Power output feedback improves cycling performance without affecting the perception of voluntariness in task failure

The perception of voluntariness in task failure during extreme physical effort is debated in endurance sports. This study tested whether power meter data availability affects perceived voluntariness and performance in cyclists accustomed to power meters. Forty trained cyclists completed two counterbalanced maximal incremental tests: one without feedback and one with real-time power visualization. Confirmatory analyses showed that power visualization increased maximal aerobic power (MAP) without affecting VO2MAX, maximal heart rate, RPE, or perceived voluntariness. Exploratory analyses revealed an order effect: participants who first performed the test with power data perceived their decision to stop as more voluntary in that condition compared to the subsequent no-feedback test. This effect was absent in the reverse order group. No order effects were found for other variables. Cyclists’ performance judgments aligned with actual MAP differences. These findings show that access to power data enhances MAP. Although the main analysis pointed to a null effect on perceived voluntariness of the decision to stop, an exploratory order effect suggested that removing power data after prior exposure reduces perceived control over task failure decisions, warranting further investigation. This study highlights the role of performance feedback in shaping objective and subjective performance in cycling.