Reliability and Validity of a Pool-Based Maximal Oxygen Uptake Test to Examine High-Intensity Short-Duration Freestyle Swimming Performance.

Nagle, EF, Nagai, T, Beethe, AZ, Lovalekar, MT, Zera, JN, Connaboy, C, Abt, JP, Beals, K, Nindl, BC, Robertson, RJ, and Lephart, SM. Reliability and validity of a pool-based maximal oxygen uptake test to examine high-intensity short-duration freestyle swimming performance. J Strength Cond Res 33(5): 1208-1215, 2019-A modality-specific swimming protocol to assess maximal oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2maxsw) is essential to accurately prescribe and monitor swimming conditioning programs. Consequently, there is a need for a reliable and valid graded intensity swimming pool test to accurately assess V[Combining Dot Above]O2maxsw using indirect calorimetry. The purpose of this study was to assess (a) reliability of an intensity self-regulated swimming pool test of V[Combining Dot Above]O2maxsw and (b) validity of a V[Combining Dot Above]O2maxsw test using performance swim (PS) time as the criterion. Twenty-nine men (n = 15) and women (n = 14) (age, 23 ± 6.4 years; body mass index, 23.5 ± 3.0 kg·m) performed 2 swimming pool V[Combining Dot Above]O2maxsw trials (V[Combining Dot Above]O2maxsw A and V[Combining Dot Above]O2maxsw B), and 2 PS tests (45.7 m [31.20 ± 4.5 seconds] and 182 m [159.2 ± 25.5 seconds]). For test-retest reliability (trials A vs. B), strong correlations (p < 0.05) were found for V[Combining Dot Above]O2maxsw (ml·kg·min) (r = 0.899), O2 pulse (ml O2·beat) (r = 0.833), and maximum expired ventilatory volume (L·min) (r = 0.785). For performance validity, moderately strong correlations (p < 0.05) were found between V[Combining Dot Above]O2maxsw A and 45.7-m (r = -0.543) and 182-m (r = -0.486) swim times. The self-regulated graded intensity swimming pool protocol examined presently is a reliable and valid test of V[Combining Dot Above]O2maxsw. Studies should consider the suitability of a V[Combining Dot Above]O2maxsw test for military personnel, clinical populations, and injured athletes.

Reliability and Accuracy of a Standardized Shallow Water Running Test to Determine Cardiorespiratory Fitness.

A standardized fitness assessment is critical for the development of an individualized exercise prescription. Although the benefits of aquatic exercise have been well established, there remains the need for a standardized nonswimming protocol to accurately assess cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in shallow water. The present investigation was designed to assess (a) the reliability of a standardized shallow water run (SWR) test of CRF and (b) the accuracy of a standardized SWR compared with a land-based treadmill (LTM) test. Twenty-three healthy women (20 ± 3 years), with body mass index (23.5 ± 3 kg·m), performed 2 shallow water peak oxygen consumption (V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak) running tests (SWRa and SWRb), and 1 V[Combining Dot Above]O2max LTM. Intraclass correlation coefficients indicated moderately strong reliability for V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak (ml·kg·min) (r = 0.73, p < 0.01), HRpeak (b·min) (r = 0.82; p < 0.01), and O2pulse (V[Combining Dot Above]O2 [ml·kg·min]·HR [b·min]) (r = 0.77, p < 0.01). Using paired t-tests and Pearson's correlations, SWR V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak and HRpeak were significantly lower than during LTM (p ≤ 0.05) and showed moderate correlations of 0.60 and 0.58 (p < 0.001) to LTM. O2pulse was similar (p > 0.05) for the SWR and LTM tests with a moderate correlation of 0.63. A standardized SWR test as a measure of CRF is a reliable, and to some degree, valid alternative to conventional protocols and may be used by strength and conditioning professionals to measure program outcomes and monitor training progress. Furthermore, this protocol provides a water-based option for CRF assessment among healthy women and offers insight toward the development of an effective protocol that can accommodate individuals with limited mobility, or those seeking less musculoskeletal impact from traditional land-based types of training.

Energy Drinks Improve Five-Kilometer Running Performance in Recreational Endurance Runners.

