| The purpose of this research was to determine if self-regulatory strength depletion induced by performing a modified Stroop task would influence rate of perceived exertion (RPE) during 30 minutes of treadmill exercise. Research indicates that self-regulatory strength can be depleted and performance on subsequent tasks that require self-regulation can be diminished (Muraven and Baumeister, 2000). Participants completed the modified Stroop task (experimental condition) and the color word task (control condition) before performing treadmill exercise at ventilatory threshold for 30 minutes. The modified Stroop task and the color word task were completed on separate days, and the order that participants completed tasks was randomly assigned. Self-regulatory strength depletion did not impact RPE, F(1,12) = 1.63, p > .05, partial eta2 = .12, or exercise heart rate, F(1,12) = .01, p > .05, partial eta2 = .00. Yet experiencing self-regulatory strength depletion on the first day resulted in significantly lower RPE when self-regulatory strength was not depleted on the second day, F(1,11) = 9.01, p < .05, partial eta2 = .45. The results of this study have implications for perceptions of future exercise sessions when self-regulatory strength is or is not depleted. |
