SPORT SCIENCE

Psychobiological Model of Endurance Performance

Table of Contents

Definitions1

Pacing1

Endurance Performance1

Models of Endurance Performance1

Traditional endurance physiology1

Psychobiology Model2

Central Governor Model3

Comparison4

Conclusion6

References7

Psychobiological Model of Endurance Performance

Definitions

Pacing

Running dictionary defines pacing as the speed at which movement occurs. The rate at which a runner walks or runs is defined as his pace.

Endurance Performance

Endurance performance may be defined as the performance of a runner during the endurance event or sport. Endurance sports require prolonged athletic output for a prolonged period over a long distance.

Models of Endurance Performance

Traditional Endurance Physiology

Three key factors that are maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), efficiency and lactate threshold play a pivotal role in increasing endurance performance (Joyner, 2007). Mitochondrion density and muscle pH levels and training variables such as base building, weekly mileage, intensity and HR training zones are also important factors in this regard.

Here, the theory believes that performance relates primarily to muscles. Some runners have the innate tendency to offset fatigue and pull their muscles hard enough to contract, so they can run faster than the others. Endurance runners do not run at their top speed right from the beginning. The challenge for them is to sustain their performance throughout the course of their long track. Top speed and distance covered relate to each other by the rate of fatigue.

A.V. Hill and Hartley Lupton proposed that as the running speed increases so does the consumption of oxygen. Shortly after the runner runs at his maximum speed, his oxygen consumption is the highest and does not increase any more. The runner has the ability to run faster but since the level of oxygen intake has reached its plateau, he cannot run any faster. Hence, VO2 max characterizes as the maximum amount of oxygen that an athlete can inhale. Scientists performed various experiments to find out if the quantity of VO2 max can be increased. Today all enduring sports training programs are designed with the aid of Vo2 max theory in mind.

Psychobiology Model

Samuele Marcora believes that endurance runners stop consciously when they feel tired. Marcora explained in his mind-blowing psychobiological model stated that the defeated endurance athletes are really the quitters. He says that feeling that the sports person is incapable of taking just one more step is nothing more than an illusion. The body muscles in reality are perfectly well it is just that the runner refuses to endure any more pain. He proposes the idea that endurance fatigue is a volitional psychological phenomenon. In his model, Marcora says that all endurance exercises start, continue and run by choice. The more we perceive that we are making an effort the higher is the chance of exhaustion. The choice to continue is balance naturally by a counter competitive desire to keep going. When an athlete perceives he cannot go on, his body affirms his thoughts and, he stops right there. So success or failure for the endurance athletes is highly a function of perception. As hunger and pain indicate, the specific needs of the body similarly perception of effort is the safety mechanism ...