Psychological affect at different ratings of perceived exertion in high- and low-active women: a study using a production protocol

The Effects of Heart Rate Monitoring on Ratings of Perceived Exertion and Attention Allocation in Individuals of Varying Fitness Levels

There has been a rapid increase in the use of wearable technology-based physical activity trackers. Most of these physical activity trackers include tracking and displaying the individual's heart rate (HR). There is little known about how HR monitoring influences the perception of exertion and attention allocation. Shifting attentional focus toward the body (association), such as monitoring HR, instead of environmental stimuli (dissociation) may increase one's perceived level of exertion. The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of HR monitoring on ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and attention allocation during an exertive stepping task in individuals of varying fitness levels. The YMCA stepping task normative values determined fitness levels. For the experimental condition, participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions (i.e., HR monitoring or control) and completed a stepping task with a weighted vest at 20% of their bodyweight. HR, RPE, and attention allocation were collected at 30-s intervals. Performing the stepping task resulted in a gradual increase of HR and RPE along with a shift from dissociative to associative attention across all conditions. Monitoring one's HR during the task resulted in more dissociative attention allocation, however, no RPE differences were reported between the two conditions. Unfit individuals reported lower levels of RPE during the first time point compared to fit individuals despite having higher HR throughout the task. The results of this study have relevance for applied practitioners implementing physical activity interventions with individuals who monitor their HR.

Affective Determinants of Physical Activity: A Conceptual Framework and Narrative Review

The literature on affective determinants of physical activity (PA) is growing rapidly. The present paper aims to provide greater clarity regarding the definition and distinctions among the various affect-related constructs that have been examined in relation to PA. Affective constructs are organized according to the Affect and Health Behavior Framework (AHBF), including: (1) affective response (e.g., how one feels in response to PA behavior) to PA; (2) incidental affect (e.g., how one feels throughout the day, unrelated to the target behavior); (3) affect processing (e.g., affective associations, implicit attitudes, remembered affect, anticipated affective response, and affective judgments); and (4) affectively charged motivational states (e.g., intrinsic motivation, fear, and hedonic motivation). After defining each category of affective construct, we provide examples of relevant research showing how each construct may relate to PA behavior. We conclude each section with a discussion of future directions for research.

Development of a Self-Determination Theory-Based Physical Activity Intervention for Aged Care Workers: Protocol for the Activity for Well-being Program

Despite the well-established benefits of regular participation in physical activity, many Australians still fail to maintain sufficient levels. More self-determined types of motivation and more positive affect during activity have been found to be associated with the maintenance of physical activity behaviour over time. Need-supportive approaches to physical activity behaviour change have previously been shown to improve quality of motivation and psychological well-being. This paper outlines the development of a need-supportive, person-centred physical activity program for frontline aged-care workers. The program emphasises the use of self-determined methods of regulating activity intensity (affect, rating of perceived exertion and self-pacing) and is aimed at increasing physical activity behaviour and psychological well-being. The development process was undertaken in six steps using guidance from the Intervention Mapping framework: (i) an in-depth needs assessment (including qualitative interviews where information was gathered from members of the target population); (ii) formation of change objectives; (iii) selecting theory-informed and evidence-based intervention methods and planning their practical application; (iv) producing program components and materials; (v) planning program adoption and implementation, and (vi) planning for evaluation. The program is based in Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and provides tools and elements to support autonomy (the use of a collaboratively developed activity plan and participant choice in activity types), competence (action/coping planning, goal-setting and pedometers), and relatedness (the use of a motivational interviewing-inspired appointment and ongoing support in activity).

Tolerance to exercise intensity modulates pleasure when exercising in music: The upsides of acoustic energy for High Tolerant individuals

Moderate physical activity can be experienced by some as pleasurable and by others as discouraging. This may be why many people lack sufficient motivation to participate in the recommended 150 minutes of moderately intense exercise per week. In the present study, we assessed how pleasure and enjoyment were modulated differently by one's tolerance to self-paced physical activity. Sixty-three healthy individuals were allocated to three independent experimental conditions: a resting condition (watching TV), a cycling in silence condition, and a cycling in music condition. The tolerance threshold was assessed using the PRETIE-Questionnaire. Physical activity consisted in cycling during 30 minutes, at an intensity perceived as "somewhat difficult" on the Ratings of Perceived Exertion Scale. While controlling for self-reported physical activity level, results revealed that for the same perception of exertion and a similar level of enjoyment, the High Tolerance group produced more power output than the Low Tolerance group. There was a positive effect of music for High Tolerant individuals only, with music inducing greater power output and more pleasure. There was an effect of music on heart rate frequency in the Low Tolerant individuals without benefits in power output or pleasure. Our results suggest that for Low Tolerant individuals, energizing environments can interfere with the promised (positive) distracting effects of music. Hence, tolerance to physical effort must be taken into account to conceive training sessions that seek to use distracting methods as means to sustain pleasurable exercising over time.

