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.

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.

Affective and metabolic responses to self-selected intensity cycle exercise in young men.

Self-selected intensity exercise has resulted in greater affective responses (AR) compared to prescribed exercise of similar intensity and many individuals self-select intensity at a moderate level identified by metabolic analysis. As such, self-selected intensity may be an effective alternative for exercise prescription designed to promote adherence and result in health and fitness benefits. Self-selected intensity has not been well described for many subject populations and exercise modes. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to measure affective and metabolic responses during self-selected intensity cycle exercise in college-aged men. Thirty-three men (22.4 ±â€¯2.2 yr) performed a peak oxygen consumption test and a 20 min self-selected trial on a cycle ergometer on separate days. Oxygen consumption (VO2) was measured continuously throughout both exercise sessions. AR were measured using the Feeling Scale and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) using the OMNI Scale every 5 min during the self-selected trial. χ2 analysis was used to determine if a significant proportion of subjects self-selected intensity above 50% VO2 reserve (VO2R), defined as a threshold for moderate-intensity exercise and potential cardiorespiratory fitness benefits by American College of Sports Medicine. Mean self-selected intensity was 57.6 ±â€¯11.1%VO2peak and 89.3 ±â€¯20.2% of ventilatory threshold. Twenty eight of 33 subjects self-selected intensity above 50% VO2R (p < .05). Self-selected intensity was associated with positive AR (1.8 ±â€¯1.4) and mean RPE of 4.0 ±â€¯1.5. In college-aged men, self-selected intensity cycle exercise was performed at a moderate intensity level and elicited positive AR for most subjects. Therefore, self-selected intensity could be an effective component of an exercise prescription for this population.

Exercise Prescription Using a Group-Normalized Rating of Perceived Exertion in Adolescents and Adults With Spina Bifida.

BACKGROUND: People with spina bifida (SB) face personal and environmental barriers to exercise that contribute to physical inactivity, obesity, risk of cardiovascular disease, and poor aerobic fitness. The WHEEL rating of perceived exertion (RPE) Scale was validated in people with SB to monitor exercise intensity. However, the psycho-physiological link between RPE and ventilatory breakpoint (Vpt), the group-normalized perceptual response, has not been determined and would provide a starting point for aerobic exercise in this cohort. OBJECTIVES: The primary objectives were to determine the group-normalized RPE equivalent to Vpt based on WHEEL and Borg Scale ratings and to develop a regression model to predict Borg Scale (conditional metric) from WHEEL Scale (criterion metric). The secondary objective was to create a table of interchangeable values between WHEEL and Borg Scale RPE for people with SB performing a load incremental stress test. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational. SETTING: University laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-nine participants with SB. METHODS: Participants completed a load incremented arm ergometer exercise stress test. WHEEL and Borg Scale ratings were recorded the last 15 seconds of each 1-minute test phase. OUTCOME MEASURES: WHEEL and Borg Scale ratings, metabolic measures (eg, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production). Determined Vpt via plots of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production against time. RESULTS: Nineteen of 29 participants achieved Vpt (Group A). The mean ± standard deviation peak oxygen consumption at Vpt for Group A was 61.76 ± 16.26. The WHEEL and Borg Scale RPE at Vpt were 5.74 ± 2.58 (range 0-10) and 13.95 ± 3.50 (range 6-19), respectively. A significant linear regression model was developed (Borg Scale rating = 1.22 × WHEEL Scale rating + 7.14) and used to create a WHEEL-to-Borg Scale RPE conversion table. CONCLUSION: A significant linear regression model and table of interchangeable values was developed for participants with SB. The group-normalized RPE (WHEEL, 5.74; Borg, 13.95) can be used to prescribe and self-regulate arm ergometer exercise intensity approximating the Vpt. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

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.

Exertional Observation in Adults Performing Intermittent Treadmill Walking and Running.

The present investigation examined the Adult OMNI Walk-Run Scale for use by an independent observer to rate an individual's perception of exertion during intermittent treadmill walking and running. Forty (22.4 ± 2.9 yrs) recreationally active males (n = 18) and females (n = 22) completed three 5-min intermittent bouts of treadmill exercise. The exercise bouts were a level walk (LW; 4.0 km·hr-1, 0% grade), hill walk (HW; 5.6 km·hr-1, 5% grade), and run (R; 8 km·hr-1, 2.5% grade). Each bout was separated by a 5-min recovery period. RPE responses were simultaneously estimated by an observer and self-estimated by the participant during each bout using the Adult OMNI Walk-Run Scale. Session RPE responses were simultaneously estimated by the same observer and self-estimated by the participant 5-min post-exercise session. Analysis of variance indicated no significant mean differences between observer RPE and participant RPE (p > 0.05) except for males during the running bout (p < 0.05). Additionally, there were no significant mean differences between the observer RPE and the participant RPE for the session ratings (p > 0.05). Finally, strong positive correlations were found between observer and participant RPE ranging from 0.79-0.84 for exercise bouts and moderate-strong positive correlations ranging from 0.58-0.64 for the exercise session. Results support the use of the OMNI RPE Scale in a direct observation procedure to estimate exertion in female and male young adults performing intermittent treadmill walking and running. This observation-based procedure provides the practitioner with an opportunity to independently evaluate the perceptual intensity of individuals involved in aerobic exercise.

