COVID-19 pandemic and explicit processes towards physical activity in Brazilian older adults with hypertension.

This study investigated the initial three-month impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the explicit processes towards physical activity (PA). In addition, we explored whether potential changes in explicit processes are associated with changes in PA and sedentary behavior (SB). Seventeen older adults (aged 65.7 ± 3.8 years; 76.5% women) with hypertension were included in this longitudinal study performed in Natal, Brazil. Explicit processes (explicit attitude [perceived benefits and cons perceived], social norms, social modeling, self-efficacy, intention and motivation) were evaluated through self-reported questionnaire before (January to March 2020) and during (June 2020) the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, PA and SB were measured by accelerometry during seven days. Generalized linear and mixed models were used for data analysis. There was a decrease in the explicit attitudes (ß = - 4.8, p = 0.001) and moderate-vigorous PA (ß = - 4.8, p = 0.035) during the COVID-19. Changes in the explicit attitudes were associated with the changes in the moderate-vigorous PA (ß = - 1.6, 95% CI - 2.9, - 0.3, p = 0.034). No significant changes were found in the additional explicit process measures, time spent doing light PA and SB, and step count. Our findings may suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the explicit attitudes related to PA and contributed to decrease the time spent in the moderate-vigorous PA in older adults with hypertension.

Associations of objectively measured movement behavior and cardiorespiratory fitness with mental health and quality of life in older adults with hypertension: an exploratory analysis during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objectives: Herein, we explored the associations of pre-pandemic COVID-19 physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) with mental health and quality of life in older adults with hypertension.Method: Objectively measured PA and SB, perceived stress, depression symptoms, and quality of life were assessed before and during the pandemic in seventeen older adults with hypertension. CRF was assessed before the pandemic by cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Longitudinal and cross-sectional associations were analyzed using the mixed linear model.Results: Pre-pandemic light PA (positive association) and SB (negative association) were associated with quality of life during the pandemic. Higher pre-pandemic CRF was associated with less negative changes in perceived stress, depression symptoms, and quality of life during the pandemic.Conclusion: Our preliminary findings suggest that a healthier pre-pandemic movement behavior (more PA, less SB) and better CRF can mitigate the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and quality of life in older adults with hypertension.

Carbohydrate Mouth Rinse and Hydration Strategies on Cycling Performance in 30 Km Time Trial: A Randomized, Crossover, Controlled Trial.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether carbohydrate mouth rinse (CMR) improves physical performance of cyclists during a 30-km time trial test and its influence on water balance compared to other strategies of fluid intake. Eleven recreationally trained male cyclists completed a 30 km time trial cycle ergometer under three experimental interventions: (a) CMR, (b) drinking to replace all weight loss (DWL), and (c) drinking "ad libitum" (DAL). Time to complete the 30 km time trial, heart rate, average power, velocity, weight loss, urine color, urine density and pH were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA) and generalized estimating equations (GEE) with Bonferroni adjustment (p < 0.05). Time to complete the 30 km time trial was similar among CMR 54.5 ± 2.9 min, DWL 53.6 ± 3.9 min and DAL 54.5 ± 2.5 min (p = 0.13). CMR (1.7 ± 0.4%) elicited similar water loss compared to the DAL (1.4 ± 0.6%) intervention, but it was higher than the DWL intervention (0.6 ± 0.6%) (p < 0.01). CMR did not improve the performance of recreationally trained cyclists in a 30 km time trial test compared to other fluid intake strategies. Furthermore, CMR causes higher water loss compared to DWL intervention.

Let's Walk Outdoors! Self-Paced Walking Outdoors Improves Future Intention to Exercise in Women With Obesity.

In order to examine whether environmental settings influence psychological and physiological responses of women with obesity during self-paced walking, 38 women performed two exercise sessions (treadmill and outdoors) for 30 min, where oxygen uptake, heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion, affect, attentional focus, enjoyment, and future intentions to walk were analyzed. Physiological responses were similar during both sessions. However, during outdoor exercise, participants displayed higher externally focused attention, positive affect, and lower ratings of perceived exertion, followed by greater enjoyment and future intention to participate in outdoor walking. The more externally focused attention predicted greater future intentions to participate in walking. Therefore, women with obesity self-selected an appropriate exercise intensity to improve fitness and health in both environmental settings. Also, self-paced outdoor walking presented improved psychological responses. Health care professionals should consider promoting outdoor forms of exercise to maximize psychological benefits and promote long-term adherence to a physically active lifestyle.

