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Pharmacy, Health Sciences & Exercise Science
Effect of a Third-Party Observer on Perceived Exertion and Work Output
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Location
Indianapolis, IN
Subject Area
Pharmacy, Health Sciences & Exercise Science
Start Date
11-4-2014 8:30 AM
End Date
11-4-2014 10:00 AM
Sponsor
Bryant Stamford (Hanover College)
Description
The purpose of this study was to determine the motivational impact of a third party observer on maximal physical performance. In this case, the relationship of the observer (with varying levels of authority) to the subject was the principle component. This study received approval from the Hanover College Institutional Review Board with regard to the use of human subjects.
Methods: Ten male Division III collegiate football players ranging from freshmen to juniors served as subjects. Each completed four randomized trials following a familiarization trial. Trials included a control (no external observation), observation by the head coach, or observation by a faculty member, or observation by a peer (in order of authority exerted over the subject). For each test, heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion (Borg scale) were measured during fifteen minutes (3 progressive loads, 5-minutes each) of submaximal exercise on a Monark cycle ergometer. Loads were set at 2.25%, 3%, and 3.5% resistance, relative to bodyweight for each 5-minute segment. After a 5-minute rest/recovery, subjects performed a 30-second all-out Wingate (power output) test at 7.5% resistance.
Results and Discussion: Data collection is ongoing at present. However, pilot data indicates that there is an effect of a third-party observer while being observed by a faculty member. Two pilot data participants increased work output while the third decreased.
Effect of a Third-Party Observer on Perceived Exertion and Work Output
Indianapolis, IN
The purpose of this study was to determine the motivational impact of a third party observer on maximal physical performance. In this case, the relationship of the observer (with varying levels of authority) to the subject was the principle component. This study received approval from the Hanover College Institutional Review Board with regard to the use of human subjects.
Methods: Ten male Division III collegiate football players ranging from freshmen to juniors served as subjects. Each completed four randomized trials following a familiarization trial. Trials included a control (no external observation), observation by the head coach, or observation by a faculty member, or observation by a peer (in order of authority exerted over the subject). For each test, heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion (Borg scale) were measured during fifteen minutes (3 progressive loads, 5-minutes each) of submaximal exercise on a Monark cycle ergometer. Loads were set at 2.25%, 3%, and 3.5% resistance, relative to bodyweight for each 5-minute segment. After a 5-minute rest/recovery, subjects performed a 30-second all-out Wingate (power output) test at 7.5% resistance.
Results and Discussion: Data collection is ongoing at present. However, pilot data indicates that there is an effect of a third-party observer while being observed by a faculty member. Two pilot data participants increased work output while the third decreased.