Prins, PJ, Goss, FL, Nagle, EF, Beals, K, Robertson, RJ, Lovalekar, MT, and Welton, GL. Energy drinks improve five-kilometer running performance in recreational endurance runners. J Strength Cond Res 30(11): 2979-2990, 2016-The purpose of this study was to evaluate exercise performance time and related physiological and perceptual responses of recreational endurance runners after they had ingested a commercially available energy drink (Red Bull, Red Bull GmbH, Fuschl am See, Austria) containing caffeine, glucose, and taurine. Recreational endurance runners (n = 18; 13 men and 5 women; age: 20.39 ± 3.27 years; weight: 71.25 ± 17.17 kg; height: 178.00 ± 7.57 cm; V[Combining Dot Above]O2max: 55.94 ± 7.66 ml·kg·min) participated in a double-blind, crossover, repeated-measures study where they were randomized to supplement with 500 ml of the commercially available energy drink Red Bull and a noncaffeinated, sugar-free placebo (PLA) 60 minutes before completing a 5-km time trial on a treadmill, separated by 7 days. Heart rate, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) (RPE-Overall; RPE-Chest; RPE-Legs), and affect were recorded at rest, 1 hour before ingestion, at 5-minute intervals during the 5-km time trial, and immediately after exercise. Session RPE and session affect were obtained 5 minutes after completion of the 5-km time trial. The distance covered at each 5-minute interval during the 5-km time trial was recorded. Performance improved with the energy drink compared with placebo (Red Bull: 1,413.2 ± 169.7 vs. PLA: 1,443.6 ± 179.2 seconds; p = 0.016), but there were no differences in RPE, affect, session RPE, session affect, or the distance covered at 5-minute splits between the two 5-km time trials (p > 0.05). These results demonstrate that consuming a commercially available energy drink before exercise can improve 5-km performance. These results may have application for altering pre-exercise nutritional strategies in recreational runners.

Observation of OMNI scale of perceived exertion during fire suppression training.

Ratings of perceived exertion in 66 firefighters before, during, and immediately after performing 20 min. of fire suppression training were self-reported by the participants using the OMNI Walk-Run Scale and also recorded by a trained observer. The observer used the same definition of perceived exertion, instructions, and high and low anchoring procedures as the participants. Self-reported and observed ratings of perceived exertion did not differ before or during fire suppression training. Significant differences were noted between the self-reported and observed ratings immediately after fire suppression training. These findings support the use of direct observation to provide estimates of ratings of perceived exertion during fire suppression training.

Prediction of VO2 peak using OMNI Ratings of Perceived Exertion from a submaximal cycle exercise test.

The primary aim of this study was to develop statistical models to predict peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak) using OMNI Ratings of Perceived Exertion measured during submaximal cycle ergometry. Male (M = 20.9 yr., SE = 0.4) and female (M = 21.6 yr., SE = 0.5) participants (N = 81) completed a load-incremented maximal cycle ergometer exercise test. Simultaneous multiple linear regression was used to develop separate VO2 peak statistical models using submaximal ratings of perceived exertion for the overall body, legs, and chest/breathing as predictor variables. VO2 peak (L·min(-1)) predicted for men and women from ratings of perceived exertion for the overall body (3.02 ± 0.06; 2.03 ± 0.04), legs (3.02 ± 0.06; 2.04 ± 0.04), and chest/breathing (3.02 ± 0.05; 2.03 ± 0.03) were similar to measured VO2 peak (3.02 ± 0.10; 2.03 ± 0.06, ps > .05). Statistical models based on submaximal OMNI Ratings of Perceived Exertion provide an easily administered and accurate method to predict VO2 peak.

Development and validity of a scale of perception of velocity in resistance exercise.

