Key result
A head-to-head 10-km running race significantly improved performance time compared to a time-trial race (39:32 vs 40:28 min:s) and elicited higher affective feelings.
Why the study?
The study was conducted to evaluate affective feelings and rating of perceived exertion responses during a 10-km competitive head-to-head running race compared with a time-trial running race.
Does a head-to-head running race improve performance and affective feelings compared to a time-trial in trained male runners?
RCT (n=14)
Open-label
Random order
No
Does a head-to-head running race improve performance and affective feelings compared to a time-trial in trained male runners?
Standardized Mean Difference: -0.32
p-value: p=0.03
The presence of opponents during a 10-km race improves performance and elicits more positive affective feelings compared to a solo time-trial.
PURPOSE: To verify the affective feelings (AFs) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) responses during a 10-km competitive head-to-head (HTH) running race and compare them with a time-trial (TT) running race. METHODS: Fourteen male runners completed 2 × 10-km runs (TT and HTH) on different days. Speed, RPE, and AF were measured every 400 m. For pacing analysis, races were divided into the following 4 stages: first 400 m (F400), 401-5000 m (M1), 5001-9600 m (M2), and the last 400 m (final sprint). RESULTS: Improvement of performance was observed (39:32 [02:41] min:s vs 40:28 [02:55] min:s; P = .03; effect size = -0.32) in HTH compared with TT. There were no differences in either pacing strategy or RPE between conditions. AFs were higher during the HTH, being different in M2 compared with TT (2.09 [1.81] vs 0.22 [2.25]; P = .02; effect size = 0.84). CONCLUSIONS: AFs are directly influenced by the presence of opponents during an HTH race, and a more positive AF could be involved in the dissociation between RPE and running speed and, consequently, the overall race performance.
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Carmo et al. (2020) conducted an RCT in Trained runners (n=14). Head-to-head (HTH) running race vs. Time-trial (TT) running race was evaluated on 10-km race time (ES -0.32, p=0.03). A head-to-head 10-km running race significantly improved performance time compared to a time-trial race (39:32 vs 40:28 min:s) and elicited higher affective feelings.
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