Data DRYAD.xlsx

<b><i>Purpose.</i></b> The perception of effort exerts considerable influence in determining task failure during endurance performance. Training interventions blending physical and cognitive tasks yielded promising results in enhancing endurance performance. Motor imagery can modulate the perception of effort. Whether combining motor imagery and physical training improves endurance remains to be understood, and this was the aim of this study. <b><i>Methods.</i></b> Two groups of participants were constituted (motor imagery and control). Both groups performed physical exercises (i.e. isometric wall squat, 12 training sessions, 14-days period), with participants from the motor imagery group also performing motor imagery sessions. Each participant visited the laboratory for experimental procedures pre and post training, during which we assessed endurance performance through a sustained submaximal isometric contraction performed until task failure at either 20 or 40% of the maximal voluntary contraction. Perceptions of effort and muscle pain were measured regularly during the exercise. <b><i>Results.</i></b> We reported no changes in endurance performance for the control group. Endurance performance in the motor imagery group exhibited significant improvements when the intensity of the sustained isometric exercise closely matched that used in training (i.e. 20% of MVC). These enhancements were less pronounced when considering the higher exercise intensities. No reduction in perception of effort was observed in both groups. There was a noticeable decrease in muscle pain perception within the motor imagery group post training. <b><i>Conclusion.</i></b> Combining motor imagery and physical training may offer a promising avenue for enhancing endurance performance and managing pain in various contexts, from sports to clinical rehabilitation.