The Effectiveness of Attentional Instructions on Running Economy at a Submaximal Velocity

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of external and internal focus of attention instructions on running economy at a submaximal velocity. Twenty-four male physical education students ran on a treadmill at a velocity of 9.6 km·hr-1 in two 10-minute counterbalanced conditions: external focus (watching a video of running from the runner’s perspective), and internal focus (focusing on the movement of their legs). The external focus of attention provided visual feedback of the running velocity to the participants and was shown during the internal focus condition as well. No differences in physiological responses, running economy, or rating of perceived exertion were found between the two conditions. Based on the data of the current study, it was concluded that attentional focus does not affect running economy or physiological responses when running at submaximal velocities.