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.

Parenthood and Physical Activity in Young Adults: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: New parents have to adjust to less sleep, less free time, and more responsibility as a result of having a child. The purpose of this study was to examine how having a child impacts the physical activity (PA) beliefs and behaviors of new parents over a 2- to 3-year time period. METHODS: Participants included 49 men and women (31% men, 96% white) who did not have a child at baseline (26.3 ± 1.1 years old) but did have a child at the time of follow-up (28.9 ± 1.7 years old). The child's mean age at follow-up was 12 ± 7 months old. PA was measured via questionnaire at baseline and again at follow-up. Interviews regarding PA occurred at follow-up. RESULTS: PA significantly decreased in parents across the time period (P < .001), and parents attributed this decrease to having a child and being pregnant. Parents mentioned they lack time, energy, and motivation for PA as a result of caring for a new child. Parents who maintained their activity level stated they prioritized PA and chose activities they enjoyed. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that although activity levels decrease in individuals who have a child, PA in new parents may be a function of priority, intensity, and enjoyment.

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.

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.

Predicting Power Output of Upper Body using the OMNI-RES Scale.

The main aim of this study was to determine the optimal training zone for maximum power output. This was to be achieved through estimating mean bar velocity of the concentric phase of a bench press using a prediction equation. The values for the prediction equation would be obtained using OMNI-RES scale values of different loads of the bench press exercise. Sixty males (age 23.61 2.81 year; body height 176.29 6.73 cm; body mass 73.28 4.75 kg) voluntarily participated in the study and were tested using an incremental protocol on a Smith machine to determine one repetition maximum (1RM) in the bench press exercise. A linear regression analysis produced a strong correlation (r = -0.94) between rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and mean bar velocity (Velmean). The Pearson correlation analysis between real power output (PotReal) and estimated power (PotEst) showed a strong correlation coefficient of r = 0.77, significant at a level of p = 0.01. Therefore, the OMNI-RES scale can be used to predict Velmean in the bench press exercise to control the intensity of the exercise. The positive relationship between PotReal and PotEst allowed for the identification of a maximum power-training zone.

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.

Validation of the OMNI RPE Seven Day Exertional Recall Questionnaire.

PURPOSE: The present study examined the validity of the Seven Day Recall Questionnaire among recreationally active men and women. METHOD: Initially, participants completed a level walk (2.5 mph [4.0 kph]), hill walk (3.5 mph [5.6 kph], 5% grade), and run (5.0 mph [8.0 kph], 2.5% grade). Seven days later, participants were given the Seven Day Recall Questionnaire and rated their perceived exertion associated with the exercise bouts. Participants then repeated the same exercise bouts as in Session 1, and the OMNI rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was estimated. RESULTS: Concurrent validity indicated that for both men and women, respectively, the RPE-Overall (r = .48, r = .70), RPE-Leg (r = .43, r = .66), and RPE-Chest (r = .47, r = .66) derived from the Seven Day Recall Questionnaire distributed as a function of oxygen consumption. RPE-Overall (r = .61, r = .76), RPE-Leg (r = .56, r = .72), and RPE-Chest (r = .61, r = .72) from the Seven Day Recall Questionnaire distributed as a function of heart rate. Convergent validity coefficients between the perceptual responses from the Seven Day Recall Questionnaire and the recall/criterion session were: level walk (r = .53-.87, r = .51-.80), hill walk (r = .65-.79, r = .56-.64), and run (r = .60-.68, r = .68-.78) for men and women, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Concurrent and convergent evidence partially supports the utilization of the Seven Day Recall Questionnaire to recall the relative intensity of walking and running exercise sessions conducted 7 days prior.

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.

Intensity selection and regulation using the OMNI scale of perceived exertion during intermittent exercise.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if subjects can self-regulate exercise intensity during intermittent exercise by using ratings of perceived exertion. Thirty-one subjects completed an estimation trial maximal treadmill graded exercise test (GXT). Using the oxygen uptake and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) from the GXT, target RPEs that corresponded to 50% and 70% of oxygen uptake reserve were determined. During the subsequent 20 min production trial, subjects titrated treadmill speed and grade to elicit the target RPEs that were presented in 2 counterbalanced orders (counterbalance order I (70%-50% of oxygen uptake reserve) or counterbalance order II (50%-70% of oxygen uptake reserve)). Heart rate (HR) and oxygen uptake were higher in the production trial compared with the estimation trial for counterbalance order I (p < 0.001) at an RPE that corresponded to 50% of oxygen uptake reserve. There was no difference in HR and oxygen uptake between the estimation and production trial for counterbalance order II (p < 0.05). HR was higher in the production trial compared with estimation trial for counterbalance order I (p < 0.05) at an RPE that corresponded to 70% of oxygen uptake reserve. There was no difference in HR between the estimation and production trials for counterbalance order II (p < 0.05). At an RPE that corresponded to 70% of oxygen uptake reserve, there was no difference in the oxygen uptake between the estimation and production trials (p < 0.05). A difference in HR (p < 0.05) and oxygen uptake (p < 0.05) between the 2 prescribed production trial intensities was indicated. The subjects were able to utilize RPE to self-regulate intensity during 20 min of exercise at varying intensity when beginning with the target RPE that corresponded to 50% of oxygen uptake reserve.

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.

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.

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.