Attentional Load and the Reproduction of Physical Work

Abstract

The effect of attentional focus on the perception of physical work was examined by using a work reproduction design. Subjects performed a fixed interval of work at either 50 or 75% of their predicted VO₂ max, during which they were required either to solve a continuous flow of arithmetic problems or to perform in an unfilled control condition. On a subsequent trial, without a concomitant attention-demanding task, subjects were asked to reproduce the amount of work that they had previously performed. It was found that individuals in the control condition produced a significantly greater amount of work on the reproduction trial, while those in the attentional focus condition performed about the same amount as on the previous trial. No interaction was found between attentional focus and work load.

Key Words:

• attention
• perceived exertion
• work reproduction
• work perturbation
• work perception