Luís Branquinho’s Ph.D. in Sports Science from the University of Beira Interior was awarded the top grade, “Approved with Distinction”. He is currently both a professor researching at the Higher Institute of Educational Sciences of the Douro and a football coach licensed and recognised by UEFA. He has published several scientific articles and books in the field of sports science and his area of expertise is football training.
Over the years, there has been a growing interest in the study of issues related to the psychophysiological processes underlying sports performance. A relatively recent perspective is supported by the concept that the brain acts as a central regulator of performance during exercise. This phenomenon is called pacing and is based on the premise that prior knowledge about the activity plays a fundamental role for individuals to self-regulate their efforts throughout the exercise. However, knowledge regarding this topic remains scarce, and further clarification is needed. This chapter reports new perspectives in relation to the existing evidence regarding the role of the brain as a central regulator of performance, questioning the complex interdependencies and interrelations between fatigue and physical exercise in the light of a psychophysiological perspective. A broader understanding of the cognitive basis of the psychophysiological phenomenon during the exercise is needed, bringing together concepts such as pacing behavior, decision-making, self-regulation of effort, prior knowledge of the duration of the task, and perception of effort.
Part of the book: Exercise Physiology