Rozon, S., Mandler, K., Arsal, G., & Tenenbaum, G. (2012). Effects of imagery use on attention allocation and perception of exertion. Presentation 1207 at the 59th Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine, San Francisco, California; May 29-June 2, 2012.

This study investigated the effect of differential imagery use (i.e., associative and dissociative) on perceived exertion, attention allocation, time on task, lactate accumulation, and heart rate while performing an exertive task. Ss (M = 22; F = 23) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control, dissociative imagery, or associative imagery. Ss performed a progressive cycling task at 110% above anaerobic threshold to volitional fatigue. Rating of perceived exertion, attention, heart rates at one-minute intervals, and lactate levels at RPE = 5 and at task completion were recorded.

Associative imagery Ss spent the longest time on task, followed by dissociative imagery Ss, and no imagery. Ss using associative imagery reported the highest ratings of perceived exertion followed by Ss using no imagery, and dissociative imagery. Ss using associative imagery reported the highest mean attention focus followed by those using no imagery and dissociative imagery. No significant condition effect was observed for lactates or heart rates.

Implication. Associative imagery increased attention and time on task, while dissociative imagery reduced perceived exertion.

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