Perception of effort and the allocation of physical resources: A generalization to upper-limb motor tasks

Abstract

PurposeThe perception of effort (PE) is widely used to prescribe and monitor exercise during locomotor and resistance tasks. The present study examines the validity of PE to prescribe and monitor exercise during upper-limb motor tasks under various loads and speed requirements.MethodsForty participants volunteered in two experiments. In experiment 1, we used four PE intensities to prescribe exercise on a modified version of the box and block test (BBT) and a pointing task. We investigated the possibility of monitoring the exercise intensity by tracking changes in PE rating in response to three different tempos or additional weights. Experiment 2 replicated the possibility of prescribing the exercise with the PE intensity during the BBT and explored the impact of additional weights on performance and PE during the standardized version of the BBT. Muscle activation, heart rate, and respiratory frequencies were recorded.ResultsIn experiment 1, increasing the PE intensity to prescribe exercise induced an increased performance between each intensity. Increasing task difficulty with faster movement tempo and adding weight on the forearm increased the rating of PE. Experiment 2 replicated the possibility to use PE intensity for exercise prescription during the BBT. When completing the BBT with an additional weight on the forearm, participants maintained performance at the cost of a higher PE. In both experiments, changes in PE were associated with changes in muscle activation.ConclusionOur results suggest that PE is a valid tool to prescribe and monitor exercise during upper-limb motor tasks.

An Integrated Perspective of Effort and Perception of Effort

“…8. Nonetheless, empirical investigations consistently demonstrate associations between effort and performance [27][28][29][73][74][75]. Thus, performance can often serve as a reasonably accurate indicator of effort, allowing us to exploit this relationship with minimal drawbacks.…”

“…Resource utilization underpins other notions of effort (e.g., force and mediation-based accounts), which require more resources to increase their endpoint (see the Appendix for further details). Second, this account is widely used in physical and cognitive effort research, signifying its utility and relevance [25][26][27][28][29]. Third, it can be naturally extended to PE, allowing us to maintain consistency within our perspective.…”