercise root mean square of successive differences of R-R intervals (LnRMSSD) was determined from both criterion (between 5 and 10 min) and ultra-short-term (every 1-min segment from minutes 0-6) analyses. Results. Completion time was better for the highest fitness group in the three simulated interventions while post-exercise LnRMSSD was not influenced by the firefighters' fitness. Reliability between ultra-short-term and criterion analyses differed between the segments tested; minute 5-6 revealed the highest intra-class correlations (0.86-0.97). Concerning sensitivity of both analyses, the criterion analysis revealed differences between the three rescue interventions and the fitness test, but these results were not observed with ultra-short-term measures. Conclusions. Fitness was associated with firefighters' performances but not with parasympathetic reactivation in the firefighting intervention. The ultra-short-term measures do not seem to be a suitable post-exercise LnRMSSD analysis because of the low sensitivity to reveal differences among exercise conditions.

Effects of polyester jerseys on psycho-physiological responses during exercise in a hot and moist environment.

Gonzales, BR, Hagin, V, Guillot, R, Placet, V, and Groslambert, A. Effects of polyester jerseys on psycho-physiological responses during exercise in a hot and moist environment. J Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3432-3438, 2011-With the general acceptance that extreme environments have a detrimental effect on thermoregulation and human performance, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of 3 polyester jerseys with knits of different sizes on physiological and perceptual responses in trained cyclists during exercise performed in a hot and moist environment. Ten trained male cyclists (mean ± SD, age: 29.1 ± 8 years, height: 177.12 ± 5 cm, body mass: 70.10 ± 6 kg), performed 3 tests of 15 minutes at 150 W on a calibrated home trainer by randomly wearing jerseys with small knits (SK), medium knits, and large knits (LK). While exercising, the jersey and torso skin temperatures, perceived exertion and hotness, and heart rate (HR) were continuously recorded. The major results of this study showed that perceived hotness with LK was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than with SK at minutes 10 (effect size [ES] = 1.18) and 12 (ES = 1.04) of exercise. The torso skin temperature with LK was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than with SK at minute 10 (ES = 0.84) and at minute 14 (ES = 0.81) of exercise, and the LK jersey temperature was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than with SK jerseys at minutes 12 (ES = 0.83) and 14 (ES = 0.90) of exercise. However, no significant difference was found in perceived exertion or HR. These results suggest that the use of polyester jerseys with larger knits could limit the drift of skin temperature and therefore increase the thermal comfort of cyclists during exercise performed in a hot and moist environment. Therefore, coaches are encouraged to take particular care that their athletes wear exercise-appropriate clothing in hot temperatures.

The perceived exertion to regulate a training program in young women.

The aim of this study was to compare the heart rate (HR) and the perceived exertion (PE) regulation of a training program in women and their effects on the cardiorespiratory responses. Twenty-seven women (mean age 22.4 ± 2.7 years) were randomly assigned to a control group (CG, n = 9), a heart rate group (HRG, n = 9), or a perceptive group (PG, n = 9). All subjects performed a maximal graded test (MGT) on a cycle ergometer before and after 6 weeks. The HR, V(O2)peak, maximal tolerated power (MTP), and PE were recorded during both MGTs. A 6-week interval training program was performed by both the HRG and PG. HR targets were used for the HRG and PE for the PG to readjust the power output. The results show that the V(O2)peak and the MTP increased significantly (p < 0.05) for both training groups, whereas the CG obtained no changes. As a consequence, PE could be a valuable tool to readjust the training load during an interval training program.

Psychophysiological responses of firefighters to day and night rescue interventions.

This study aimed 1) to assess the psychophysiological responses throughout a rescue intervention performed during the day and at night and 2) to determine if a vibrating alarm influences these psychophysiological responses at night. Sixteen male firefighters completed a simulated intervention under three different conditions: 1) during the day with a sound alarm signal (DaySA), 2) during the night with a sound alarm signal (NightSA), 3) during the night with a vibrating alarm signal (NightVA). Cardiovascular and psychological stress were recorded throughout the interventions. During the alarm signal, HR reactivity was greater in NightSA than in DaySA (p < 0.01). Parasympathetic reactivation and self-confidence were significantly lower in NightSA than in DaySA (p < 0.05). HR reactivity was decreased in NightVA in comparison to NightSA (p < 0.05). Overall, the rescue intervention had a greater impact on the psychophysiological variables during the night than during the day, and the type of alarm had a minor effect.