Physical activity intensity and subjective well-being in healthy adults

The effect of physical activity intensity on subjective well-being has not been well established. We examined this relationship among 419 healthy adults using objective and subjective physical activity measurements (sample size varied among well-being assessments). For accelerometers, light-intensity physical activity positively associated with psychological well-being (n = 150) and negatively associated with depression (n = 99); moderate intensity negatively associated with pain severity (n = 419) and positively associated with psychological well-being; sedentary behavior negatively associated with psychological well-being and positively associated with depression (ps < .05). These findings were generally consistent with subjective measurements of physical activity (Question 8, Paffenbarger Questionnaire). Higher levels of sedentary behavior are associated with lower subjective well-being.

Feeling of Pleasure to High-Intensity Interval Exercise Is Dependent of the Number of Work Bouts and Physical Activity Status

Objectives

To examine the affective responses during a single bout of a low-volume HIIE in active and insufficiently active men.

Materials and methods

Fifty-eight men (aged 25.3 ± 3.6 years) volunteered to participate in this study: i) active (n = 29) and ii) insufficiently active (n = 29). Each subject undertook i) initial screening and physical evaluation, ii) maximal exercise test, and iii) a single bout of a low-volume HIIE. The HIIE protocol consisted of 10 x 60s work bouts at 90% of maximal treadmill velocity (MTV) interspersed with 60s of active recovery at 30% of MTV. Affective responses (Feeling Scale, -5/+5), rating of perceived exertion (Borg’s RPE, 6–20), and heart rate (HR) were recorded during the last 10s of each work bout. A two-factor mixed-model repeated measures ANOVA, independent-samples t test, and chi-squared test were used to data analysis.

Results

There were similar positive affective responses to the first three work bouts between insufficiently active and active men (p > 0.05). However, insufficiently active group displayed lower affective responses over time (work bout 4 to 10) than the active group (p < 0.01). Also, the insufficiently active group displayed lower values of mean, lowest, and highest affective response, as well as lower values of affective response at the highest RPE than the active group (p < 0.001). There were no differences in the RPE and HR between the groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Insufficiently active and active men report feelings of pleasure to few work bouts (i.e., 3–4) during low-volume HIIE, while the affective responses become more unpleasant over time for insufficiently active subjects. Investigations on the effects of low-volume HIIE protocols including a fewer number of work bouts on health status and fitness of less active subjects would be interesting, especially in the first training weeks.

Does walking improve disability status, function, or quality of life in adults with chronic low back pain? A systematic review

Objective:

To establish the effectiveness of walking alone and walking compared to other non-pharmacological management methods to improve disability, quality of life, or function in adults with chronic low back pain.

Data sources:

A systematic search of the following databases was undertaken: Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, Pedro, SportDiscus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The following keywords were used: ‘back pain’ or ‘low back pain’ or ‘chronic low back pain’ and ‘walk*’ or ‘ambulation’ or ‘treadmill*’ or ‘pedometer*’ or ‘acceleromet*’ or ‘recreational’ and ‘disability’ or ‘quality of life’ or ‘function*’.

Review methods:

Primary research studies with an intervention focus that investigated walking as the primary intervention compared to no intervention or any other non-pharmacological method in adults with chronic low back pain (duration >3 months).

Results:

Seven randomised controlled trials involving 869 participants were included in the review. There was no evidence that walking was more effective than other management methods such as usual care, specific strength exercises, medical exercise therapy, or supervised exercise classes. One study found over-ground walking to be superior to treadmill walking, and another found internet-mediated walking to be more beneficial than non-internet-mediated walking in the short term.

Conclusion:

There is low quality evidence to suggest that walking is as effective as other non-pharmacological management methods at improving disability, function, and quality of life in adults with chronic low back pain.

