Relationship between perceived exertion during exercise and subsequent recovery measurements

Evaluating the feasibility and acceptability of a co-designed physical activity intervention for rural middle schoolers: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Lack of physical activity is a concern for children across diverse backgrounds, particularly affecting those in rural areas who face distinct challenges compared to their urban counterparts. Community-derived interventions are needed that consider the unique context and additional physical activity barriers in under-resourced rural settings. Therefore, a prospective pre-post pilot/feasibility study of Hoosier Sport was conducted over 8-weeks with 6th and 7th grade children in a low-socioeconomic rural middle school setting. The primary objective of the present study was to assess trial- and intervention-related feasibility indicators; and the secondary objective was to collect preliminary assessment data for physical activity levels, fitness, psychological needs satisfaction, and knowledge of physical activity and nutrition among participating youth.

METHODS

This prospective 8-week pilot/feasibility study took place in the rural Midwestern United States where twenty-four middle school students participated in a mixed-methods pre-post intervention during physical education classes. The intervention included elements like sport-based youth development, individualized goal setting, physical activity monitoring, pedometer usage, and health education. Data were collected at baseline (T1) and post-intervention (T3), with intermediate measures during the intervention (T2). Qualitative data were integrated through semi-structured interviews. Analytical methods encompassed descriptive statistics, correlations, repeated measures ANOVA, and thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Key findings indicate robust feasibility, with intervention-related scores (FIM, AIM, and IAM) consistently surpassing the "good" threshold and 100% retention and recruitment success. Additionally, participants showed significant physical performance improvement, shifting from the 25th to the 50th percentile in the 6-minute walk test (p < 0.05). Autonomy and competence remained high, reflecting positive perceptions of program practicality. Nutrition knowledge, initially low, significantly improved at post-intervention (p < 0.01), highlighting the efficacy of targeted nutritional education in Hoosier Sport.

CONCLUSIONS

This study pioneers a community-engaged model for physical activity intervention in under-resourced rural settings. Positive participant feedback, coupled with improvements in physical fitness and psychosocial factors, highlights the potential of the co-design approach. The findings offer valuable insights and a practical template for future community-based research, signaling the promising impact of such interventions on holistic well-being. This research lays the foundation for subsequent phases of the ORBIT model, emphasizing collaborative, community-driven approaches to address the complex issue of declining physical activity levels among adolescents.

TRAINING LOAD THROUGH HEART RATE AND PERCEIVED EXERTION DURING CROSSFIT®

ABSTRACT Introduction: Monitoring of CrossFit® training load should be considered to facilitate training outcomes and avoid overtraining. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to examine the heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and internal load responses to each segment of a CrossFit® training session. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional design was used in this study. Fifteen healthy male recreational athletes with at least six months experience in CrossFit® training participated in this study. Seven non-consecutive CrossFit® training sessions consisting of mobility, warm-up, skill, and workout segments were performed with a minimum of 48 hours between sessions. Exercise modalities within sessions were constantly varied according to the CrossFit® training programming template. HR was measured every two minutes throughout each session. Peak HR, average HR, RPE after each segment, and session RPE were recorded. Results: HR significantly increased during each segment of the training sessions (p < 0.01), except between the warm-up and skill segments (p = 0.180). Mean total session HR was 65.1 ± 5.4% HRmax and peak HR was 95.3 ± 4.1% HRmax. RPE and internal load increased significantly in each segment (p < 0.05). While intensity measurements increased during CrossFit® training, the HR responses differed from the RPE and internal load. Conclusion: When switching from one segment to another, HR fell below the HRpeak of the previous segment, which shows that the time spent switching between the training segments influenced the average HR of the entire session. Level of evidence III; Case control study; Investigating the results of treatment.