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<p>Effort discounting refers to the reduction in the subjective value of an outcome as the effort required to obtain it increases. This phenomenon has been demonstrated using both hypothetical and real physical effort. In previous studies, real physical effort discounting has been assessed through two types of handgrip-based responses: continuous contraction (sustaining a grip for several seconds) and intermittent contractions (producing a specified number of discrete responses). However, these response types have not been directly compared. In the present study, 73 participants completed two adjusting-amount tasks. Each task presented a fixed alternative consisting of a hypothetical reward ($100 pesos) paired with an individualized effort requirement expressed as a percentage of maximum voluntary contraction (30%, 45%, 60%, 75%, and 90%), and an adjustable hypothetical reward with no effort requirement. Depending on the task, participants chose the larger reward by either sustaining a handgrip contraction at the prescribed effort level for 5 s (continuous condition) or by completing five discrete handgrip contractions at the prescribed effort level within 5 s (intermittent condition). Across both response types, we observed discounting of the hypothetical reward when real physical effort was required on each trial. It is important to note that effort discounting rates were significantly higher in the continuous condition than in the intermittent condition, suggesting that sustained effort was more costly. In addition, both parabolic and hyperbolic models provided good fits to the data, producing a superior model fit as a function of the effort condition. We discuss the relevance of using real physical effort, even when paired with hypothetical reward outcomes.</p>

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Comparing Two Response Types during a Real Physical Effort Task: A Preliminary Study

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月4日

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  • Antonio Calvillo,
  • Hugo E. Reyes-Huerta,
  • Cristiano dos Santos,
  • Gisel G. Escobar,
  • Marina González

摘要

Effort discounting refers to the reduction in the subjective value of an outcome as the effort required to obtain it increases. This phenomenon has been demonstrated using both hypothetical and real physical effort. In previous studies, real physical effort discounting has been assessed through two types of handgrip-based responses: continuous contraction (sustaining a grip for several seconds) and intermittent contractions (producing a specified number of discrete responses). However, these response types have not been directly compared. In the present study, 73 participants completed two adjusting-amount tasks. Each task presented a fixed alternative consisting of a hypothetical reward ($100 pesos) paired with an individualized effort requirement expressed as a percentage of maximum voluntary contraction (30%, 45%, 60%, 75%, and 90%), and an adjustable hypothetical reward with no effort requirement. Depending on the task, participants chose the larger reward by either sustaining a handgrip contraction at the prescribed effort level for 5 s (continuous condition) or by completing five discrete handgrip contractions at the prescribed effort level within 5 s (intermittent condition). Across both response types, we observed discounting of the hypothetical reward when real physical effort was required on each trial. It is important to note that effort discounting rates were significantly higher in the continuous condition than in the intermittent condition, suggesting that sustained effort was more costly. In addition, both parabolic and hyperbolic models provided good fits to the data, producing a superior model fit as a function of the effort condition. We discuss the relevance of using real physical effort, even when paired with hypothetical reward outcomes.