Micro-oscillations in positive and negative affect during competitive laboratory cycle time trials – a preliminary study

Abstract

Background. By incorporating pre-performance or retrospective recall measurement methods, research has shown positive (PA) and negative affect (NA) to operate as both a precursor to, and as a consequence of performance in line with goal achievement. The extent of this affective change within sport is unclear, as measurement of affect within acute settings has yet to be adopted fully. Objective. To conduct exploratory research examining affect and goal achievement during self-paced cycling to understand further their role during performance. Methods. The positive and negative affect schedule (PANAS), Worcester affect scale (WAS) and ratings of goal achievement were completed by seven trained cyclists prior to two separate 20 km laboratory time trials. The WAS and ratings of goal achievement were also rated during each trial. Results. Micro-oscillations in affect occurred throughout time trials and to a greater degree where participants were unsuccessful in reaching their goals. Successful trials were characterised by higher PA (p=0.000) and lower NA (p=0.000), with higher goal expectations from the start (p=0.008). Conclusion. In unsuccessful trials, an overly aggressive start, perhaps due to inaccurate goal setting, led to an inability to maintain performance, with reductions in power output. Further clarification of the catalyst to the performance demise requires a parallel analysis of psychological and physiological parameters. In so doing, a greater understanding of the combined role of affect and goal expectation in pacing and performance will ensue; a benefit to both cyclist and coach alike.

The interaction of psychological and physiological homeostatic drives and role of general control principles in the regulation of physiological systems, exercise and the fatigue process – The Integrative Governor theory

“…While the current lack of understanding of how mental function occurs in the brain mitigates against describing psychological processes as a strictly physical entity, similar to the physical processes described above, psychology researchers suggest that psychological drives and motivation are responsible for the regulating exercise performance, and it would be these psychological drives, and the reasons underpinning them, that would set both the goals for, and the limits of, performance (Cabanac, 2006; Deci & Ryan, 2000; Ekkekakis, Lind, Hall, & Petruzello, 2007; Jones, 2002; Marcora, Staiano, & Manning, 2009; Marcora, 2010; Raglin, 2001, 2007; Rhoden, West, Renfree, Corbett, & St Clair Gibson, 2014; Smith, Ntoumanis, & Duda, 2007; Solms & Turnbull, 2002; West, Rhoden, Robinson, Castle, & St Clair Gibson, 2016). While ostensibly a non‐physical control mechanism, it is likely that in the future a clearer understanding of the relationship between psychological function and underlying physical brain activity will surely be determined.…”

The Influence of Mid-Event Deception on Psychophysiological Status and Pacing Can Persist across Consecutive Disciplines and Enhance Self-paced Multi-modal Endurance Performance

“…However, it is evident that any differences in physiological or perceptual response observed during each simulated triathlon trial were much more subtle than those seen for performance-related measures, particularly when comparing HON and DEC trials. The failure to establish clear links between physical and/or perceptual responses and performance is not uncommon in contemporary pacing research (Micklewright et al, 2010; Jones et al, 2014; Rhoden et al, 2014). Indeed, such findings reinforce the view that psychophysiological processes interact in a complex and multidimensional manner during the regulation of self-paced exercise performance (Renfree et al, 2012; Jones et al, 2014).…”

A phase of consolidation before moving forward again

“…This edition of the journal, the first in 2014, showcases South African research on musculoskeletal injuries in female adolescent hockey players, [3] collagen gene interactions and endurance running performance, [4] and the feasibility of pedometer based-health promotion. [5] There is also a study, [6] submitted by researchers in the UK, in which goal expectations and performance in time trials between successful and unsuccessful cyclists were assessed. A reminder that the South African Sports Medicine Association (SASMA) represents several disciplines and this journal, being the mouthpiece of SASMA, has to reflect this.…”