The Effects Of Mental Challenge During Running On Heart Rate And Salivary Cortisol In Young Active Males

Authors

Hasani Sare, Shaheed Madani University
Mehranpor Abbas, Shaheed Madani University
Ostojić Sergej, Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad
Pournemati Parisa, Physical Educational Faculty, Tehran University
Stannard Stephen, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health, Massey University
Tojari Farshd, Faculty of Physical Education, IA University

Abstract

It was hypothesized that mental challenge (MC) superimposed on running (PR) would cause an elevated heart rate (HR) response, greater perceived exertion, increased salivary cortisol concentration, and decreased performance than running alone. Twenty healthy young active males participated in two separate, randomly assigned trials separated by 48 hours. During both trials subjects ran on treadmill at a speed calculated to elicit 80-85% of maximal heart rate. HR, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded and total running distance until volitional fatigue was measured. Salivary samples were also taken in both sessions for analysis of cortisol. In the second session subjects provided oral answers to four types of puzzles during running (A: Mathematical, B: Graphical, C: Filling and D: Analogy). The results showed that MC during exercise was associated with significant increases in the duration of running and in HR as well. However, there was no effect of MC on RPE. Additionally, no difference was observed in salivary cortisol between sessions. Although MC during aerobic exercise can improve running performance, it does not affect RPE or salivary cortisol concentrations.

Keywords

stress, rate of perceived exertion, aerobic exercise, mental challenge

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