What the study found
Most participants felt running with another athlete was easier, but measured performance, heart rate, pacing and exertion did not significantly change.
Participants and protocol
Eleven nonelite male runners completed five 5-kilometre trials, including alone and with a second runner in front, behind or alongside.
What this cannot establish
The study distinguishes a subjective experience from a demonstrated time benefit. It does not prove that competitors or pacers never affect racing in other settings.
Publication details
- Record
- PubMed 21941007
- Publication types
- Clinical Trial · Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- Indexed subjects
- Heart Rate · Physical Endurance · Running · Athletic Performance · Physical Exertion
- Source record checked
- 2026-10-18
Publication type and subject indexing describe the record; they are not a quality grade or proof of a benefit. An abstract does not replace a review of the full methods and results.
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