Rating of perceived exertion and affective responses during Tai Chi Chuan.

Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and affective responses were assessed during Tai Chi Chuan. A total of 16 women (M age = 61.2 yr., SD = 8.8) participated in this study. Individuals practiced Tai Chi Chuan three times/week during seven weeks, and were assessed session-by-session (21 Wu Tai Chi Chuan sessions) in three moments (15, 30, and 45 min.) using Borg's scale (CR 0-10) and the Feeling Scale (+5/-5). With regard to RPE, there was a difference between 15 and 30 min. and between 15 and 45 min. The same pattern of differences was observed for the affective response. The RPE during the seven weeks ranged from "fairly light" to "moderate" and the affective response from "good" to "very good." Thus, Tai Chi Chuan was perceived as a low-moderate intensity and pleasurable (positive affect) exercise by middle-aged and elderly women.

Is the self-selected resistance exercise intensity by older women consistent with the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines to improve muscular fitness?

The purpose of this study was to verify the self-selected intensity during resistance training (RT) in older women. Twenty healthy women (mean age, 65.6 years) underwent a 2-week familiarization period followed by 3 experimental sessions. During the first session, anthropometric measurements were taken. The second session involved completion of a 1 repetition maximum (1RM) test for the following exercises: chest press, leg press, lat pull-down, leg extension, lateral shoulder raise, leg curl, biceps curl, and triceps pushdown. Last, a single RT session was performed at a self-selected intensity. During the RT session, participants were instructed to self-select a load for performing 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions. Data were analyzed by mean (SD) and analysis of variance with repeated measures (p < 0.05). Global mean of the 3 sets was bench press 41.0% 1RM (11.9), leg press 43.0% 1RM (17.2), lat pull-down 47.2% 1RM (11.1), leg extension 33.0% 1RM (8.1), lateral shoulder raise 51.1% 1RM (12.1), leg curl 43.5% 1RM (8.8), biceps curl 48.0% 1RM (15.5), and triceps pushdown 51.7% 1RM (13.3); there were no significant differences between the sets (p > 0.05). These results indicate that inactive older women self-selected an intensity exercise during RT below the recommendation for improvements on muscle fitness in apparently healthy older adults. However, this intensity is recommended for very deconditioned individuals. Nevertheless, the use of self-selection strategy during an exercise program can have greater advantages because of its easy applicability, its positive relation with exercise adherence, and for promoting initial muscle conditioning in older adults. Furthermore, it is crucial to gradually increase the RT load to guarantee better and sustainable effects on muscle fitness. Finally, future studies are needed to establish the chronic effects of RT at self-selected intensity on muscle fitness and the functional health of older adults.

Concurrent validity of an OMNI rating of perceived exertion scale for bench stepping exercise.

To develop and validate a modified OMNI rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale for use during bench stepping exercise (OMNI-BS). Thirty women (age: 19.8 ± 1.8 years) undertook 2 experimental trials, separated by 7 days. Concurrent validity was established by examining the relation between physiological criterion variables, oxygen consumption (VO2), and heart rate (HR), with the concurrent variable, RPE from OMNI-BS, during 2 trials in which the intensity increased linearly (test 1) and intermittently (test 2). The first test consisted of 3-minute stages. Subjects stepped up and down on the bench at 120 b·min(-1). The test was terminated owing to subject fatigue. Exercise intensity increased as bench height increased every 3 minutes. The second test consisted of three 3-minute exercise bouts that reproduced exercise stage 1 (low intensity), stage 3 (moderate intensity), and stage 5 (high intensity) performed in the first test. The order of these 3 exercise bouts was counterbalanced. Intraclass correlation analysis from experimental trials indicated a strong positive association between RPE and VO2 (r = 0.96 and r = 0.95) and HR (r = 0.95 and r = 0.95). Concurrent validity for the OMNI-BS RPE scale was established for women performing bench stepping exercise.

