Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to explore relationships between attentional strategies and LRC, running economy, perceived exertion, and dyspnea.
Methods
25 endurance-trained males (\( \dot{\text V}\)O2max = 68.2 ± 4.7 mL kg−1 min−1) ran for 5 min each at two different submaximal speeds, during which LRC and oxygen consumption (\( \dot{\text V}\)O2) were measured. The degree of LRC was calculated as the percentage of breaths occurring during the same decile of the step cycle. Attentional focus was assessed at the end of exercise using an Attentional Focusing Questionnaire, with subscales for association, dissociation, and distress.
Results
We found no significant relationships between attentional focus measures and LRC. However, dissociation scores were positively correlated with \( \dot{\text V}\)O2 (r = 0.404), as well as %\( \dot{\text V}\)O2max (r = 0.474), at the slower running speed. Distress scores were the only attentional focus subscale related to perceived exertion and dyspnea (r = 0.378 to 0.654).
Conclusion
These findings suggest attentional focus is not driving the high levels of LRC seen in trained endurance athletes but may relate to running economy and perceptual responses.
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Availability of data and material
The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author, AS. The data are not publicly available due to their containing information that could compromise the privacy of research participants.
Abbreviations
- AFQ:
-
Attentional Focusing Questionnaire
- CI:
-
Confidence interval
- DYS:
-
Ratings of dyspnea
- LRC:
-
Locomotor–respiratory coupling
- RE:
-
Running economy
- RPE:
-
Ratings of perceived exertion
- \( \dot{\text V}\) E :
-
Minute ventilation
- \( \dot{\text V}\)O2 :
-
Oxygen consumption
- \( \dot{\text V}\)O2max :
-
Maximal oxygen consumption
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This work was supported by an Indiana University School of Public Health Student Research Grant and a University Graduate School Grant-in-Aid of Doctoral Research.
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AS, TF, and RF conceived and designed the research. AS, JS, and TF conducted experiments. AS and JS analyzed data. AS, JS, and TL wrote the manuscript. All authors read and approved the manuscript.
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Stickford, A.S.L., Stickford, J.L., Fulton, T.J. et al. Attentional focus does not impact locomotor–respiratory coupling in trained runners. Eur J Appl Physiol 120, 2477–2486 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-020-04475-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-020-04475-6