Pre-planned Vs. Executed Real-Time Pacing Strategies during 3-km Race: Role of Rating Perceived Exertion

• Published in: Research quarterly for exercise and sport Vol. 91; no. 3; pp. 469 - 477
• Main Authors: Alves, Danilo L., Cruz, Ramon, Bara, Crystina L. B. P., Osiecki, Raul, Lima, Jorge R. P., De-Oliveira, Fernando R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Routledge 02.07.2020
• Subjects: Athletes; Competition; Correlation; Endurance; Exercise Physiology; Late Adolescents; Physical Activities; physiology; Planning; physiology; Endurance; competition; performance
• ISSN: 0270-1367; 2168-3824
• DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2019.1683503

Purpose: The aim of the study was to verify the agreement between preplanned and executed pacing during a 3-km race and determine whether adjustments are mediated by the rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Method: Thirteen young runners (eight males and five females, 17.5 ± 2.1 and 17.0 ± 1.6 years old, respectively) with national and international experience participated in the study. Before the simulated competition, the athletes informed of their preplanned pacing for the distance through a dashboard with the most common pacing profiles and were also asked to complete a questionnaire communicating their preplanned RPE for each lap of race. During 3-km, heart rate (HR), executed RPE and lap time were recorded. Results: Our results showed no significant association between preplanned and executed pacing (p = .631). Moreover, no significant difference between preplanned and executed RPE was found, including the analysis by laps and phases. RPE and HR increased over time during the race (p < .001). Conclusions: The athletes changed from their preplanned pacing, however, their RPE were similar in the preplanned and executed during the 3-km race. These findings indicate that the RPE could be responsible for adjustments in the pacing strategy.