This aims of this study were twofold; 1) to development a new scale of perceived velocity in the bench press exercise and 2) to examine the scales concurrent validity. Twenty one physically active males with mean ±SD age, height and weights of: 27.5 ± 4.7 years, 1.77 ± 0.07 m, and 79.8 ± 10.3 kg respectively, took part in the study. The criterion variable used to test the validity of the new scale was the mean execution velocity (Velreal) of the bench press exercise. Three intensities (light loads [< 40% 1RM], medium loads [40% -70% 1RM] and heavy loads [> 70% 1RM]) were measured randomly during 5 days of testing. Perceived velocity (Velscale) was measured immediately after each exercise set using the new scale. A positive linear correlation (r range = 0.69 to 0.81) was found in all three intensities, analyzed individually, between the Velreal and Velscale. Pearson correlations showed a greater frequency of scale use resulted higher correlation values (range r = 0.88 to 0.96). This study provides evidence of the concurrent validity of a new scale of perceived velocity in the bench press exercise in trained adult males. These results suggest the exercise intensity of the bench press can be quantified quickly and effective using this new scale of perceived velocity, particularly when training for maximum power. Key PointsMeasurement of perception of velocity can complement other scales of perception such as the 15 category Borg scale or the OMNI-RES.The results obtained in this study show that there was a positive correlation between the perceived velocity measured by the scale and actual velocityRegular use of the new scale of perceived velocity in external resistance training provides athletes with continuous feedback of execution velocity in each repetition and set, especially with high power loads.

The Use of a Just Noticeable Difference Approach to Improve Perceptual Acuity Ability in Male Runners.

We were interested in micro-variations in an athlete's psychophysical state that separate peak exertion from physiological collapse. Thus, we measured perceptual acuity in runners using a classic psychophysical approach, the just noticeable difference (JND) on two standard stimuli runs at treadmill speed corresponding to 70%VO2max and 80%VO2max. Thirty-four male runners (M age = 35.26, SD = 7.33 years) first performed a maximal treadmill test to determine the speed of a standard exercise bout for the JND trials. The JND trials consisted of four 5-minute running bouts on a treadmill with 5-minute rests between bouts. For bouts 1 and 3, participants ran at the standard stimuli pace, but for bouts 2 and 4, they adjusted their speeds to achieve a level of exertion at a JND above/below the SS. They achieved differences in the final 30 seconds of the VO2 between each JND bout and the previous standard stimuli at just above (JND-A) and just below (JND-B) the JND perceived exertions. We used a Generalized Linear Model analysis to compare the JND-A and JND-B within and between ventilatory threshold groups (lower/higher) in absolute and relative VO2 and in terms of the total JND magnitude. The magnitude of JND-A was greater than that of JND-B at 70%VO2max and 80%VO2max in absolute units (70%VO2 Δ = 2.62; SE = 0.37; p < .001; 80%VO2 Δ = 1.67; SE = 0.44; p = .002) and in relative units (70%VO2max Δ = 4.70; SE = 0.66; p < .001; 80%VO2max Δ = 2.96; SE = 0.80; p = .002). The total magnitude was greater in the 70%VO2max trial than 80%VO2max in absolute units (70%VO2 M = 3.78, SE = 0.31 mL·kg-1·min-1; 80%VO2 M = 2.62, SE = 0.37 mL·kg-1·min-1; p = .020) and in relative units (70%VO2max M = 6.57, SE = 0.53%VO2max; 80%VO2max M = 4.71, SE = 0.64%VO2max; p = .030). The JND range narrowed when physiologic demand increased, for both physical (speed) and psychological (RPE) variables.

Session perceived exertion and affective responses to self-selected and imposed cycle exercise of the same intensity in young men.

Session perceived exertion (S-RPE) and session affective responses (S-AR) are post-exercise estimates of the global responses experienced during exercise. To compare S-RPE and S-AR to acute RPE (A-RPE) and acute AR (A-AR) during self-selected (SS) and imposed (IMP) exercise of the same workload. Thirty-two males (22.3 ± 2.2 years) performed two, 20-min cycle exercise trials. In the SS trial, subjects adjusted SS workload every 5 min. In the IMP trial, workload was automatically adjusted to the SS workload. Experimental (EXP, n = 16) subjects were unaware that workload was the same between the trials. Control (CON, n = 16) subjects were aware that both trials were of the same workload. A-RPE and A-AR were measured every 5 min using the OMNI Scale and Feeling Scale, respectively. Fifteen minutes following a cool-down, subjects rated S-RPE and S-AR. Session and exercise values were compared between trials and groups using ANOVA. No between-group differences were observed. There were no differences between the SS and IMP trials for S-RPE, A-RPE, S-AR and A-AR. For SS and IMP trials, S-RPE was greater than A-RPE (4.6 ± 1.5 vs. 3.9 ± 1.4; 4.3 ± 1.6 vs. 3.7 ± 1.4, respectively, p < 0.05). S-AR was greater than A-AR for the SS trial (1.9 ± 1.3 vs. 2.3 ± 1.5, p < 0.05), but not the IMP trial (1.9 ± 1.5 vs. 2.2 ± 1.4). A mismatch exists between the session and acute exercise values for RPE and AR during the SS cycle exercise in young males.