Prediction of maximal or peak oxygen uptake from ratings of perceived exertion

Maximal or peak oxygen uptake (V˙O2 max and V˙O2 peak , respectively) are commonly measured during graded exercise tests (GXTs) to assess cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), to prescribe exercise intensity and/or to evaluate the effects of training. However, direct measurement of CRF requires a GXT to volitional exhaustion, which may not always be well accepted by athletes or which should be avoided in some clinical populations. Consequently, numerous studies have proposed various sub-maximal exercise tests to predict V˙O2 max or V˙O2 peak . Because of the strong link between ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and oxygen uptake (V˙O2), it has been proposed that the individual relationship between RPE and V˙O2 (RPE:V˙O2) can be used to predict V˙O2 max (or V˙O2 peak) from data measured during submaximal exercise tests. To predict V˙O2 max or V˙O2 peak from these linear regressions, two procedures may be identified: an estimation procedure or a production procedure. The estimation procedure is a passive process in which the individual is typically asked to rate how hard an exercise bout feels according to the RPE scale during each stage of a submaximal GXT. The production procedure is an active process in which the individual is asked to self-regulate and maintain an exercise intensity corresponding to a prescribed RPE. This procedure is referred to as a perceptually regulated exercise test (PRET). Recently, prediction of V˙O2max or V˙O2 peak from RPE:V˙O2 measured during both GXT and PRET has received growing interest. A number of studies have tested the validity, reliability and sensitivity of predicted V˙O2 max or V˙O2 peak from RPE:V˙O2 extrapolated to the theoretical V˙O2 max at RPE20 (or RPE19). This review summarizes studies that have used this predictive method during submaximal estimation or production procedures in various populations (i.e., sedentary individuals, athletes and pathological populations). The accuracy of the methods is discussed according to the RPE:V˙O2 range used to plot the linear regression (e.g., RPE9–13 versus RPE9–15 versus RPE9–17 during PRET), as well as the perceptual endpoint used for the extrapolation (i.e., RPE19 and RPE20). The V˙O2 max or V˙O2 peak predictions from RPE:V˙O2 are also compared with heart rate-related predictive methods. This review suggests that V˙O2 max (or V˙O2 peak ) may be predicted from RPE:V˙O2 extrapolated to the theoretical V˙O2 max (or V˙O2 peak) at RPE20 (or RPE19). However, it is generally preferable to (1) extrapolate RPE:V ˙ O 2 to RPE19 (rather than RPE20); (2) use wider RPE ranges (e.g. RPE ≤ 17 or RPE9–17) in order to increase the accuracy of the predictions; and (3) use RPE ≤ 15 or RPE9–15 in order to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications in clinical populations.

Process evaluation and proximal impact of an affect-based exercise intervention among adolescents

The objective of this study was to evaluate the implementation and proximal impact of an intervention designed to enhance adolescents' affective experience during Physical Education (PE). Healthy adolescents (N = 74) were randomly assigned to an affect-based or a traditional exercise prescription. Intervention logs, observations and interviews documented the implementation of the intervention. Participants completed a 30-min exercise task at an intensity that felt "good" to them before and after the intervention. Study procedures were implemented successfully and students enjoyed study participation. The intervention had no impact on exercise intensity during PE or during the "feels-good" exercise task. Among adolescents who manifested a negative affective response to moderate-intensity exercise at baseline, the selected intensity during the "feels-good" task increased over time. The intervention may have been too weak to impact behavior over and above a high-quality PE program. The results do suggest, however, that reluctant exercisers may choose to exercise at a higher intensity after experiencing a high-quality PE program in combination with heart rate monitoring.

Use of a perceptually-regulated test to measure maximal oxygen uptake is valid and feels better

A maximal, perceptually-regulated exercise test (PRETmax) whereby participants control the intensity according to preset ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) may induce more positive affective responses than a conventional 'experimenter controlled' incremental ramp test (Iramp). The authors aimed to assess (1) if a PRETmax could be used to measure VO(2max) and (2) if affective responses differed between the PRETmax and Iramp. Sixteen participants (age 20.5, s=1.2 y) completed a PRETmax which required them to adjust the resistance on a recumbent cycle ergometer to correspond to prescribed RPEs of 9, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 20 and an Iramp. Both tests ended with volitional exhaustion. Affect was recorded every minute throughout exercise using the Feeling Scale (FS). There was no difference (P>0.05) between VO(2max) measured by PRETmax (43.5, s=4.1 ml kg(-1) min(-1)) and Iramp (44.3, s=4.9 ml kg(-1) min(-1)). Participants reported feeling significantly less negative (P<0.001) throughout the PRETmax compared to Iramp (average mean difference FS = 1.4, s=0.1). The PRETmax has application in situations where the direct measurement of VO(2max) is required and the affective responses of the individual are considered to be important.

Psychological need satisfaction, intrinsic motivation and affective response to exercise in adolescents

OBJECTIVES

To further understanding of the factors influencing adolescents' motivations for physical activity, the relationship of variables derived from Self-Determination Theory to adolescents' affective response to exercise was examined.

