Hypoxia and Self-Paced Work

Abstract

9 soldiers were required to perform a fixed amount of work on a bicycle ergometer during each of 18 sessions. Ss were allowed to determine their own schedules of work and rest. Ss breathed air during the first 9 sessions (Training). During the second 9 sessions (Experimental) Ss breathed either 21, 14, or 12% O2. Results indicated that Ss paced themselves by stopping rather than changing their rate of pedaling. Training reduced the number of stops per session, while hypoxia had the opposite effect.