Just noticeable difference in perception of physical exertion during cycle exercise in young adult men and women.

The purpose of this investigation was to describe the just noticeable difference (JND) in perceived exertion during cycle exercise. Males (n = 20) and females (n = 26) (21.4 ± 3.1 year) performed load-incremented cycle exercise to peak intensity. At the end of each minute, subjects rated their overall-body perceived exertion using the OMNI (0-10) rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale. Individual regression derived the power output (PO) corresponding to RPE 5. This PO served as the standard stimulus (SS). On a separate occasion, four 5-min cycling bouts were performed with 5 min rest between bouts. During bouts 1 and 3 subjects cycled at the SS. During bouts 2 and 4 subjects adjusted the resistance to achieve a level of exertion just noticeably above/below the SS. The difference in final 30-s oxygen consumption (VO2) and PO between each JND bout and the previous SS were the above (JND-A) and below (JND-B) perceived exertion JNDs. JND-A and JND-B were compared between genders and between subjects exhibiting lower versus higher ventilatory threshold (VT) and VO(2PEAK) within genders for VO2 (l · min(-1), %VO(2PEAK)) and PO (W, %SS). JND-B was significantly (P < 0.05) greater than JND-A for VO2 and PO, when expressed in absolute (l · min(-1), W) and relative units (%VO(2PEAK), %SS). Males exhibited greater JND values than females in absolute, but not relative, units. Subjects with lower and higher VT and VO(2)PEAK exhibited similar JND values. The JND can serve as an effective tool to measure perceptual acuity and to determine individual ability to self-regulate prescribed exercise intensities.

Validation of the OMNI Scale of Thermal Sensations.

Concurrent and construct validation of the OMNI Scale of Thermal Sensations was examined in a sample of 16 adult men and 5 adult women. Concurrent validity was established by regressing OMNI ratings of thermal sensation against core and skin temperatures obtained during treadmill walking while wearing firefighter thermal-protective clothing in temperatures between 33 and 35 degrees C. Construct validity was established by regressing the OMNI scale against a construct-specific visual analogue scale. OMNI scale responses accounted for statistically significant variance in both skin temperature and core temperature (48% and 51%, respectively) and visual analogue scale responses (84%). Concurrent and construct validity were established for the OMNI Scale of Thermal Sensations in healthy adults performing treadmill walking while wearing fire fighter thermal protective clothing.

Energy expenditure, cardiorespiratory, and perceptual responses to shallow-water aquatic exercise in young adult women.

INTRODUCTION: Aquatic exercise (AE) is a popular form of physical activity, yet few studies have assessed the individual's energy expenditure (EE) associated with a continuous bout of AE. Studies using indirect calorimetry to measure EE have reported limitations associated with test methodology and the ability to control individual's exercise intensity or tempo. PURPOSE: To evaluate EE and cardiorespiratory (CR) responses during a 40-minute shallow-water AE session in young adult women. METHODS: Twenty-one healthy women (aged 21.7 ± 3.4 years) completed an orientation practice session and a 40-minute shallow-water AE session using a traditional exercise class format and the SWEAT video-based instructional cuing program. The high-intensity interval format included the following segments: 1) warm-up (3 minutes); 2) CR segment ( 22 minutes); 3) muscular endurance segment (ME; 10 minutes); and 4) cool-down (5 minutes). Subject oxygen consumption (VO2; mL/kg/min), heart rate (HR) and OMNI overall ratings of perceived exertion (RPE-O) were assessed each minute. Average kcal/min1, metabolic equivalents (METs; 1 MET = 3.5 mL/kg/min), and total kcals per segment and for the overall session were calculated. RESULTS: The total subject EE throughout the 40-minute trial (including warm-up and cool-down segments) was 264 kcals, with an overall average of 6.3 kcals/min (5.6 METs).The average kcals/min expended throughout CR segments 2 through 6 was 8.05 (7.1 METs), with the Hoverjog segment producing the greatest average kcals/min at 8.3 (7.3 METs). The CR portion (22 min) contributed 65% of the total EE (171 kcals) of the 40-minute AE trial. For the overall AE trial, the highest and average subject VO2 achieved were 33.3 and 19.7 mL/kg/min, respectively. The average highest subject heart rate achieved was 177 beats per minute (bpm), equivalent to 90% of the participant's age-predicted HRmax. CONCLUSION: Energy expenditure during a 40-minute AE session met national recommendations for a daily moderate-to-vigorous bout of physical activity offering a viable alternative to land-based exercise. Because AE serves as a partial-weight bearing modality, future studies are needed to clarify the EE of shallow-water AE in apparently healthy and clinical populations.