DESIGN

Correlational.

METHOD

Adolescents (N = 182) self-reported psychological needs satisfaction (perceived competence, relatedness, and autonomy) and intrinsic motivation related to exercise. In two clinic visits, adolescents reported their affect before, during, and after a moderate-intensity and a hard-intensity exercise task.

RESULTS

Affective response to exercise and psychological needs satisfaction independently contributed to the prediction of intrinsic motivation in hierarchical linear regression models. The association between affective response to exercise and intrinsic motivation was partially mediated by psychological needs satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Intrinsic motivation for exercise among adolescents may be enhanced when the environment supports perceived competence, relatedness, and autonomy, and when adolescents participate in activities that they find enjoyable.

The perceptually regulated exercise test is sensitive to increases in maximal oxygen uptake

The aim of this study was to assess the sensitivity of a perceptually regulated exercise test (PRET) to predict maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) following an aerobic exercise-training programme. Sedentary volunteers were assigned to either a training (TG n = 16) or control (CG n = 10) group. The TG performed 30 min of treadmill exercise, regulated at 13 on the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale, 3× per week for 8 weeks. All participants completed a 12-min PRET to predict VO₂max followed by a graded exercise test (GXT) to measure VO₂max before and after training. The PRET required participants to control the speed and incline on the treadmill to correspond to RPE intensities of 9, 11, 13 and 15. Predictive accuracy of extrapolation end-points RPE19 and RPE20 from a submaximal RPE range of 9-15 was compared. Measured VO₂max increased by 17 % (p < 0.05) from baseline to post-intervention in TG. This was reflected by a similar change in [VO₂max predicted from PRET when extrapolated to RPE 19 (baseline VO₂max: 31.3 ± 5.5, 30.3 ± 9.5 mL kg(-1) min(-1); post-intervention VO₂max: 36.7 ± 6.4, 37.4 ± 7.9 mL kg(-1) min(-1), for measured and predicted values, respectively). There was no change in CG (measured vs. predicted VO₂max: 39.3 ± 6.5; 40.3 ± 8.2 and 39.2 ± 7.0; 37.7 ± 6.0 mL kg(-1) min(-1)) at baseline and post-intervention, respectively. The results confirm that PRET is sensitive to increases in VO₂max following aerobic training.

A perceptually regulated, graded exercise test predicts peak oxygen uptake during treadmill exercise in active and sedentary participants

The validity of predicting peak oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]) in sedentary participants from a perceptually regulated exercise test (PRET) is limited to two cycle ergometry studies. We assessed the validity of a treadmill-based PRET. Active (n = 49; 40.7 ± 13.8 years) and sedentary (n = 26; 33.4 ± 13.2 y) participants completed two PRETS (PRET 1 and PRET2), requiring a change in speed or incline corresponding to ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) 9, 11, 13 and 15. Extrapolation of RPE: [Formula: see text] data to RPE 19 and 20 from the RPE 9-13 and 9-15 ranges were used to estimate [Formula: see text], and compared to [Formula: see text] from a graded exercise test (GXT). The [Formula: see text] :heart rate (HR) data (≥RPE 15) from the GXT were also extrapolated to age-predicted maximal HR (HRmax(pred)) to provide further estimation of [Formula: see text]. ANOVA revealed no significant differences between [Formula: see text] predictions from the RPE 9-15 range for PRET 1 and PRET 2 when extrapolated to RPE 19 in both active (54.3 ± 7.4; 52.9 ± 8.1 ml kg(-1) min(-1)) and sedentary participants (34.1 ± 10.2; 34.2 ± 9.6 ml kg(-1) min(-1)) and no difference between the HRmax(pred) method and measured [Formula: see text] from the GXT for active (53.3 ± 10.0; 53.9 ± 7.5 ml kg(-1) min(-1), respectively) and sedentary participants (33.6 ± 8.4, 34.4 ± 7.0 ml kg(-1) min(-1), respectively). A single treadmill-based PRET using RPE 9-15 range extrapolated to RPE 19 is a valid means of predicting [Formula: see text] in young and middle to older-aged individuals of varying activity and fitness levels.

