Knowledge of the Endpoint: Effect on Perceptual Values

Abstract The main purpose of this study was to examine the influence of knowledge of running length (i.e., duration or distance), or the lack of it (unknown endpoint) on the ratings of perceived exertion and estimated time to exhaustion. Fourteen men were recruited for this study. Participants performed 3 tests of a similar intensity (90 % maximal aerobic velocity) and length (100 % Tlim/Dlim). However, the exercise length was differently expressed. This was either unknown or defined in terms of duration or distance. The tests with a known length were performed in a counterbalanced order. During the tests, ratings of perceived exertion, estimated time to exhaustion, and heart rate were measured then compared by using 2-way analysis of variance for repeated measures. The results show that the ratings of perceived exertion, estimated time to exhaustion, and heart rate increased significantly with exercise duration (p