Comportamento do consumo de oxigênio e de fatores psicofisiológicos durante a determinação da acuidade perceptual de corredores

Abstract

Precise self-regulation of effort is essential for success in endurance events, where oxygen consumption (VO΍) represents a key indicator of metabolic efficiency. In high-performance athletes, minimal VO΍ fluctuations are required to ensure stability and energy economy. Variations in oxygen uptake can be indirectly used to investigate the integration of human sensory-perceptual processes. This measurement of the perceptual accuracy was made by the just noticeable difference (VO΍-JND) approach. Objective: To analyze VO΍ kinetics during the determination of JND in order to identify the physiological and psychophysical changes that allow competitive runners to perceive subtle differences in exercise intensity. Methods: Fifteen well-trained male competitive runners participated in the study. Each runner performed three treadmill tests: one incremental test to determine VO΍max and two JND protocols at 70% and 80% of VO΍max. Results: VO΍ increased rapidly during the first minute of both JND sessions, stabilizing in the second minute. Significant intra- and inter-individual differences were found (p<0.001), with marked variability among runners in the final stages (247–284s; p<0.05). Time perception was shorter in JND-B sessions compared to JND-A sessions at both intensities (p<0.05). RPE increased with exercise intensity, showing significant differences between sessions and tests (p<0.05). Final running speeds were closely aligned with the standard stimulus at the end of JND-B sessions (p>0.1). Conclusion: These findings indicate that competitive runners can detect subtle physiological and perceptual variations, performing precise micro-adjustments that are crucial for effective self-regulation and optimal endurance performance. The VO΍-JND approach provides valuable insights into the integration of sensory and perceptual processes during exercise and may have advantages in the athletes’ selfregulation process.