Defining the focus of attention: effects of attention on perceived exertion and fatigue

This manuscript presents two experiments designed to explore the effects of attention on perceived exertion and time to failure in a fatiguing athletic task. There were two major motivating factors for these experiments. First, there are few studies evaluating attentional focus effects in endurance tasks and, second, there is a lack of integration between studies of attentional focus as external/internal (e.g., Wulf, 2007a) compared to associative/dissociative (e.g., Stevinson and Biddle, 1998). In Experiment 1, we used a fatiguing wall-sit posture (essentially a complex, isometric task) to compare two different types of external attention with an internal focus on the position of the legs. An external focus (regardless of type) increased the time taken to failure and reduced perceived exertion. In Experiment 2, we manipulated subjects’ expectancy of fatigue to test the interaction of attention and expectancy (both top-down factors) in this highly fatiguing task. Previous theories of attention during endurance tasks have suggested that as fatigue/pain increase, bottom-up factors begin to dominate subjects’ attention. While this may be true, Experiment 2 showed that even in a highly fatiguing task, attentional strategies, and expectancies affected the time to failure and perceived exertion.

Prediction of peak oxygen consumption from the ratings of perceived exertion during a graded exercise test and ramp exercise test in able-bodied participants and paraplegic persons

OBJECTIVE

To assess the accuracy of predicting peak oxygen consumption (Vo(2)peak) from a graded exercise test (GXT) and a ramp exercise test during arm exercise in able-bodied persons and persons with paraplegia using ratings of perceived exertion (RPEs).

DESIGN

Each participant performed a GXT (started at 30W and increased by 15W every 2min) and a ramp exercise test (started at 0W and increased by 15W·min(-1)).

SETTING

Universities' laboratories.

PARTICIPANTS

Able-bodied men (n=13; mean ± SD, 27.2±4.3y) and men with paraplegia (n=12; 31.1±5.7y). Six of the persons with paraplegia had flaccid paralysis as a result of poliomyelitis infection. The other 6 persons had complete spinal cord injuries with neurologic levels at and below T6.

INTERVENTION

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prediction of Vo(2)peak by extrapolating submaximal oxygen consumption (Vo(2)) and RPE values to RPE 20 on the Borg 6 to 20 RPE scale.

RESULTS

This study showed a very strong linear relationship between RPE and Vo(2) during the GXT and the ramp test for able-bodied persons (R(2)≥.95 and R(2)≥.96, respectively) and persons with paraplegia (R(2)≥.96 and R(2)≥.95, respectively). There was no significant difference between measured and predicted Vo(2)peak from RPEs before and including RPE 13, 15, and 17 during the GXT for persons with paraplegia (P>.05). For the able-bodied participants, there was no significant difference between measured and predicted Vo(2)peak from RPEs before and including RPE 15 and 17 during the ramp exercise test (P>.05).

CONCLUSION

The GXT provided acceptable predictions of Vo(2)peak for persons with paraplegia, and the ramp test provided acceptable predictions of Vo(2)peak for able-bodied persons.

Prediction of peak oxygen uptake from ratings of perceived exertion during arm exercise in able-bodied and persons with poliomyelitis

STUDY DESIGN

Each participant completed an arm-crank ramp exercise test to volitional exhaustion.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the utility of the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) to predict peak oxygen uptake (VO(2)peak) during arm ergometry in able-bodied participants and those with poliomyelitis.

SETTING

University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.

PARTICIPANTS

In all, 16 able-bodied and 15 participants with poliomyelitis completed an arm-crank ramp exercise test to volitional exhaustion.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The prediction of VO(2)peak is calculated by extrapolating the sub-maximal RPE and VO(2) values by linear regression to RPE 20.

RESULTS

For the able-bodied participants, there were no significant differences between measured and predicted VO(2)peak from the three sub-maximal ranges of the RPE (RPEs before and including RPE 13, 15 and 17, P > 0.05). For the participants with poliomyelitis, the VO(2)peak predicted from RPEs before and including RPE 13 was significantly higher than measured VO(2)max (P < 0.05). The 95% limits of agreement of able-bodied participants for RPE 13, 15 and 17 (-3 ± 14, -1 ± 10 & 0 ± 8 ml kg(-1) min(-1), respectively) were lower than those observed for poliomyelitis participants (6 ± 19, 2 ± 12 and 1 ± 9 ml kg(-1) min(-1), respectively).

CONCLUSION

This study has shown that the estimation of VO(2)peak from submaximal RPE during arm ergometry is generally more accurate in able-bodied participants in comparison with those with poliomyelitis.

