Pacing Strategies in Athletic Performance

Flashcards covering key concepts and vocabulary related to pacing strategies in athletic performance.

Pacing Strategy

The intentional distribution of effort during an activity which describes how athletes regulate intensity over time to optimize performance and delay fatigue.

Central Governor Model

A theoretical model suggesting that the brain regulates exercise intensity based on complex sensory feedback, primarily to protect the body from harm.

Positive Pacing Strategy

A pacing strategy where speed (or power) decreases over the course of an event, often resulting in increased early oxygen consumption and greater metabolite accumulation.

Negative Pacing Strategy

A pacing strategy where speed (or power) increases during the course of an event, allowing for decreased carbohydrate depletion and lower early metabolite accumulation.

Even Pacing Strategy

An optimal strategy for long-duration events (>2 minutes), characterized by minimizing variations in pace.

All-out Pacing Strategy

The optimal strategy for very short sprint performances (≤30–60 seconds), where athletes exert maximum effort.

Parabolic Pacing Strategy

A strategy characterized by a progressive decrease in speed during the middle portion of an endurance trial, followed by an increase in speed towards the end.

Variable Pacing Strategy

A strategy defined by fluctuations in exercise intensity or power output, adopted to counter varying external conditions.

Critical Power Concept

The theoretical maximum power output that can be maintained without fatigue for an extended period.

Teleoanticipation Hypothesis

A concept within the Central Governor Model that suggests athletes anticipate the work required to complete an exercise and adjust intensity accordingly.