2007, Piran, Slovenia

Cognitive and Psycophysiological Function
libitum. The water consumption (timing and volume) were standardised across
conditions and runs. Nude body weight and clothing weight were measured
immediately before and after the runs for the determination of sweat production and
evaporation. Following R2, PST was delivered to help PSG subjects tolerate
hyperthermia and suppress the temptation to reduce work intensity in R3, this
comprised:
Goal-Setting: to optimise motivation, focus, effort and feelings of control on a goal
of running 5-10% further, and a series of process sub-goals by which to achieve this
outcome.
Arousal Regulation: two relaxation strategies, progressive muscular relaxation used
prior to arrival at the laboratory, and centering to offset the temptation to reduce work
intensity.
Mental imagery: imagining being in a competitive situation with their counterpart
from the CG. CG subject was pictured ahead of them in a race (motivational imagery)
when tempted to reduce treadmill speed, and behind them when increasing treadmill
speed (reinforcing feelings of control).
Positive Self-Talk: to minimise negative cognitions synonymous with cognitive
anxiety. Focus attention towards task-relevant cues (process goals) enabling a positive
behavioural response (increased running speed) on the appearance of a relevant cue.
Statistical Analyses: Within and between group differences were examined using
repeated measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA; Group x Run). For all
statistical tests α level was 0.05.
RESULTS
Runs took place in ambient conditions of 30.06°C [0.21] and 41.40 [5.01]%RH. All
ten of the PSG ran significantly further (average 1.15km, 8%) in R3 compared to R2
(R3>R2&R1; P