ORCID

0009-0007-4701-4070

Keywords

Exercise Physiology, Threshold, Pain Tolerance, Cycle Ergometry, Physical Working Capacity

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation was to evaluate the reliability, validity, and responsiveness to training intervention of a pain-anchored capacity threshold, the Physical Working Capacity at the Pain Intensity Threshold (PWCPIT), as a practical submaximal marker of endurance-related exercise tolerance. Study one examined the test-retest reliability of pain-based, perceptual, and physiological physical working capacity measures in recreationally active men using a standardized multi-bout cycling protocol, with pain intensity responses demonstrating strong reproducibility and low measurement error, supporting the stability of pain-anchored thresholds when standardized procedures are applied. Study two evaluated the validity of PWCPIT by examining pain responses during prolonged constant-load cycling performed below, at, and above the threshold, revealing a systematic increase in pain intensity with rising exercise intensity, minimal increases at lower workloads, and progressively steeper increases above the threshold, consistent with a clear dose–response relationship reflecting the transition from sustainable to fatiguing exercise. Study three examined the sensitivity of PWCPIT to short-term training adaptation following a two-week sprint interval training intervention compared with a non-training control group, with PWCPIT increasing significantly following training and demonstrating large responsiveness and meaningful individual change, indicating sensitivity to early training-induced adaptations. Collectively, these findings establish PWCPIT as a reliable, valid, and sensitive submaximal measure that captures a perceptual dimension of fatigue and may serve as a practical, noninvasive tool for assessing and monitoring endurance exercise tolerance in research, training, and applied health settings.

Completion Date

2026

Semester

Spring

Committee Chair

Stout, Jeffrey

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Health Professions and Sciences

Department

Kinesiololgy

Format

PDF

Document Type

Dissertation

Identifier

DP0053197

Download

Share

COinS
 

Accessibility Statement

This item was created or digitized prior to April 24, 2027, or is a reproduction of legacy media created before that date. It is preserved in its original, unmodified state specifically for research, reference, or historical recordkeeping. In accordance with the ADA Title II Final Rule, the University Libraries provides accessible versions of archival materials upon request. To request an accommodation for this item, please submit an accessibility request form.