The effect of online spectators on online cycling performance: the role of personality traits

The aim of this study is to understand the effect of online spectators on online cycling performance. In addition, another aim of tihis research is to understand how effective the personality traits of the participants are on the performance difference. 24 students who study at the Faculty of Sport Sciences of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University and were selected by using simple random sampling method. The participants performed two performances, 4 weeks apart, on the smart trainer. The participants performed their first performances alone, and their second performances were performed with the online spectators connected to support the participant through a Google Meeting. During both rides, the power applied by the participants to the bicycle, the number of pedals they cycled per minute (cadence), the calories they burned, the changes in heart rate and the riding mileage were recorded. In addition, in order to understand whether the measure changes obtained by the participants during the two rides vary according to their personality characteristics, the participants were given the "Five Factor Personality Inventory Short Form" which was validated and deemed reliable by Tatar (2005) was filled. Paired Sample t-test analysis was used to compare the means obtained by the participants in the 1st and 2nd ride measures. Two-factor ANOVA analysis was used for mixed measures of whether or not having the mentioned characteristics makes a difference. As a result of the analysis, it was seen that the presence of online spectators during online cycling of the subjects had a positive effect on the driving time, calories consumed, Power applied to the bike, cadence, maximum cadence, heart rate, maximum heart rate, and the person's perception of effort. In addition, it was determined that there were significant differences in the conscientiousness sub-dimension from the five factor personality traits in both the Power and riding time averages applied to the bike. Keywords: Personality Traits, Big Five Factor Personality Inventory, Online Performance, Online Spectators, Active Video Games, E-Sport