Time Estimation Performance Before,during and after Physical Activity

Abstract

An experiment is reported which evaluated performance on a 10-sec time interval estimation task before, during and after physical work on cycle ergometer at intensities of 30 and 60% VO₂max, as scaled to the individual subject. Results from the eleven subjects tested indicate a significant increase in variability of estimates during exercise compared to non-exercise phases. Such a trend was also seen in the mean of estimates, where subjects significantly underestimated the target interval (10 seconds) during exercise. Subjects also performed more accurately with information feedback than without knowledge of results, but they were still not able to overcome the effects of exercise. As suggested by the experimental findings, decreased estimation accuracy and increased variability can be expected during physical work and is part of a body of evidence which indicates that exercise and its severity has a substantive impact on perceptual and cognitive performance.

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