Can interoceptive accuracy influence maximal performance, physiological and perceptual responses to exercise?

Interoception has been shown to influence self-regulation of effort and perceived exertion during exercise. However, whether interoceptive accuracy influences submaximal and maximal exercise performance, as well as psychophysiological responses to it, remains elusive. We assessed poor (n = 15) and good (n = 17) heartbeat perceivers young men accordingly with their interoceptive accuracy. Heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure were measured at rest, and peak power, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and HR during a maximal incremental test in a bicycle ergometer. Results: At rest, HR, diastolic and mean blood pressure was lower, and inter-beat intervals were longer for good heartbeat perceivers, with no difference in HRV. During exercise, good and poor heartbeat perceivers exhibited the same submaximal and maximal power, HR, RPE at submaximal intensity, and physical fitness. Interoceptive accuracy does not influence cardiac autonomic modulation perceptual responses and performance at submaximal and maximal intensities during maximal incremental exercise204234240CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQCOORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIOR - CAPESFUNDAÇÃO DE APOIO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DO RIO GRANDE DO NORTE - FAPERNNão temNão temNão temThe authors would like to thank the following institutions for providing scholarship to the authors: Rio Grande do Norte Research Foundation (FAPERN) - master’s degree student to DGSM; National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) - scientific initiation to MPMT and master’s degree student to LFFJ; Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) - scientific initiation to PHDN and master’s degree student to PMDA and AI