Investigating the effect of self-talk on rating of percevied exertion and heart rate among male runners

Kaushal, Navin (2011) Investigating the effect of self-talk on rating of percevied exertion and heart rate among male runners. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if the mental training technique of self-talk would alter an athlete's heart rate and the perception of exertion during a one-hour steady-state running test. Twenty nine athletic male runners aged 18 to 55 (37.9 ± 11.71) participated in this study. The athletes were randomized into three groups: 1) positive self-talk, 2) negative self-talk, and 3) control. Participants underwent a maximal oxygen uptake determination test (VO₂ max test) and a steady-state running test which was 70% of their VO₂ max. In the later test, participants' heart rate was measured and their Borg's Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE value) was recorded after every five minutes. Participants in groups one and two attended a mental training session and created their own positive and negative self-talk statements. Participants in group 3 listened to a neutral documentary and completed a recall test after their run. There was no significant physiological difference between the three groups during the maximal oxygen uptake determination test (p =.627). The steady-state running test showed that there was no physiological difference in their maximal heart rate (p >.05). However, there was a significant difference of RPE value between the three groups (F (₂,₂₆)= 6.346, P =.006). Tukey's HSD post hoc test revealed that the positive self-talk group (1.89, ±.928) had significantly lower RPE values than the negative group (4.60, ± 2.50, p=.005). Amongst a physiologically homogeneous group, the results suggest that positive self-talk can increase the performance of athletes by concealing their awareness of feeling exerted.

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