Gender-based differences in substrate use during exercise at a self-selected pace.

The aim of this study was to investigate gender-based differences in substrate use during exercise at a self-selected pace. Seventeen men and 17 women performed a maximal exercise test and a 20-minute bout of self-paced treadmill walking to determine carbohydrate and fat oxidation rates. Gas exchange measurements were performed throughout the tests, and stoichiometric equations were used to calculate substrate oxidation rates. For each individual, a best-fit polynomial curve was constructed using fat oxidation rate (g·min(-1)) vs. exercise intensity (percentage of maximal oxygen uptake, % VO(2)max). Each individual curve was used to obtain the following variables: maximal fat oxidation (MFO), the peak rate of fat oxidation measured over the entire range of exercise intensities; fat(max), the exercise intensity at which the MFO was observed; and fat(max) zone, range of exercise intensities with fat oxidation rates within 10% of fat oxidation rates at fat(max). Although the MFO was similar between genders, fat(max) was lower in men than in women. Similarly, the "low" and "high" borders of the fat(max) zone were lower in men than in women. During exercise at a self-selected pace, carbohydrate oxidation rates were greater in men than in women, despite no gender-based differences in fat oxidation rates. However, fat oxidation contribution to total energy expenditure (EE) was greater in women than in men, despite no gender-based differences in the exercise intensity. In conclusion, although both genders self-selected a similar exercise intensity, the contribution of fat oxidation to EE is greater in women than in men. Interestingly, both genders self-selected an exercise intensity that falls within the fat(max) zone.

Effect of body mass index on affect at intensities spanning the ventilatory threshold.

The aim of this study was to compare acute affective responses at exercise intensities based on the ventilatory threshold between normal weight, overweight, and obese women. 66 sedentary women (22 in each Body Mass Index group) performed a maximal graded treadmill test to measure their maximal oxygen uptake and ventilatory thresholds. Affective valence was compared at intensities spanning the ventilatory threshold (below, at, and above threshold). Affective valence below ventilatory threshold did not differ among the Body Mass Index groups. The obese group had a lower affective response at ventilatory threshold and above ventilatory threshold than the normal weight and overweight groups; the latter two groups did not differ. The obese group had a lower affective response than the normal and overweight groups, which corresponds to a less pleasant experience. Exercise prescriptions for obese subjects targeting intensities below ventilatory threshold can provide a more pleasant experience and may facilitate exercise adherence.

Staying Active under Restrictions: Changes in Type of Physical Exercise during the Initial COVID-19 Lockdown.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated governmental restrictions suddenly changed everyday life and potentially affected exercise behavior. The aim of this study was to explore whether individuals changed their preference for certain types of physical exercise during the pandemic and to identify risk factors for inactivity. An international online survey with 13,881 adult participants from 18 countries/regions was conducted during the initial COVID-19 related lockdown (between April and May 2020). Data on types of exercise performed during and before the initial COVID-19 lockdown were collected, translated, and categorized (free-text input). Sankey charts were used to investigate these changes, and a mixed-effects logistic regression model was used to analyze risks for inactivity. Many participants managed to continue exercising but switched from playing games (e.g., football, tennis) to running, for example. In our sample, the most popular exercise types during the initial COVID-19 lockdown included endurance, muscular strength, and multimodal exercise. Regarding risk factors, higher education, living in rural areas, and physical activity before the COVID-19 lockdown reduced the risk for inactivity during the lockdown. In this relatively active multinational sample of adults, most participants were able to continue their preferred type of exercise despite restrictions, or changed to endurance type activities. Very few became physically inactive. It seems people can adapt quickly and that the constraints imposed by social distancing may even turn into an opportunity to start exercising for some. These findings may be helpful to identify individuals at risk and optimize interventions following a major context change that can disrupt the exercise routine.

Urinary incontinence and waist circumference in older women.