Self-efficacy and enjoyment of middle school children performing the progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run (PACER).

Self-efficacy and enjoyment were examined among 34 middle school children (M age = 12.5 yr.) performing the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER). Exercise self-efficacy (running) and physical activity enjoyment were measured after viewing a video illustrating the PACER, and subsequently following a PACER test. Significantly greater pre- than post-exercise self-efficacy was reported; enjoyment scores did not differ. Ratings of self-efficacy were higher before exercise than after, but enjoyment scores were not significantly different. A significant correlation was found between post-exercise self-efficacy and enjoyment, but not between pre-exercise self-efficacy and enjoyment. Although positive correlations were found between PACER laps and pre-/post-exercise self-efficacy, correlations with ratings of enjoyment were not significant. Exercise self-efficacy was associated with children's beliefs about the task-specific PACER aerobic exercise; however, exercise enjoyment was stable. Children's self-efficacy and enjoyment beliefs should be considered when developing interventional strategies to promote aerobic exercise participation.

Cross-cultural adaptation and concurrent validity of the children's OMNI scale of perceived exertion for Arm-Crank activity in Spina Bifida.

PURPOSE: To perform a cross-cultural adaptation of the OMNI verbal descriptors to Brazilian-Portuguese and examine the validity of the Brazilian version for arm-crank activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-cultural adaptation stages were: permission, translation, synthesis, back translation, expert committee review, pretesting, and submission and appraisal. For the concurrent validity, a Brazilian OMNI-Wheel scale was used to obtain rating of perceived exertion for the overall body (RPEOverall) and arms (RPEArms) in participants (n = 9, 10-17 years) with spina bifida. Cardiopulmonary exercise test was used to measure heart rate (HR) and oxygen uptake (VO2). Repeated Measures Correlation (rrm) was used to examine the scale validity. RESULTS: The cross-cultural adaptation produced equivalence between English and Brazilian-Portuguese verbal descriptors based on successful translation and pretesting. The Brazilian OMNI-wheel was validated based on strong associations of RPEOverall with VO2 (rrm (35) = 0.86, 95% CI [0.93, 0.73], p < 0.001) and HR (rrm (35) = 0.89, 95% CI [0.94, 0.79], p < 0.001) and RPEArms with VO2 (rrm (33) = 0.82, 95% CI [0.91, 0.66], p < 0.001) and HR (rrm (33) = 0.82, 95% CI [0.91, 0.66], p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The OMNI scale was cross-culturally adapted to Brazilian-Portuguese. The Brazilian OMNI-Wheel was validated based on strong associations of RPE with HR and VO2. Implications For RehabilitationThe original English OMNI was cross-culturally adapted to Brazilian-Portuguese.A Brazilian wheelchair OMNI was concurrently validated for Arm-Crank Activity in adolescents with spina bifida.This OMNI scale version may aid health providers in monitoring perceived exertion in Brazil.

Reliability and Validity of a Flume-Based Maximal Oxygen Uptake Swimming Test.

