Hypnotic Perturbation of Perceived Exertion: Ventilatory Consequences

Abstract

Five adult males cycled an electrically braked ergometer at a resistance of 100 watts for 20 minutes on four occasions. The treatments were counterbalanced and consisted of exercise in the control waking and hypnotic states, and the waking and hypnotic states with suggestions of heavy work. The dependent measures were perceived exertion, heart rate, V·_O2, V·_CO2, and V_BTPS. A significant (p<.01) increase in perceived exertion accompanied the suggestion of heavy work, and subsequent suggestion of lighter work provoked a decrement (p<.01) in perception of effort. Alterations in heart rate, V·_O2, or V·_CO2 were not observed. However, the suggestion of heavy work in both the hypnotic and waking states was associated with an increase (p<.01) in ventilation, and furthermore, this elevation persisted through the following five minutes of work despite the fact that subsequent work was perceived as being less difficult.