The effects of accurate and inaccurate duration and distance feedback on perceived exertion and running economy

Physical activities are not sufficient to achieve successful performance in sports and other psychological-cognitive variables can improve the level of performance significantly. Recent studies have demonstrated that Augmented feedback has positive effects on learning and performance, but it is important to figure out the most effective and optimal solutions for this matter.

The aim of the study was to examine the effects of accurate and inaccurate (higher/lower) feedback on running economy indicators in untrained individuals.

In this quasi-experimental study, twenty-four untrained men between 23-27 years of age were selected through convenience sampling from Shahid Beheshti University. Their maximum speed was measured by a running session test (Vmax Test). Then, they were divided into “duration” and “distance” groups, respectively. Participants in each group completed three running sessions with either accurate or inaccurate (higher/lower) duration or distance feedback. During the sessions, the perceived exertion of each participant was observed by the Borg scale (1982). Furthermore, cardiovascular measurements were recorded through the Gas analyzer system. Spss 22 software was used to analyze the data.

The repeated measures ANOVA test has shown that ratings of perceived exertion,vo2 consumption and HR measures were significantly lower during inaccurate-lower feedback trials (P< 0/05). But there were not any significant differences in the dependent variables between duration and distance groups.

This study has demonstrated that running economy and perceived exertion in untrained men were affected by the provision of inaccurate duration and distance feedback. The study indicated that the Provision of inaccurate-lower duration or distance feedback could result in more economic running performance in untrained people.