A mode-specific swimming protocol to assess maximal aerobic uptake (VO2maxsw) is vital to accurately evaluate swimming performance. A need exists for reliable and valid swimming protocols that assess VO2maxsw in a flume environment. The purpose was to assess: (a) reliability and (b) "performance" validity of a VO2maxsw flume protocol using the 457-m freestyle pool performance swim (PS) test as the criterion. Nineteen males (n = 9) and females (n = 10) (age, 28.5 ± 8.3 years.; height, 174.7 ± 8.2 cm; mass, 72.9 ± 12.5 kg; %body fat, 21.4 ± 5.9) performed two flume VO2maxsw tests (VO2maxswA and VO2maxswB) and one PS test [457 m (469.4 ± 94.7 s)]. For test-retest reliability (Trials A vs. B), moderately strong relationships were established for VO2maxsw (mL·kg-1·min-1)(r= 0.628, p = 0.002), O2pulse (mL O2·beat-1)(r = 0.502, p = 0.014), VEmax (L·min-1) (r = 0.671, p = 0.001), final test time (sec) (0.608, p = 0.004), and immediate post-test blood lactate (IPE (BLa)) (0.716, p = 0.001). For performance validity, moderately strong relationships (p < 0.05) were found between VO2maxswA (r =-0.648, p = 0.005), O2pulse (r= -0.623, p = 0.008), VEmax (r = -0.509 p = 0.037), and 457-m swim times. The swimming flume protocol examined is a reliable and valid assessment of VO2maxsw., and offers an alternative for military, open water, or those seeking complementary forms of training to improve swimming performance.

OMNI Scale of Perceived Exertion: mixed gender and race validation for Singapore children during cycle exercise.

The children's OMNI Scale of Perceived Exertion (RPE) has not been validated for children of Asian origin. The purpose was to validate the RPE for Singapore children, 12-15 years. 81 children of male and female of Chinese, Malay, and Indian ethnicities participated in the study. A cross-sectional, perceptual estimation paradigm using a multistage cycle ergometer protocol was used. Oxygen consumption ([Formula: see text]; ml min(-1)), heart rate (HR; beats min(-1)), and RPE for the Overall body (RPE-O), Legs (RPE-L), and Chest (RPE-C) were determined at the end of each continuously administered 3-min power output stage (PO) starting at 25 W with 25 W increments until exhaustion. For validation, linear regression analysis for all PO revealed that RPE-O, RPE-L, and RPE-C for each of the six gender-race and combined cohort distributed as positive linear functions of both [Formula: see text] (ml min(-1), ml kg(-1) min(-1)) and HR (beats min(-1)). All regression functions were statistically significant (P < 0.01). Differences between undifferentiated (RPE-O) and differentiated (RPE-L and RPE-C) at each PO stage were examined separately for the male (up to PO 8 [200 W]) and female (up to PO 5 [125 W]) cohorts. For the males, RPE-L was greater (P < 0.05) than both RPE-C and RPE-O only at PO 8. For the females, RPE-O was greater (P < 0.05) than RPE-C only at PO 3 and 4. OMNI Scale validity was established for male and female Asian children of Chinese, Malay, and Indian origin. Male and female children did not perceive the intensity of exertional perceptions to differ between the legs and the chest. As there were no differences between the undifferentiated and differentiated perceptual responses, a dominant signal was not observed.

Development of a perceptual hyperthermia index to evaluate heat strain during treadmill exercise.

Fire suppression and rescue is a physiologically demanding occupation due to extreme external heat as well as the physical and thermal burden of the protective garments. These conditions challenge body temperature homeostasis and results in heat stress. Accurate field assessment of core temperature is complex and unreliable. The present investigation developed a perceptually based hyperthermia metric to measure physiologic exertional heat strain during treadmill exercise. Sixty-five (28.9 ± 6.8 years) female (n = 11) and male (n = 54) firefighters and non-firefighting volunteers participated in four related exertional heat stress investigations performing treadmill exercise in a heated room while wearing thermal protective clothing. Body core temperature, perceived exertion, and thermal sensation were assessed at baseline, 20-mins exercise, and at termination. Perceived exertion increased from baseline (0.24 ± 0.42) to termination (7.43 ± 1.86). Thermal sensation increased from baseline (1.78 ± 0.77) to termination (4.50 ± 0.68). Perceived exertion and thermal sensation were measured concurrently with body core temperature to develop a two-dimensional graphical representation of three exertional heat strain zones representative of a range of mean body core temperature responses such that low risk (green) incorporated 36.0-37.4°C, moderate risk (yellow) incorporated 37.5-37.9°C, and high risk (red) incorporated 38.0 to greater than 40.5°C. The perceptual hyperthermia index (PHI) may provide a quick and easy momentary assessment of the level of risk for exertional heat stress for firefighters engaged in fire suppression that may be beneficial in high-risk environments that threaten the lives of firefighters.

