Effect of Unaware Clock Manipulation on Pacing Strategy and Performance in Recreational Athletes

It is unclear how athletes regulate their performance prior and during exercise when deceptive methods are applied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test if time manipulation can influence pacing strategy running performance. Ten recreationally active subjects were informed they would complete four 60-min trials only with feedback. The first session a familiarization trial (60-min), in following three sessions, feedback modified: normal chronometer (NC—60 min.), 10% faster (Faster chronometer—FC—54 slower (slower chronometer—SC—66 min.). Total distance different between conditions, while average total speed, Heart Rate, oxygen consumption, Rate Perceived Exertion similar (p > 0.05). A slow start adopted all conditions did not differ averaged across session; however, analyzing final 10 min session, differences found conditions. Finally, observed an important determinant regulation intensity, because, although regulated according previous information, adjustments made initial (NC) (FC) phases trials.