Effects of two types of distractions on ratings of perceived exertion and affective response during acute high-intensity cycling exercise for fair cardiorespiratory fitness level in men

This study examined the effects of distractions on ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and affective responses during acute high intensity cycling exercises. Eighteen young males (age: 22.2 ± 1.7 years) visited the laboratory on four sessions. Participants performed three experimental trials following an incremental maximal test. During the three trials, participants performed cycling exercises at 70% VO2max for 20 min under three conditions: control, active distraction, and involuntary distraction. The participants rated their overall and peripheral RPE at 5-min intervals during the 20-min cycling period. Participants’ affective responses were assessed before and after cycling including positive engagement (PE), negative affect (N-affect), and tranquility. There were no significant differences in RPEs among the three conditions. For affective responses, a significant main effect of condition was seen only for N-affect. This study suggested that active and involuntary distractions do not influence perceived exertion when participants perform 20-min vigorous-intensity exercises. One possible reason for the result is that an inadequate method was used as the active distraction. Further research is required to examine the appropriate methods that promote distraction from bodily sensations during high-intensity exercise.