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.

Effects of exercise intensity on rating of perceived exertion during a multiple-set resistance exercise session.

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of intensity on rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during a multiple-set resistance exercise session. Fourteen men (22.9 ± 3.8 years) with previous experience in resistance training (22.9 ± 3.8 years) performed 2 experimental sessions in random order: resistance exercise at 50% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) (E50%) and resistance exercise at 70% of 1RM (E70%). In both sessions, 5 exercises (bench press, bent-over row, frontal raises, arm curl, and overhead triceps extension) were performed in 3 sets of 12, 9, and 6 repetitions, respectively. Active muscle RPEs were measured after each repetition using the OMNI-Resistance Exercise Scale (OMNI-RES). In the 3 sets of 5 exercises, the RPE was higher at E70% than that at E50%. The differences in RPE between intensities were observed in both the first and the sixth repetitions for each exercise. In the E70% session, the RPE increased between sets in all exercises, whereas it did not change in the E50% session. In conclusion, the RPE was higher at 70% of 1RM than that at 50% of 1RM. Moreover, in a multiple-set prescription, the RPE did not change between sets with 50% of 1RM, whereas the RPE increased between sets with 70% of 1RM. These findings suggest that RPE can be effectively used to prescribe and monitor resistance exercise intensity during an entire multiple-set exercise session in young men with previous experience in resistance training.

Effects of rest interval length on rating of perceived exertion during a multiple-set resistance exercise.

This investigation analyzed the effect of rest interval length on the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during a resistance exercise session. Nineteen males performed two experimental sessions: resistance exercise with 30-sec. rest intervals (E30) and 90-sec. rest intervals (E90). In both sessions, five exercises (bench press, knee extension, seated row, knee curl, and frontal rise) were performed at 50% 1RM in three sets of 12, 9, and 6 repetitions, respectively. In the E30 session, the RPE increased between sets in all exercises, while in the E90 session, the RPE increased from the first set to the second set in three exercises. RPE in the E30 session was higher than that in the E90 session in the third set. The results suggest that RPE increases for shorter rest intervals than for longer rest intervals. Therefore, the RPE could be considered an indicator of muscle recovery during resistance exercise.

Reliability and Validity of the OMNI-Vibration Exercise Scale of Perceived Exertion.

UNLABELLED: This study examined reliability and concurrent validity of the newly developed OMNI-vibration exercise scale (OMNI-VIBRO) to measure Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) during vibration exercise in twenty recreationally active students (12 males and 8 females). The criterion variables were muscle activity of the Vastus Medialis (VM), Vastus Lateralis (VL), Biceps Femoris (BF), and Medial Gastrocnemius (MG) muscles, as well as accelerations (12.5, 20.2, 30.9, 36.3, 60.1, and 88.4 m·s(-2)). RPE was registered during the final of each 30 s condition. Each participant attended two laboratory testing sessions. Positive linear regression coefficients (p < 0.001) were found between RPE (OMNI-VIBRO) and acceleration (r = 0.976) and muscle activity of lower-body muscles (r = 0.942). Between session (test-retest), reliability of RPE (OMNI-VIBRO) was good (ICC: 0.790. 95% CI: 0.699-0.854). CONCLUSIONS: findings provided concurrent validation of the OMNI-VIBRO to measure RPE for the active muscle and overall body in recreationally active students performing lower-body vibration exercise. Key pointsThe pictorial-verbal category scale of perception of exertion (OMNI-VIBRO) during lower body vibration exercise on a vibration platform showed good concurrent validity.The OMNI-VIBRO method in conjunction with WBV exercise would allow coaches, fitness professionals, or health-care personnel to assess the intensity that corresponds to the level of the vibratory stimulus.The OMNI-VIBRO could be a useful tool of measuring the different intensities of a vibratory-training session and altering the vibratory stimulus in a periodized fashion.