OBJECTIVE: the study aims to determine the association between adiposity and fitness with urinary incontinence (UI) in older women. METHODS: a cross-sectional study was conducted in southern Brazil. A sample of 1,069 urban women, age 60+, was assessed for UI (in-person interview), adiposity (body mass index [BMI] and waist circumference [WC]) and fitness. Logistic regression models were developed to assess the association between UI and the independent variables-adiposity (BMI and WC) and fitness indicators. All models were adjusted for age, socioecomomic level, diabetes and hypertension. RESULTS: BMI and functional tests were not significantly associated with UI. WC was an independent and significant predictor. Relative to women in the lowest quartile of WC, odds ratios for UI were 1.98 for WC of 79-86 cm, 2.07 for WC of 86-94 cm and 2.24 for WC >94 cm (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: central adiposity, as indicated by large WC, increases the risk of UI. Intra-abdominal pressure and its effect on urethral structures may be responsible for this increased risk. Older women should be counselled on the risk of central obesity for UI.

Initial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity and sedentary behavior in hypertensive older adults: An accelerometer-based analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study reports the accelerometer-based physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in hypertensive older adults. METHODS: Thirty-five hypertensive older adults were included in this observational study. Accelerometer-based PA and SB measures were assessed before (January to March 2020) and during (June 2020) the COVID-19 pandemic. Linear mixed models were used to assess within-group changes in PA and SB measures, adjusted by accelerometer wear time. RESULTS: Before COVID-19 pandemic participants presented: 5809 steps/day (SE = 366), 303.1 min/day (SE = 11.9) of light PA, 15.5 min/day (SE = 2.2) of moderate-vigorous PA, and 653.0 min/day (SE = 12.6) of SB. During COVID-19 pandemic there was a decrease in steps/day (ß = -886 steps/day, SE = 361, p = 0.018), in moderate-vigorous PA (ß = -2.8 min/day, SE = 2.4, p = 0.018), and a trend in light PA (ß = -26.6 min/day, SE = 13.4, p = 0.053). In addition, SB increased during the COVID-19 pandemic (ß = 29.6 min/day, SE = 13.4, p = 0.032). The magnitude of changes was greater on the weekend, mainly for steps/day (ß = -1739 steps/day, SE = 424, p < 0.001) and the SB pattern (more time spent in bouts of ≥10 and 30 min, less breaks/day and breaks/h). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic may elicit unhealthy changes in movement behavior in hypertensive older adults. Lower PA, higher and more prolonged SB on the weekend are the main features of the behavioral changes.

Poorer positive affect in response to self-paced exercise among the obese.

We aimed to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and affective response, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and physiological responses during self-paced exercise. Sixty-six women were divided into three groups accordingly with the BMI: obese (n = 22: 33.5 ±â€¯8.5 yr; 34.9 ±â€¯4.1 kg∙m-2), overweight (n = 22: 34.8 ±â€¯8.6 yr; 26.4 ±â€¯1.3 kg∙m-2), and normal-weight (n = 22: 30.8 ±â€¯9.3 yr; 22.0 ±â€¯1.6 kg∙m-2). They underwent a graded exercise test and a 20-min self-paced walking session on a treadmill. Affective responses, RPE, heart rate (HR), and oxygen uptake (VO2) were recorded every 5 min. The women with obesity experienced the lowest affective rates (p < .001), despite similar RPE, HR, and VO2 to the other normal weight and overweight groups. In addition, a multiple regression model indicated that BMI was a significant predictor of affective responses (p < .001). In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that obesity is associated with poorer affective responses to exercise even at self-paced intensity, with the same physiological responses and perceived exertion. Therefore, techniques that aim directly to increase pleasure and/or reduce attentional focus and perception of effort in this population are required, such as affect-regulated prescription, shorter bouts of self-paced exercise throughout the day, distraction away from internal cues (e.g. music, group exercise), etc.

