The relation between performance in a throwing task and work-induced activation

Abstract

The effect of work-rate on psychomotor performance was investigated in 24 male subjects. Five work levels were employed on a bicycle ergometer and a throwing task used as criterion. After a controlled level of unresisted pedalling, loads were set lo elicit heart rates of 100, 125, 150 and 175 beats min⁻¹ based on individual heart rate/power output regression lines determined in a preliminary investigation. Perceived exertion (RPE) and hearl rate were recorded after 4-5 to 5-25 min. Over the last 90 s of work subjects threw 20 squash balls at an archery target 4-25 m away. Performance was found to deteriorate at the severest work level (p⩾0.05), no other differences being significant. The shape of the performance curve suggested a shallow and distorted inverted U pattern.