Teleoanticipation in all-out short-duration cycling

<jats:sec><jats:title>Objective</jats:title><jats:p>To investigate the effect of all-out cycling test duration on indices of power, anaerobic lactic energy metabolism, perceived exertion and mood.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Methods</jats:title><jats:p>Nine physically active men undertook four all-out cycling tests of 5, 15, 30 or 45 s from seated stationary start on an ergometer fit with power cranks. The participants completed a Profile of Mood States questionnaire before each test and indicated perceived exertion immediately post-test (Borg 6–20 scale). Indices of anaerobic lactic metabolism were determined from blood lactate concentrations.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Results</jats:title><jats:p>Pacing strategy was apparent in the 45-s tests with lower peak (p&lt;0.01) and mean power in the initial 10 s compared to the 5- and 15-s tests (p&lt;0.05). The first 15 s of the 30- and 45-s tests revealed lower fatigue indices compared to the 15-s tests (p&lt;0.05) indicating some pacing in the 30-s tests. Perceived exertion increased with duration, with no difference between the 15- and 30-s tests (p&gt;0.05). Extravascal lactate generation (reflecting exercising muscle lactate production) explained 59% of the variance in perceived exertion. There was no effect of knowledge of test duration on mood states or total mood disturbance (p&gt;0.05).</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Conclusions</jats:title><jats:p>An all-out pacing strategy was apparent for at least up to 15 s, with indicators of dampened power in both 30 and 45 s sprints. Reduced power at the start of all-out long-duration sprints support a central control of at least initial pacing strategy.</jats:p></jats:sec>