The effect of carbohydrate mouth rinse on performance, biochemical and psychophysiological variables during a cycling time trial: a crossover randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: The hypothesis of the central effect of carbohydrate mouth rinse (CMR) on performance improvement in a fed state has not been established, and its psychophysiological responses have not yet been described. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of CMR in athletes fed state on performance, biochemical and psychophysiological responses compared to ad libitum water intake. METHODS: Eleven trained male cyclists completed a randomized, crossover trial, which consisted of a 30 km cycle ergometer at self-selected intensity and in a fed state. Subjects were under random influence of the following interventions: CMR with a 6% unflavored maltodextrin solution; mouth rinsing with a placebo solution (PMR); drinking "ad libitum" (DAL). The time for completion of the test (min), heart rate (bpm) and power (watts), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), affective response, blood glucose (mg/dL) and lactate (mmol/DL), were evaluated before, during and immediately after the test, while insulin (uIL/mL), cortisol (µg/dL) and creatine kinase (U/L) levels were measured before, immediately after the test and 30 min after the test. RESULTS: Time for completion of the 30 km trial did not differ significantly among CMR, PMR and DAL interventions (means = 54.5 ± 2.9, 54.7 ± 2.9 and 54.5 ± 2.5 min, respectively; p = 0.82). RPE and affective response were higher in DAL intervention (p < 0.01). Glucose, insulin, cortisol and creatine kinase responses showed no significant difference among interventions. CONCLUSIONS: In a fed state, CMR has not caused metabolic changes, and it has not improved physical performance compared to ad libitum water intake, but demonstrated a possible central effect. ReBec registration number: RBR-4vpwkg. Available in http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/?q=RBR-4vpwkg.

Slow Down and Enjoy: The Effects of Cycling Cadence on Pleasure.

Pleasure plays a key role in exercise behavior. However, the influence of cycling cadence needs to be elucidated. Here, we verified the effects of cycling cadence on affect, perceived exertion (ratings of perceived exertion), and physiological responses. In three sessions, 15 men performed a maximal cycling incremental test followed by two 30-min constant workload (50% of peak power) bouts at 60 and 100 r/min. The pleasure was higher when participants cycled at 60 r/min, whereas ratings of perceived exertion, heart rate, and oxygen uptake were lower ( p < .05). Additionally, the rate of decrease in pleasure and increase in ratings of perceived exertion was less steep at 60 r/min ( p < .01). Cycling at 60 r/min is more pleasant, and the perceived effort and physiological demand are lower than at 100 r/min.

The Use of Session RPE to Monitor the Intensity of Weight Training in Older Women: Acute Responses to Eccentric, Concentric, and Dynamic Exercises.

The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) is ability to detect and interpret organic sensations while performing exercises. This method has been used to measure the level of effort that is felt during weight-training at a given intensity. The purpose of this investigation was to compare session RPE values with those of traditional RPE measurements for different weight-training muscle actions, performed together or separately. Fourteen women with no former weight-training experience were recruited for the investigation. All participants completed five sessions of exercise: familiarization, maximum force, concentric-only (CONC-only), eccentric-only (ECC-only), and dynamic (DYN = CONC + ECC). The traditional RPE method was measured after each series of exercises, and the session RPE was measured 30 min after the end of the training session. The statistical analyses used were the paired t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and repeated measures analysis of variance. Significant differences between traditional RPE and session RPE for DYN, CONC, and ECC exercises were not found. This investigation demonstrated that session RPE is similar to traditional RPE in terms of weight-training involving concentric, eccentric, or dynamic muscle exercises, and that it can be used to prescribe and monitor weight-training sessions in older subjects.

Psychophysiological responses to self-paced treadmill and overground exercise.

