Cognitive strategies, perception of effort and heart rate in endurance cyclists

Abstract

The purpose of this study was two-fold : To develop a cycling-specific cognitive classification system, and to investigate the differential and interactive effects of effort and competitive status, on associative strategy use in cyclists. Subjects consisted of eight elite, eight average and eight recreational cyclists. A light-weight micro-cassette recorder was used to document the subjects' verbalised thoughts while training. Effort was measured by the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) at the completion of each ride, and through the recording of heart rate every 60 seconds. A cycling-specific sub-category of thought ";equipment monitoring"; was created, which had not previously been required in similar research on marathon runners. Statistical analyses showed no support for the notion that cognitive strategy use varies according to competitive status. Neither did they show support for the notion that it varies according to effort. The statistically non-significant findings are discussed in the light of the stochastic nature of cycling, and recommendations are made to cater for this in future research.


(S. African J. for Research in Sport, Physical Ed. and Recreation: 2002 24 (2): 55-66)