Slow Down and Enjoy: The Effects of Cycling Cadence on Pleasure. Issue 1 (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Agrícola, Pedro M. D.; da Silva Machado, Daniel G.; de Farias Junior, Luiz F.; do Nascimento Neto, Luiz I.; Fonteles, André I.; da Silva, Samara K. A.; Chao, Cheng H. N.; Fontes, Eduardo B.; Elsangedy, Hassan M.; Okano, Alexandre H.
• Is Part Of: Perceptual and motor skills. Volume 124:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 233
• Page End: 247
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: cycling speed -- exercise psychology -- exercise physiology; Perception -- Periodicals; Motor ability -- Periodicals; Motor Skills; Perception; Psychology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 152
• DOI: 10.1177/0031512516672774
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0031-5125

Abstract

Pleasure plays a key role in exercise behavior. However, the influence of cycling cadence needs to be elucidated. Here, we verified the effects of cycling cadence on affect, perceived exertion (ratings of perceived exertion), and physiological responses. In three sessions, 15 men performed a maximal cycling incremental test followed by two 30-min constant workload (50% of peak power) bouts at 60 and 100 r/min. The pleasure was higher when participants cycled at 60 r/min, whereas ratings of perceived exertion, heart rate, and oxygen uptake were lower ( p < .05). Additionally, the rate of decrease in pleasure and increase in ratings of perceived exertion was less steep at 60 r/min ( p < .01). Cycling at 60 r/min is more pleasant, and the perceived effort and physiological demand are lower than at 100 r/min.