Effects of deception for intensity on surface electromyogram (SEMG) activity and blood lactate concentration during intermittent cycling followed by exhaustive cycling

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of deception for exercise intensity on surface electromyogram (SEMG) activity and blood lactate concentration during intermittent cycling exercise (ICE) tests. Sixteen healthy male were randomly assigned to two groups who completed two ICE [three 4-min cycling at 80% peak power output (PPO) with 3-min passive recovery periods followed by exhaustive cycling] tests (ICE-1 and ICE-2). The experimental group (ICED) was deceived of the actual cycling intensity, while the control group (ICEC) was informed of the actual protocol in ICE-2. In ICE-1, both groups were informed of the actual protocol. In ICE-2, root mean square (RMS) calculated from SEMG during submaximal cycling was significantly higher in the ICEC than in the ICED and blood lactate concentration ([La-]) was significantly higher in the ICEC than in the ICED. In particular, the difference in RMS between the groups was also observed during the first 4-min cycling, in which there was no difference in [La-] between the groups. These results suggest that the CNS modulates skeletal muscle recruitment due to the prior deception for exercise intensity.