Effects on Firefighters' Nocturnal Cardiac Autonomic Activity and Sleep Quality of On-Call Nights With and Without Simulated Firefighting Interventions.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects on firefighters' nocturnal cardiac autonomic activity and sleep quality of one on-call night without intervention and one on-call night with intervention. METHODS: Thirteen firefighters completed three experimental nights: a control night (CON), an on-call night without intervention (0-INTER), an on-call night with one simulated intervention (1-INTER). Sleep parameters were determined from nocturnal heart rate variability (HRV), objective and subjective sleep quality. RESULTS: Derived parasympathetic HRV indices were higher in CON compared with 0-INTER and 1-INTER (P < 0.05). Subjective sleep quality and total sleep time were decreased in 1-INTER compared with CON and 0-INTER (P < 0.01). DISCUSSION: These results revealed that for firefighters, being on-call during the night with and without interventions disturbs cardiac autonomic activity. Objective and subjective sleep quality were disrupted when on-call nights were interrupted by simulated firefighting interventions.

Determination of the ventilatory threshold with affective valence and perceived exertion in trained cyclists: a preliminary study.

The aim of the present study was to determine if trained cyclists have perceptual markers that can be used to identify the ventilatory threshold during a maximal exercise test. Ten trained cyclists (age 25.20 +/- 4.94 years; VO2max 63.6 +/- 6.3 mL x min(-1) x kg(-1)) performed a maximal graded test on a cycling ergometer. Perceived exertion and affective valence were measured each min of the maximal graded test. The results indicate that ventilatory threshold, perceived exertion, and affective valence are significantly different compared to the values assessed 1 minute after ventilatory threshold. Moreover, there were a significant relationships between power output and perceived exertion (p < 0.01; r = 0.97) and affective valence (p < 0.01; r = 0.94) measured during the maximal graded test. These results confirm that at ventilatory threshold a lot of significant changes of perceptual parameters appear and may be good indicators for athletes to determine their ventilatory threshold during a training session. This method could be interesting for cyclists to control the exercise intensity during individual time trial.

The Influence of Pleasure and Attentional Focus on Performance and Pacing Strategies in Elite Individual Time Trials.

Recent psychophysiological models of endurance performance explained that pacing strategies and exercise-intensity regulation influence cyclists' ability to produce high mean power output (PO) during time trials (TTs). However, the relationships between these pacing strategies and psychological parameters of the athletes remain unknown. PURPOSE: To determine the impact of pacing strategies on cyclists' mean PO during an elite TT championship and to identify the relationships between these pacing strategies and psychological parameters. METHODS: Mean PO, projected frontal area, attentional focus, and pleasure were recorded for 9 male cyclists during an official individual TT national championship. Pacing regulations were quantified from PO using the new exposure variation analysis, which determines times spent at adapted PO for optimal constant-pacing strategy (APO) and inaccurate PO for optimal constant-pacing strategy (IPO). Relationships between mean PO, times spent at APO and IPO, and psychological variables were analyzed. RESULTS: Significant relationships were found between mean PO and exposure variation analysis pacing parameters (r2 .56-.86, P > .05). Time spent at IPO was negatively related to pleasure during the individual TT (r = -.746, P = .016). Conversely, time spent at APO was significantly related to cyclists' attentional focus (r = .827, P = .006). CONCLUSIONS: Mean PO during elite individual TTs is directly related to athletes' ability to optimally regulate pace throughout the event. This pacing regulation is influenced by attentional focus and pleasure, underlining that coaches and athletes should devote greater attention to these psychological parameters to improve their performances.

Mechanisms of Performance Improvements Due to a Leading Teammate During Uphill Cycling.

PURPOSE: To identify the impact of a leading teammate in front of a cyclist on psychological, physiological, biomechanical, and performance parameters during an uphill maximal effort. METHODS: After familiarization, 12 well-trained competitive cyclists completed 2 uphill time trials (UTTs, 2.7 km at 7.4%) in randomized order; that is, 1 performed alone (control condition) and 1 followed a simulated teammate during the entire UTT (leader condition). Performance (UTT time) and mean power output (PO) were recorded for each UTT. For physiological parameters, mean heart rate and postexercise blood lactate concentration were recorded. Psychological parameters (rating of perceived exertion, pleasure, and attentional focus) were collected at the end of each trial. RESULTS: Performance (UTT time) significantly improved by 4.2% (3.1%) in the leader condition, mainly due to drafting decrease of the aerodynamic drag (58% of total performance gains) and higher end spurt (+9.1% [9.1%] of mean PO in the last 10% of the UTT). However, heart rate and postexercise blood lactate concentration were not significantly different between conditions. From a psychological aspect, higher pleasure was observed in the leader condition (+41.1% [51.7%]), but attentional focus was not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a leading teammate during uphill cycling had a strong impact on performance, enabling higher speed for the same mean PO and greater end spurt. These results explain why the best teams competing for the general classification of the most prestigious and contested races like the Grand Tours tend to always protect their leader with teammates during decisive ascents.