UNLABELLED: Speculation exists that a positive affective response experienced during exercise may play an important role in predicting exercise adherence. Previous studies using self-paced exercise protocols have been associated with health benefits and pleasant experiences. However, all of these studies were conducted in laboratories, and consequently, the external validity of the findings may be questionable. PURPOSE: To determine whether environmental settings (treadmill vs overground) differentially influence physiological, perceptual, and affective responses to exercise at a self-selected pace. METHODS: Thirty-four individuals (17 men and 17 women) between 18 and 30 yr volunteered to participate in this study. During the orientation session, individuals underwent an initial screening, anthropometric measurements, and familiarization with the experimental procedures. Next, subjects underwent a maximal treadmill test. In the two experimental trials, participants performed 20-min bouts of treadmill and overground walking at a self-selected pace, which were completed in a counterbalanced order. At least 48 h separated experimental trials. RESULTS: Using repeated-measures ANOVA, overground walking speed was significantly faster than treadmill walking speed (P < 0.01) during the 20-min bout of self-paced exercise. However, exercise intensity (%VO2R and %HRR) and perceived exertion during the session of overground walking were significantly lower (P < 0.05) when compared with those during the treadmill session. In addition, affective valence was more positive during the session of overground walking than during the treadmill session (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These data extend previous findings by showing that environmental setting influences physiological, perceptual, and affective responses during exercise at a self-selected pace. Self-paced exercise performed over ground resulted in lower perceptual and more positive affective responses.

Comparação das respostas fisiológicas e perceptuais obtidas durante caminhada na esteira em ritmo autosselecionado entre os sexos / Physiological and perception responses comparison during treadmill walking at self-selected pace between genders

O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar as respostas fisiológicas e perceptuais entre os sexos durante a caminhada na esteira em ritmo autosselecionado. Participaram 17 homens e 17 mulheres, fisicamente ativos, com média de idade de 23,32 ± 3,06 anos, submetidos a duas sessões experimentais: (I) avaliação antropométrica e teste incremental máximo, e (II) um teste de 20 minutos de caminhada na esteira em ritmo autosselecionado. Para a análise estatística, empregou-se teste t de Student para medidas independentes no intuito de verificar as possíveis diferenças entre os sexos, adotando p < 0,05. A velocidade de caminhada autosselecionada pela amostra masculina foi superior à verificada na feminina (1,65 ± 0,18 e 1,50 ± 0,12m·seg-1, respectivamente) o que consequentemente resultou em maior O2 absoluto nos homens comparado às mulheres (21,2 ± 5,5 e 18,3 ± 2,7, respectivamente). No entanto, ambos os sexos buscaram caminhar em mesma intensidade relativa % O2máx, (37,5 ± 10,7 homens e 40,3 ± 7,2 mulheres). Em relação à percepção subjetiva de esforço (PSE), podemos verificar que ambos os sexos não demonstraram diferenças significativas (10,2 ± 1,0 homens e 9,8 ± 1,2 mulheres). Os achados do presente estudo demonstram que, independente do sexo, jovens adultos fisicamente ativos autosselecionaram similar intensidade relativa que refletiu em similar PSE. Além disso, a caminhada em intensidade autosselecionada demonstra-se como estímulo insuficiente para proporcionar melhora no condicionamento cardiorrespiratório nesta população.

The aim of this study was to compare physiological and perception responses between genders during treadmill walking at self-selected pace. 17 men and 17 women aged 23.32 ± 3.06 yr were investigated: (I) anthropometric assessment and incremental exhaustion test, (II) a 20-minute walking bout on treadmill at their self-selected pace. The independent t test was utilized to verify any gender differences, with a level of p < 0.05. The self-selected walking pace was significantly greater in men than women (1.65 ± 0.18 and 1.50 ± 0.12 m·sec-1, respectively), and consequently resulted in higher absolute VO2 for men compared to women (21.2 ± 5.5 and 18.3 ± 2.7, respectively). However, both genders self-selected a similar relative exercise intensity %VO2max (37.5 ± 10.7 and 40.3 ± 7.2 for men and women, respectively). The subjective perceived exertion (SPE) did not differ between genders (10.2 ± 1.0 and 9.8 ± 1.2 for men and women, respectively). The results of the present study demonstrated that regardless of gender, physically active young adults self-selected a similar relative exercise intensity that reflected in similar SPE. Furthermore, gait at self-selected intensity was insufficient to improve cardiorespiratory fitness in this sample.

