Overview
I am researcher investigating effort-based decision-making and its impact on task performance. Primarily I research the perception of effort from a psychophysiological perspective which involves monitoring the physiological and perceptual changes associated with varying forms and intensities of effort application. In doing so, my research is applicable to both performance (e.g., elite sport, military) and health (e.g., physical activity, chronic conditions) environments.
Qualifications
PhD Exercise Physiology and Psychology, University of Kent
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salford
Associate Fellow of Higher Education Award (AFHEA)
Fellowship, Cumberland Lodge
Career
2023 - PRESENT: Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Exeter
2022 - 2023: Visiting Researcher, Universite de Montreal / CRIUGM
2021 - 2023: Fellow, Cumberland Lodge
2019 - 2023: PhD Candidate, University of Kent
2016 - 2019: BSc (Hons), University of Salford
Research
Research interests
- Psychophysiology of perceived effort
- Effort-based decision-making and its impact on task performance
- Interactions of pain on effort and motor tasks
Research projects
- Psychophysiological Indices of Perceived Effort and Its Self-Regulation
- Impact of Pain on Perceived Effort and Motor Task Performance
Publications
Key publications | Publications by category | Publications by year
Publications by category
Journal articles
O'Malley CA, Fullerton CL, Mauger AR (2024). Analysing experienced and inexperienced cyclists’ attentional focus and self-regulatory strategies during varying intensities of fixed perceived effort cycling: a mixed method study.
Psychology of Sport and Exercise,
70Abstract:
Analysing experienced and inexperienced cyclists’ attentional focus and self-regulatory strategies during varying intensities of fixed perceived effort cycling: a mixed method study
Using a think aloud approach during fixed perceived effort exercise is a unique method to explore the decision-making processes that guide the self-regulation of perceived effort during endurance-based activity. In a two-part study, authors investigated the attentional focus and self-regulatory strategies associated with: Part a - perceived effort corresponding to (RPEGET) and above gas exchange threshold (RPE+15%GET); Part B - between experienced and inexperienced cyclists during fixed perceived effort cycling tasks. Eighteen (15 male, 3 female) healthy, active individuals completed three visits (visit 1 – ramped incremental test and familiarisation, visit 2 and 3–30-min fixed perceived effort cycling). During which, power output, heart rate, lactate, think aloud, and perceptual markers were taken. Random-intercepts linear mixed-effects models assessed the condition, time, and condition × time interactions on all dependent variables. Power output, heart rate, lactate and instances of internal sensory monitoring (t195=2.57,p=.011,β=0.95[0.23,1.68]) and self-regulation (t195=4.14,p=.001,β=1.69[0.89,2.49]) were significantly higher in the RPE+15%GET versus RPEGET trial. No significant differences between inexperienced and experienced cyclists for internal sensory monitoring (t196=−1.78,p=.095,β=−1.73[−3.64,0.18]) or self-regulatory thoughts (t196=−0.39,p=.699,β=−1.06[−6.32,4.21]) were noted but there were significant condition × time interactions for internal monitoring (t196=2.02,p=.045,β=0.44[0.01,0.87]) and self-regulation (t196=3.45,p=.001,β=0.85[0.37,1.33]). Seemingly, experienced athletes associatively attended to internal psychophysiological state and subsequently self-regulate their psychophysiological state at earlier stages of exercise than inexperienced athletes. This is the first study to exhibit the differences in attentional focus and self-regulatory strategies that are activated based on perceived effort intensity and experience level in cyclists.
Abstract.
Publications by year
2024
O'Malley CA, Fullerton CL, Mauger AR (2024). Analysing experienced and inexperienced cyclists’ attentional focus and self-regulatory strategies during varying intensities of fixed perceived effort cycling: a mixed method study.
Psychology of Sport and Exercise,
70Abstract:
Analysing experienced and inexperienced cyclists’ attentional focus and self-regulatory strategies during varying intensities of fixed perceived effort cycling: a mixed method study
Using a think aloud approach during fixed perceived effort exercise is a unique method to explore the decision-making processes that guide the self-regulation of perceived effort during endurance-based activity. In a two-part study, authors investigated the attentional focus and self-regulatory strategies associated with: Part a - perceived effort corresponding to (RPEGET) and above gas exchange threshold (RPE+15%GET); Part B - between experienced and inexperienced cyclists during fixed perceived effort cycling tasks. Eighteen (15 male, 3 female) healthy, active individuals completed three visits (visit 1 – ramped incremental test and familiarisation, visit 2 and 3–30-min fixed perceived effort cycling). During which, power output, heart rate, lactate, think aloud, and perceptual markers were taken. Random-intercepts linear mixed-effects models assessed the condition, time, and condition × time interactions on all dependent variables. Power output, heart rate, lactate and instances of internal sensory monitoring (t195=2.57,p=.011,β=0.95[0.23,1.68]) and self-regulation (t195=4.14,p=.001,β=1.69[0.89,2.49]) were significantly higher in the RPE+15%GET versus RPEGET trial. No significant differences between inexperienced and experienced cyclists for internal sensory monitoring (t196=−1.78,p=.095,β=−1.73[−3.64,0.18]) or self-regulatory thoughts (t196=−0.39,p=.699,β=−1.06[−6.32,4.21]) were noted but there were significant condition × time interactions for internal monitoring (t196=2.02,p=.045,β=0.44[0.01,0.87]) and self-regulation (t196=3.45,p=.001,β=0.85[0.37,1.33]). Seemingly, experienced athletes associatively attended to internal psychophysiological state and subsequently self-regulate their psychophysiological state at earlier stages of exercise than inexperienced athletes. This is the first study to exhibit the differences in attentional focus and self-regulatory strategies that are activated based on perceived effort intensity and experience level in cyclists.
Abstract.
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