Prediction of maximal oxygen uptake from submaximal ratings of perceived exertion and heart rate during a continuous exercise test: the efficacy of RPE 13

This study assessed the utility of a single, continuous exercise protocol in facilitating accurate estimates of maximal oxygen uptake V(O)(2max) from submaximal heart rate (HR) and the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) in healthy, low-fit women, during cycle ergometry. Eleven women estimated their RPE during a continuous test (1 W 4 s(-1)) to volitional exhaustion (measured V(O)(2max)). Individual gaseous exchange thresholds (GETs) were determined retrospectively. The RPE and HR values prior to and including an RPE 13 and GET were extrapolated against corresponding oxygen uptake to a theoretical maximal RPE (20) and peak RPE (19), and age-predicted HRmax, respectively, to predict V(O)(2max)). There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between measured (30.9 +/- 6.5 ml kg(-1) min(-1)) and predicted V(O)(2max) from all six methods. Limits of agreement were narrowest and intraclass correlations were highest for predictions of V(O)(2max) from an RPE 13 to peak RPE (19). Prediction of V(O)(2max) from a regression equation using submaximal HR and work rate at an RPE 13 was also not significantly different to actual V(O)(2max) (R( 2 ) = 0.78, SEE = 3.42 ml kg(-1) min(-1), P > 0.05). Accurate predictions of V(O)(2max) may be obtained from a single, continuous, estimation exercise test to a moderate intensity (RPE 13) in low-fit women, particularly when extrapolated to peak terminal RPE (RPE(19)). The RPE is a valuable tool that can be easily employed as an adjunct to HR, and provides supplementary clinical information that is superior to using HR alone.

Prediction of maximal oxygen uptake in sedentary males from a perceptually regulated, sub-maximal graded exercise test

The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of predicting the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2(max)) of sedentary men from sub-maximal VO2 values obtained during a perceptually regulated exercise test. Thirteen healthy, sedentary males aged 29-52 years completed five graded exercise tests on a cycle ergometer. The first and fifth test involved a graded exercise test to determine VO2(max). The two maximal graded exercise tests were separated by three sub-maximal graded exercise tests, perceptually regulated at 3-min RPE intensities of 9, 11, 13, 15, and 17 on the Borg ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) scale, in that order. After confirmation that individual linear regression models provided the most appropriate fit to the data, the regression lines for the perceptual ranges 9-17, 9-15, and 11-17 were extrapolated to RPE 20 to predict VO2(max). There were no significant differences between VO2(max) values from the graded exercise tests (mean 43.9 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1), s = 6.3) and predicted VO2(max) values for the perceptual ranges 9-17 (40.7 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1), s = 2.2) and RPE 11-17 (42.5 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1), s = 2.3) across the three trials. The predicted VO2(max) from the perceptual range 9-15 was significantly lower (P < 0.05) (37.7 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1), s = 2.3). The intra-class correlation coefficients between actual and predicted VO2(max) for RPE 9-17 and RPE 11-17 across trials ranged from 0.80 to 0.87. Limits of agreement analysis on actual and predicted VO2 values (bias +/- 1.96 x S(diff)) were 3.4 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) (+/- 10.7), 2.4 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) (+/- 9.9), and 3.7 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) (+/- 12.8) (trials 1, 2, and 3, respectively) of RPE range 9-17. Results suggest that a sub-maximal, perceptually guided graded exercise test provides acceptable estimates of VO2(max) in young to middle-aged sedentary males.

Overall and peripheral ratings of perceived exertion during a graded exercise test to volitional exhaustion in individuals of high and low fitness

This study assessed the relationship between differentiated ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate with oxygen uptake (VO2) during two graded exercise tests (GXT) to exhaustion on a cycle ergometer in 49 men and women (19-50 years) of high and low fitness. The study also assessed whether sub-maximal RPE values elicited during the GXTs could provide appropriate estimates of maximal aerobic power (VO2max) Peripheral RPE (RPEP) was higher than overall RPE (RPEO) at exhaustion in both groups (P<0.001), but the reliability of the terminal RPEO was higher (0.75 and 0.40, respectively). Fitness did not moderate the relationship of RPEO and RPEP with VO2 during the GXTs (P>0.05). However, the correlation for RPEP and VO2 was higher for women compared to men (0.98 and 0.96, respectively, P<0.05), although this is of little practical significance. In both groups, RPEO was almost as highly correlated with VO2 as heart rate during GXTs terminated at exhaustion (approximately 0.955-0.980). There were no differences between predicted and measured VO2max when VO2 values were extrapolated from sub-maximal RPEO (13, 15 and 17) intensities (42.1+/-12.5, 43.4+/-11.5, 44.2+/-11.3 and 43.3+/-10.0 ml kg(-1) min(-1), respectively). However, VO2max predicted from sub-maximal RPEP intensities was significantly lower (P<0.05). In conclusion, terminal RPEO was a more reliable measure of the RPE, and provided more accurate estimates of VO2max in healthy participants of high and low fitness when elicited from sub-maximal exercise intensities.