Validation of a pictorial rating scale for grip strength evaluation in 3- to 6-year-old children.

The present study aimed to validate a pictorial rating scale to evaluate the child's ability to produce grip forces. Thirty-seven children aged 3 to 6 years participated as subjects in this investigation. We used a tailor-made pictorial scale and a hand grip strength meter, as well as a Piaget's clinical interview aimed to gather information on the child's understanding of the rating scale. The sensitivity of the rating scale was measured by testing a 4-intensity-level hand grip effort with 3- to 6-year-old children. In addition, the reproducibility of this pictorial rating scale was investigated by a test and randomised re-test procedure. Statistical analysis revealed that no significant main effect (P>0.05) for test was observed in any child. In addition, no significant main effect (P>0.05) for intensity was found in 3-year-old children. However, in the 4-year-old children and over, a significant main effect (P<0.05) was found for intensity. The results also showed that 5- and 6-year-old children were able to produce four differentiated intensities of grip forces. These findings suggest that the pictorial rating scale for grip strength evaluation showed acceptable reproducibility and was sensitive to the age of the children tested. To conclude, this pictorial rating scale appears to be a valid tool to investigate accurately the child's ability to produce grip forces in young children from 5-year-old and over.

Perceived exertion : influence of age and cognitive development.

Because little is known about the effects of aging on perceived exertion, the aim of this article is to review the key findings from the published literature concerning rating of perceived exertion (RPE) in relation to the developmental level of a subject. The use of RPE in the exercise setting has included both an estimation paradigm, which is the quantification of the effort sense at a given level of exercise, and a production paradigm, which involves producing a given physiological effort based on an RPE value. The results of the review show that the cognitive developmental level of children aged 0-3 years does not allow them to rate their perceived exertion during a handgrip task. From 4 to 7 years of age, there is a critical period where children are able to progressively rate at first their peripheral sensory cues during handgrip tests, and then their cardiorespiratory cues during outdoor running in an accurate manner. Between 8 and 12 years of age, children are able to estimate and produce 2-4 cycling intensities guided by their effort sense and distinguish sensory cues from different parts of their body. However, most of the studies report that the exercise mode and the rating scale used could influence their perceptual responsiveness. During adolescence, it seems that the RPE-heart rate (HR) relationship is less pronounced than in adults. Similar to observations made in younger children, RPE values are influenced by the exercise mode, test protocol and rating scale. Limited research has examined the ability of adolescents to produce a given exercise intensity based on perceived exertion. Little else is known about RPE in this age group. In healthy middle-aged and elderly individuals, age-related differences in perceptual responsiveness may not be present as long as variations in cardiorespiratory fitness are taken into account. For this reason, RPE could be associated with HR as a useful tool for monitoring and prescribing exercise. In physically deconditioned elderly persons, a rehabilitation training programme may increase the subject's ability to detect muscular sensations and the ability to utilise these sensory cues in the perception of effort. RPE appears to be a cognitive function that involves a long and progressive developmental process from 4 years of age to adulthood. In healthy middle-aged and elderly individuals, RPE is not impaired by aging and can be associated with HR as a useful tool to control exercise intensity. While much is known about RPE responses in 8- to 12-year-old children, more research is needed to fully understand the influence of cognitive development on perceived exertion in children, adolescents and elderly individuals.

Effects of steady-state exercise on perceived pain: comparison of sedentary students and cyclists.

In this study, the effect of fitness level on perceived pain before and after a steady state exercise was investigated. Ten trained cyclists (M age=25.2 yr., SD=4.9) and 10 sedentary men (Mage=24.5 yr., SD=2.2) performed a maximal graded test on a cycle ergometer. At least 48 hr. later the participants of both groups performed a 30-min. steady-state cycling test at 75% of VO2 max. Before the steady-state exercise and 5- and 30-min. postexercise, a pressure pain stimulation test was applied on the finger of each participant. Perceived pain was measured with Borg's CR10 scale at the end of each pain stimulation. The results indicated no significant changes in perceived pain between the pre-exercise and 5- and 30-min. postexercise values (effect sizes=.07 and .19, respectively). Moreover, no significant difference in perceived pain was found between the groups for pre-exercise (ES=.02) and 5- and 30-min. postexercise (ES=.16 and .21, respectively) values. These results do not confirm the analgesic effects usually observed after steady state exercise. Therefore, it is not possible to compare the analgesic effect of this exercise mode between participants characterized by different fitness levels.