Premium
The influence of physical exertion on rapid decision making in athletes versus non‐athletes
Author(s) -
Orf Ryan Shane,
Wickenhauser Keith,
Warncke Jason,
Miller Therese,
Potterfield April
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.618.3
Subject(s) - athletes , heart rate , exertion , perceived exertion , trainer , physical therapy , test (biology) , psychology , medicine , physical medicine and rehabilitation , computer science , blood pressure , paleontology , biology , programming language
This experiment was performed in order to test the effects of physical exertion on rapid decision making in athletes and non‐athletes. Forty subjects were involved in this experiment (twenty student‐athletes and twenty student non‐athletes, with each gender equally represented). Subjects strapped on a wireless heart rate belt, watch and were asked to mount the Ergomedic 828E in order to administer the test and monitor specific heart rate intervals. A keyboard was attached to the Ergomedic 828E and a computer screen was set up directly in front of it. Using My Brain Trainer, subjects took choice reaction time tests involving the choice of either a red or green light on a stop light. The test was administered six times to each subject at heart rate intervals of rest, 90 bpm, 110 bpm, 130 bpm, 150 bpm, and 170 bpm. Varying pedaling frequency and/or resistance was used in order to increase heart rates to desired levels. Statistical data show that as physical exertion increased (heart rate intervals) athletes reaction times became faster while non‐athletes reaction times became slower. These results indicate that athletes perform much better at high exertion levels than non‐athletes..