Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the flow dynamics during incremental velocity running performed until voluntary exhaustion. Twenty runners performed an incremental-velocity test (The Université of Montréal Track Test; UMTT) while self-reporting their “in flow” and “not in flow” experienced states. Task endurance was divided into five-time windows and flow state was plotted for each participant to determine the velocity-flow relations. Friedman ANOVA and Wilcoxon matched-pairs test were performed to follow the flow dynamic throughout the time windows. A meta-stable flow experience dynamic was revealed during the incremental running velocity test and an abrupt decrease of the “in flow” experience upon approaching voluntary exhaustion was evident. Self-monitoring flow experience dynamics can complement the physiological measures for monitoring exercise tolerance.
Highlights
Running is one of the most popular and practiced physical activities for maintaining fitness
Self-monitoring flow experience dynamics can complement the physiological measures for monitoring exercise tolerance
The purpose of this research was to study the dynamic of the “flow experience” during an incremental velocity-running test performed until voluntary exhaustion
Summary
Running is one of the most popular and practiced physical activities for maintaining fitness. Adherence to running depends largely on the state of pleasantness and pleasure one feels while exercising [1, 2]. Self-monitoring and self-regulating the pace to maintain pleasure is recommended [3]. The balance between the demands of the run and the aerobic capacity of the runner is considered the main determinant of the flow experience [5]. Not every pleasant running pace results in experiencing flow (e.g., too easy pace). Flow is associated with increased intrinsic motivation, which upturns the long-term running performance [6], a goal that embraces runners of all levels
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