The Illusion of Time in Physical Performance: Manipulating Timing Cues to Improve Plank Endurance in Trained Adults

Abstract

Background: Deceptive timing feedback has been shown to enhance performance in endurance tasks, though its applicability to isometric exercises and interactions with approach motivation remains unclear. This study explores whether manipulated timing cues influence plank endurance and the role of motivation in these effects. Methods: Fifty-seven active adults (63.1% male) participated in three maximal effort plank holds under different timing conditions: (1) accurate, (2) slowed, and (3) accelerated timing cues. Plank endurance was the primary outcome. Participants also completed the Approach-Avoidance System Questionnaire (AASQ) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Long Form (IPAQ-LF) to assess motivation and fitness levels. Perceived exertion was evaluated using the Borg CR-10 RPE Scale. Results: Timing cues significantly influenced plank endurance, with participants holding planks significantly longer in the slowed condition compared to the accelerated condition (p .001). Descriptive improvements in plank endurance from accurate to slowed conditions were not significant (p = .073). RPE did not significantly differ across conditions, indicating that performance gains were achieved without increased subjective effort. Motivation did not moderate the relationship between timing cues and endurance. Conclusions: These findings suggest that altering time perception can influence endurance without affecting perceived exertion, though future research should explore whether different exercise modalities or greater variations in approach-oriented motivation may produce stronger effects.