Respostas fisiológicas e perceptuais obtidas durante a caminhada em ritmo autosselecionado por mulheres com diferentes índices de massa corporal / Physiological and perceived responses obtained during gait in self-selected rhythm by women with different body mass indices

As respostas fisiológicas e perceptuais verificadas durante a caminhada vêm sendo amplamente pesquisadas; contudo, poucas investigações buscaram comparar essas respostas em grupos de diferentes índices de massa corporal durante caminhada em ritmo autosselecionado. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar as respostas fisiológicas e perceptuais entre mulheres com peso normal (PN), sobrepeso (SP) e obesas (OB) durante a caminhada em ritmo autosselecionado. Participaram 66 mulheres sedentárias, com idade entre 20 e 45 anos, designadas em três grupos de acordo com o seu índice de massa corporal: (i) PN (18,5 - 24,9kg·m-2, n = 22); (ii) SP (25,0 - 29,9kg·m-2, n = 22); e (iii) OB (> 30,0kg·m-2, n = 22). Cada participante realizou uma sessão de familiarização e duas sessões experimentais (teste incremental máximo e teste de 20 minutos de caminhada em ritmo autosselecionado), a fim de determinar as respostas fisiológicas (frequência cardíaca, FC; e consumo de oxigênio, VO2) e perceptuais (percepção subjetiva de esforço, PSE) de cada sessão. A ANOVA one-way foi empregada para comparar as respostas fisiológicas e perceptuais obtidas durante a caminhada em ritmo autosselecionado entre os três protocolos experimentais, empregando-se o teste post hoc de Tukey com p < 0,05. Embora os sujeitos com obesidade tenham registrado menor velocidade de caminhada (1,30 ± 0,13m·s-1) comparativamente aos com peso normal e sobrepeso (1,69 ± 0,11 e 1,58 ± 0,22m·s-1, respectivamente) (p < 0,05), eles apresentaram similar resposta fisiológica (58,7 ± 8,6; 63,1 ± 12,6; 64,8 ± 11,1 por centoVO2 e 75,1 ± 7,8; 78,8 ± 8,5; 78,7 ± 7,2 por centoFCmax, para os grupos normal, sobrepeso e obeso, respectivamente). Além disso, as respostas perceptuais também não diferiram entre os grupos experimentais (11,6 ± 1,6; 11,7 ± 1,6; 12,2 ± 1,8, respectivamente). Desse modo, pode-se concluir que, independente do IMC, mulheres adultas apresentam respostas fisiológicas e perceptuais ...

Physiological and perceived responses verified during gait have been widely studied; however, few investigations have tried to compare these responses in groups of different body mass indices during gait in self-selected rhythm. The aim of the present study was to compare the physiological and perceived responses among normative (N), overweighed (OW) and obese (OB) women during gait in self-selected rhythm. Sixty-six sedentary women, aged between 20 and 45 years and divided in three groups according to their body mass indices participated in the study: (i) N (18.5 - 24.9kg·m-2, n = 22); (ii) OW (25.0 - 29.9kg·m-2, n = 22) and (iii) OB (> 30.0kg·m-2, n = 22). Each participant performed a familiarization session and two experimental sessions (maximal incremental test and 20m-walking test in self-selected rhythm) to determine the physiological (heart rate - HR and oxygen consumption - O2) and perceived responses (perceived exertion - PE) of each session. One-way ANOVA was applied to compare the physiological and perceived responses obtained during gait in self-selected rhythm among the three experimental protocols, applying the Tukey's post hoc test with p < 0.05. Although the obese subjects have registered lower walking velocity (1.30 ± 0.13m·s-1) compared with the normative and overweighed ones (1.69 ± 0.11 and 1.58 ± 0.22m·s-1, respectively) (p < 0.05), they presented similar physiological response ((58.7 ± 8.6; 63.1 ± 12.6; 64.8 ± 11.1 percentO2 and 75.1 ± 7.8; 78.8 ± 8.5; 78.7 ± 7.2 percentHRmax, for the normative, overweighed and obese groups, respectively). Moreover, the perceived responses did not differ between experimental groups (11.6 ± 1.6; 11.7 ± 1.6; 12.2 ± 1.8, respectively). Therefore, it can be concluded that regardless of the BMI, adult women present similar physiological and perceived responses during gait in self-selected rhythm even when walking in different velocities.