Perceptual and metabolic responsivity to standard bicycle ergometry following various hypnotic suggestions

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the influence of various hypnotic suggestions on perceptual and metabolic responses to a standard bicycle ergometer task. 5 Ss exercised for 5 minutes on a bicycle ergometer at a work load of 600 kpm and 50 rpm. However, each S was told that he would exercise at a light, a moderate, and a heavy work load under hypnotic conditions A, B, and C, respectively. Condition D (waking control) involved the same suggestions administered in condition B. The dependent variables were: perceived exertion, heart rate, oxygen uptake, oxygen debt, respiratory exchange ratio, excess carbon dioxide production, ventilatory minute-volume, ventilatory efficiency, and rectal temperature. These physiological assessments were made throughout the induction, explanation of work, exercise bout, and recovery period. The perceived exertion rating was made in the waking state following this 40-minute session. Analyses of variance for multifactor experiments with repeated measurements were performed, revealing that hypnotic suggestion evoked perceptual and physiological changes. It was concluded that complex somato-psychic phenomena govern perceptual and physiological responsivity to muscular exertion.