Influence of motivation on physical work capacity and performance.

Abstract

The physical work capacitiesof 22 college-age males were assessed on a bicycle ergometer under 2 control conditions (C1 and C2) and 1 experimental condition (E) in which each subject was motivated through a competitive situation. The experimental condition (E) was established by having each subject compete against himself (attempting to surpass his work output in C1) and simultaneously against a partner; the 2 being matched by their respective work outputs in C1. The mean work output and riding time for condition E were significantly greater than for either of the control conditions. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the maximal physiological responses; i.e., heart rate, V [ventilation], VO2 (O2; uptake], or C2 pulse, between the 3 conditions. The maximal values for these physiological variables are essentially fixed or absolute for any 1 individual on any particular exercise apparatus. These supramaximal performances elicited under condition E result from an increased anaerobic rather than aerobic capacity, which is possibly due to reduced psychological inhibitions and a concomitant tolerance to increased levels of anaerobic metabolites.