Abstract Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine whether constant load (CL) cycling or variable load (VL) cycling stimulates different physiological and psychological responses. Methods: Recreationally-trained male cyclists (n = 8, age 32 ± 5 y, 75.7 ± 10.9 kg, body fat 13.4 ± 5.6%, VO2 peak 4.60 ± 0.62 L/min) completed two experimental trials. During the VL trial, participants alternated between 3 minutes at 45% and 3 minutes at 85% of maximal aerobic power during the 63 minute trial. During the CL trial, participants cycled at a constant 65% of maximal aerobic power for 63 minutes. The total amount of work was held constant for the two trials. Immediately following each trial, participants completed a maximal 10 km performance trial. Blood lactate was measured at 6, 30, and 60 min of cycling as well as at the beginning and conclusion of the performance trial. Results: Time trial performance was not different between VL (16.97 ± 2.07 min) and CL (16.81 ± 1.47 min, p=0.624). There was no difference in VO2 (p = 0.429), HR (p=0.640), blood lactate (p=0.520), RPE (p=0.216), Feeling Scale (p=0.626), or Attentional Focus (p=0.315) between VL and CL 10 km performance time trials. However, RPE (p=0.003) and Attentional focus (p=0.016) were elevated in VL. Conclusion: These data indicate that VL and CL cycling have no differential effect on subsequent performance, physiology, or perception despite differences in perception during the experimental trials.
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