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The present study aims at deciphering the effect of a high-intensity interval exercise on cognitive processes involved in perceptual decision-making through computational modelling. To that end, participants performed a perceptual decision task (RDK) before and after a high-intensity interval exercise (8 × 5min, 85 ± 8 % HRmax). Cognitive processes were measured by best-fitting parameters of a drift diffusion model (DDM) to behavioral data (accuracy and response times). Drift Diffusion modeling revealed faster non-decisional time and more efficient drift rate suggesting a better sensory encoding, a greater allocation of attentional resources and a faster processing speed following acute exercise.

International audience; Objectives: To evaluate the physiological requirements imposed by the current mountain biking Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) format. Methods: Sixteen Cross-Country cyclists competing at national or international level participated in this study. All participants completed a simulated and a real official race on a cycling-accredited race track. Oxygen consumption ((V) over dotO(2)) and heart rate (HR) values expressed as %(V) over dotO(2max) and %HRmax, respectively, were divided into three physiological intensity zones. The first zone (Z1) was the physiological region below VT1, the second zone (Z2) corresponded to a region between VT1 and VT2, and the third zone (Z3) was located between VT2 and VO2max . For power output, an additional fourth zone was considered above maximal aerobic power (MAP). Results: When competing in the current XCO format, 37.0 +/- 17.9% of the race is performed above the second ventilatory threshold at a mean intensity of 87% (V) over dotO(2max) and 25% of the race was spent above MAP. This contribution varied between laps, with a very high intensity during the first lap and more aerobic subsequent laps. The durations of most of the periods beyond MAP oscillated between 5 and 30 s. Between these short, repeated bursts, low-intensity periods of exercise were recorded. Conclusion: The current XCO race format is an acyclical and intermittent exercise comparable to high-intensity team sports. Moreover, our results highlight the relevance of (V) over dotO(2) values when analyzing XCO performance, they should be combined with commonly used HR and/or power output data.