Video-assisted cycling alters perception of effort and increases self-selected exercise intensity.

Two studies were conducted to assess whether indoor video-assisted cycling influenced a person's quality of exercise (subjectively and quantitatively), compared to indoor cycling alone. In the first study 12 recreationally active subjects completed an initial test of VO2max, and three randomized trials of cycling at 70% VO2max (35 min.) watching a commercial cycling tape (cycle video), a test pattern displayed on the ergometer screen (blank video), or no video. Subjects' ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and Affect were recorded, and heart rate and oxygen consumption (VO2) were measured during testing. The second study required 12 different subjects first to complete an assessment of VO2max and then two randomized trials (cycle video and no video) on a cycle ergometer where they freely set the intensity of their own exercise. Measurements of VO2, heart rate, blood lactate, power output, RPE, and Affect were recorded during testing. Results of Exp. 1 indicated that subjects' perceived effort equally between the two conditions, yet reported significantly (p < .05) higher affect at 25 and 35 min. of cycling during the cycle video condition than no video condition. Results of Exp. 2 indicated that despite similar levels of blood lactate, subjects exercised at a significantly higher intensity during the cycle video condition compared to no video condition, with a higher VO2 and heart rate. The data support the use of indoor exercise videos to improve the exercise experience and also to increase the physiological demands of indoor exercise.