Journal article
The Dynamics of Speed Selection and Psycho-Physiological Load during a Mountain Ultramarathon
PLoS One, Vol.10(12), pp.1-13
2015
PMCID: PMC4687124
PMID: 26691599
Appears in UniSC Supported Open Access Outputs
Abstract
Background: Exercise intensity during ultramarathons (UM) is expected to be regulated as a result of the development of psycho-physiological strain and in anticipation of perceived difficulties (duration, topography). The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamics of speed, heart rate and perceived exertion during a long trail UM in a mountainous setting. Methods: Fifteen participants were recruited from competitors in a 106 km trail mountain UM with a total elevation gain and loss of 5870 m. Speed and gradient, heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion (dissociated between the general [RPEGEN] and knee extensor fatigue [RPEKE] and collected using a voice recorder) were measured during the UM. Self-selected speed at three gradients (level, negative, positive), HR, RPEGEN and RPEKE were determined for each 10% section of total event duration (TED). Results: The participants completed the event in 18.3±3.0 h, for a total calculated distance of 105.6±1.8 km. Speed at all gradients decreased, and HR at all gradients significantly decreased from 10% to 70%, 80% and 90%, but not 100% of TED. RPEGEN and RPEKE increased throughout the event. Speed increased from 90% to 100% of TED at all gradients. Average speed was significantly correlated with total time stopped (r = -.772; p = .001; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.15, -0.39) and the magnitude of speed loss (r = .540; p = .038; 95% CI = -1.04, -0.03), but not with the variability of speed (r = -.475; p = .073; 95% CI = -1.00, 0.05). Conclusions: Participants in a mountain UM event combined positive pacing strategies (speed decreased until 70-90% of TED), an increased speed in the last 10% of the event, a decrease in HR at 70-90% of TED, and an increase in RPEGEN and RPEKE in the last 30% of the event. A greater speed loss and less total time stopped were the factors associated with increased total performance. These results could be explained by theoretical perspectives of a complex regulatory system modulating motor drive in anticipation of perceived difficulties such as elevation changes.
Details
- Title
- The Dynamics of Speed Selection and Psycho-Physiological Load during a Mountain Ultramarathon
- Authors
- Hugo Kerherve (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringGuillaume Millet (Author) - University of Calgary, CanadaColin Solomon (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
- Publication details
- PLoS One, Vol.10(12), pp.1-13
- Publisher
- Public Library of Science
- Date published
- 2015
- DOI
- 10.1371/journal.pone.0145482
- ISSN
- 1932-6203
- PMID
- 26691599; PMC4687124
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2015 Kerhervé et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
- Organisation Unit
- Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449189702621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Sport Sciences