Effect of Peer Influence during the Twelve Minute Run Test and the 20 M Shuttle Run Test: A Randomized Crossover Trial

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the differences in peer influence on physiological and subjective responses when performing the twelve minute run test (12-MRT) and the 20 m shuttle run test (20 mSRT). Methods: Twenty-seven male university level athletes (27.2 ± 3.7 years) randomly performed four testing scenarios: the 12-MRT and 20 mSRT performed alone and performed in-group. Predicted VO2max, blood lactate concentration [BLa], heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were analyzed (ANOVA). Results: No significant differences in VO2max were observed when the tests were performed alone and in-group during the 12-MRT and the 20 mSRT (F1,52=2.38 p=0.128). There was only a slight increase of VO2max in group condition (4% for 20 m-MST vs 2.12% for 12- MRT). [Bla] was significantly higher (p<0.05) in In-Group condition for 12-MRT and 20 mMST. [Bla] increases were 10.6% and 0.9% during In-Group compared to Alone respectively for 12-MRT and 20 mSRT. HR max indicated variations of 1.64% and 0.48% for the same variants comparisons between 12-MRT and 20 mSRT. RPE was significant increase (p<0.05) during In-Group compared to Alone for 12-MRT. Conclusion: This study brings physiological and metabolic support on peer influence during the 12-MRT and the 20 mSRT. Running in-groups of three resulted in higher RPE values.