The effects of self-control exertion on subsequent physical performance in an alexithymic population

Initial self-control exertion can impair subsequent physical performance, with perceptions of pain and motivation proposed as potential mechanisms. Examining state anxiety in this context is critical, as reductions may reflect more adaptive emotional responses to exertion in alexithymic athletes. Whilst yet to be explored, the limited emotional awareness and regulation associated with alexithymia may buffer against the performance-depleting effects of self-control exertion. This study addresses this gap and examines pain, motivation, RPE, and state anxiety as potential mechanisms. Using a within-subject crossover design, 40 participants (aged 18–45 years; 27 male, 13 female; 20 alexithymic, 20 non-alexithymic) completed a wall-sit to exhaustion twice, following either a non-self-control task (congruent Stroop) or self-control task (incongruent Stroop). Pain, motivation, and RPE were recorded at 15-s and every 30-s thereafter during the wall-sit, while state anxiety was measured pre-wall-sit, immediately post-wall-sit, and 10-min post. Self-control exertion influenced performance differently between groups. Non-alexithymic individuals exhibited significant performance decrements, quitting the wall-sit sooner following self-control exertion compared to the non-exertion condition (p = 0.007). In contrast, alexithymic individuals performed the wall-sit for significantly longer following self-control exertion compared to the non-exertion condition (p < 0.001). Multilevel modelling revealed greater increases in pain and RPE over time, alongside steeper motivation declines, for alexithymic individuals compared to non-alexithymic individuals, particularly under self-control exertion conditions. Despite reporting heightened anxiety, alexithymic individuals did not experience performance declines, indicating a potential adaptive benefit in emotionally challenging situations, which warrants further exploration across different sports.