Prediction of maximal oxygen uptake from the ratings of perceived exertion and heart rate during a perceptually-regulated sub-maximal exercise test in active and sedentary participants

This study assessed whether the accuracy of predicting maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) from sub-maximal heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) values was moderated by gender and habitual activity. In total, 27 men and 18 women completed two GXTs to determine VO2max and three perceptually-regulated GXTs, incremented by RPE 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17. The RPE and HR were individually regressed against VO2max (approximately 0.96) to enable predictions of VO2max. The VO2max was predicted from three RPE ranges (9-17, 9-15, 9-13). The RPE ranges were extrapolated to RPE(19), RPE(20) and age-predicted maximal HR (HRmax(pred)). ANOVA revealed no differences between measured and predicted VO2max (P > 0.05) when the RPE range 9-17 was extrapolated to RPE(19) and HRmax(pred). Extrapolation of RPE 9-17 to RPE(20) overestimated VO2max (P < 0.05), but no differences were observed when predicted from the RPE ranges 9-15 and 9-13. The prediction of VO2max was not moderated by gender or activity status. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that HR explained additional variance in VO2max when added to the RPE (2%). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis also indicated that VO2max was significantly correlated with power output at sub-maximal RPE values of 13 and 15 (P < 0.01) in men and women. The addition of HRmax(pred) improved the accuracy of the prediction equation for men (P = 0.05) but not for women. The study confirmed the validity of estimating VO2max from perceptually-regulated, sub-maximal GXT and indicated the potential utility of regression analysis to gauge appropriate sub-maximal exercise intensities.

Ratings of perceived exertion of ACSM exercise guidelines in individuals varying in aerobic fitness

The physiological responses of high (HF) and low fit (LF) individuals at given perceived exercise intensities were compared to ranges provided by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Participants were 7 LFand 8 HF men between the ages of 22 and 26 years. All participants performed a maximum oxygen uptake and lactate threshold test and two 15-min experimental runs in which they exercised at a constant perceived exercise intensity (RPE 13 and 17). The LF group exhibited significantly greater maximum oxygen uptake reserve ( % VO2R, p < .05) and velocity of lactate threshold (p < .01) values than HF at RPE 13 and 17. Both groups had significantly greater % VO2R and maximum heart rate values at RPE 13 in comparison with the ACSM ranges, using the highest value for the given range (p < or = .001).

Variation and homogeneity in affective responses to physical activity of varying intensities: an alternative perspective on dose-response based on evolutionary considerations

A model for systematic changes in patterns of inter-individual variation in affective responses to physical activity of varying intensities is presented, as a conceptual alternative to the search for a global dose-response curve. It is theorized that trends towards universality will emerge in response to activities that are either generally adaptive, such as moderate walking, or generally maladaptive, such as strenuous running that requires anaerobic metabolism and precludes the maintenance of a physiological steady state. At the former intensity the dominant response will be pleasure, whereas at the latter intensity the dominant response will be displeasure. In contrast, affective responses will be highly variable, involving pleasure or displeasure, when the intensity of physical activity approximates the transition from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism, since activity performed at this intensity entails a trade-off between benefits and risks. Preliminary evidence in support of this model is presented, based on a reanalysis of data from a series of studies.

The validity of predicting maximal oxygen uptake from a perceptually-regulated graded exercise test

The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of predicting maximal oxygen uptake(VO(2max)) from sub-maximal VO(2) values elicited during a perceptually-regulated exercise test. We hypothesised that the strong relationship between the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and VO(2) would enable VO(2max) to be predicted and that this would improve with practice. Ten male volunteers performed a graded exercise test (GXT) to establish VO(2max) followed by three sub-maximal RPE production protocols on a cycle ergometer, each separated by a period of 48 h. The perceptually-regulated trials were conducted at intensities of 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17 on the RPE scale, in that order. VO(2) and HR were measured continuously and recorded at the end of each 4 min stage. Individual's RPE values yielded correlations in the range 0.92-0.99 across the three production trials. There were no significant differences between measured VO(2max) (48.8 ml.kg(-1).min(-1)) and predicted VO(2) max values (47.3, 48.6 and 49.9 ml.kg(-1).min(-1), for trials 1, 2 and 3, respectively) when VO(2) max was predicted from RPE values of 9-17. The same was observed when VO(2max) was predicted using RPE 9-15. Limits of agreement (LoA) analysis on actual and predicted VO(2max) values (from RPE 9-17) were (bias+/-1.96xSDdiff) 1.5+/-7.3, 0.2+/-4.9 and -1.2+/-5.8 ml.kg(-1).min(-1), for trials 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Corresponding LoA values for actual and predicted VO(2max) (from RPE 9-15) were 5.4+/-11.3, 4.4+/-8.7 and 2.3+/-8.4 ml.kg(-1).min(-1), respectively. The data suggest that a sub-maximal, perceptually-guided, graded exercise protocol can provide acceptable estimates of maximal aerobic power, which are further improved with practice in fit young males.

