The effect of exercise intensity on coincidence anticipation performance at different stimulus speeds

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of exercise intensity on coincidence anticipation timing [CAT] performance at different stimulus speeds. Fourteen young adults (11 males and 3 females) volunteered to participate in the study following ethical approval. After familiarisation, coincidence anticipation was measured using the Bassin Anticipation Timer under three conditions: rest, moderate-intensity and high-intensity exercise with stimulus speeds of 3, 5 and 8 mph, set using an incremental running protocol until the participants reached a steady state of 70% and 90% of heart rate reserve (HRR), respectively. Results indicated a significant exercise intensity×stimulus speed interaction (p=0.0001) for absolute error (AE). There were no significant differences in AE across exercise intensities at a stimulus speed of 3 mph (p>0.05). AE was poorer during high-intensity exercise (90% HRR) compared to rest (p=0.022), and moderate-intensity (70% HRR) exercise (all, p=0.004 or better) at 5 and 8 mph. Variable error (VE) was similar across exercise intensities at stimulus speeds of both 3 and 5 mph (p>0.05). At a stimulus speed of 8 mph, VE was significantly poorer during high-intensity exercise compared to rest (p=0.006) and moderate-intensity exercise (p=0.008). There were no significant differences for constant error (p>0.05) across exercise intensities or stimulus speeds. High-intensity exercise is associated with poorer CAT performance. However, stimulus speed plays a key role within this association where faster stimulus speeds were associated with a more marked decrease in coincidence anticipation performance.