Ratings of perceived exertion are not influenced by exercise stage of change in physically active college students

Comparisons of ratings of perceived exertion based on fitness have been equivocal but have not accounted for recent exercise history. The purpose of this study was to test mean differences in ratings of perceived exertion among individuals of differing exercise histories as measured by exercise stage of change. Participants completed questionnaires to measure exercise stage of change and physical activity [preparation stage (n=32), action stage (n=31), and maintenance stage (n=41)]. Ratings of perceived exertion were measured during a graded maximal exercise test. Individual regression equations were computed to estimate the ratings for 50%, 60%, 70%, and 80% of VO2 max. There were no significant differences in the ratings across the preparation, action, and maintenance stages. Therefore, the hypothesis that recent exercise history would influence ratings of perceived exertion during an aerobic fitness test was rejected.

The effects of 15 min and 30 min of exercise on affective responses both during and after exercise

Although much research has examined the relationship between exercise and affect, few studies have considered the effects of exercise bouts of different durations and few researchers have questioned the longer term effects that might be associated with acute exercise. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of the standard health recommended exercise duration of 30 min with a shorter (15 min) bout of exercise upon individuals' affect scores both during and after exercise. Twenty-three (mean age 22.4 years) physically active participants engaged in two counterbalanced cycle ergometer exercise conditions for 15 min (short bout) and 30 min (moderate bout). The participants completed the Subjective Exercise Experience Scale before, during, 5 min, 30 mins, 1 h and 2 h after both exercise conditions. A series of 2 x 6 within-participant repeated-measures analyses of variance for positive well-being (P <0.01), psychological distress (P <0.01) and fatigue (P <0.01) scores revealed significant time main effects, with improved scores over time. No significant differences were noted between the 15-min and 30-min exercise bouts. These results indicate that positive affective responses are experienced by exercisers after relatively short bouts of acute exercise and these effects can still be evident some time later.

The Benefits of Exercise for the Clinically Depressed

Millions of Americans suffer from clinical depression each year. Most depressed patients first seek treatment from their primary care providers. Generally, depressed patients treated in primary care settings receive pharmacologic therapy alone. There is evidence to suggest that the addition of cognitive-behavioral therapies, specifically exercise, can improve treatment outcomes for many patients. Exercise is a behavioral intervention that has shown great promise in alleviating symptoms of depression. The current review discusses the growing body of research examining the exercise-depression relationship that supports the efficacy of exercise as an adjunct treatment. Databases searched were Medline, PsycLit, PubMed, and SportsDiscus from the years 1996 through 2003. Terms used in the search were clinical depression, depression, exercise, and physical activity. Further, because primary care physicians deliver important mental health services to the majority of depressed patients, several specific recommendations are made regarding counseling these patients on the adoption and maintenance of exercise programs.

The influence of sensory cues on the perception of exertion during exercise and central regulation of exercise performance

The perception of effort during exercise and its relationship to fatigue is still not well understood. Although several scales have been developed to quantify exertion Borg's 15-point ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) scale has been adopted as a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating whole body exertion during exercise. However, Borg's category-ratio scale is useful in quantifying sensations of exertion related to those variables that rise exponentially with increases in exercise intensity. Previous research has examined the extent to which afferent feedback arising from cardiopulmonary and peripheral variables mediates the perception of exertion. However, the literature has not identified a single variable that consistently explains exertion ratings. It is concluded that effort perception involves the integration of multiple afferent signals from a variety of perceptual cues. In a process defined as teleoanticipation, the changes in perceived exertion that result from these afferent signals may allow exercise performance to be precisely regulated such that a task can be completed within the biomechanical and metabolic limits of the body. The accuracy with which individuals can regulate exercise intensity based upon RPE values, the decrease in muscle recruitment (central drive) that occurs before fatigue, and the extent to which perceived exertion and heart rate can be altered with hypnosis and biofeedback training all provide evidence for the existence of such a regulatory system. Future research is needed to precisely quantify the extent to which efferent feedforward commands and afferent feedback determine pacing strategies such that an exercise event can be completed without irreversible tissue damage.