Effects of order of presentation of exercise intensities and of sauna baths on perceived exertion during treadmill running.
Thirteen male subjects performed a running test on the treadmill consisting of four standard exercise intensities [65%, 75%, 85%, 95% maximal O2 uptake (VO2 max)] presented in ascending, descending or random order. At the end of each exercise intensity, O2 consumption, heart rate (fc), venous blood lactate concentration [( Ia]b) and perceived exertion were assessed. This last variable was determined according to the Borg nonlinear CR-20 scale. The same variables were also determined during exercise at a standard intensity (65% or 95% VO2 max) performed before and after a Finnish sauna bath. Ratings of perceived exertion showed a good test-retest reliability (r = 0.77); they were the same when the exercise intensity was expressed in relative (%VO2 max) or absolute (speed) terms, and were independent of the order of presentation of the exercise. The latter had no effect on fc either but it did, however, influence [Ia]b, which was significantly higher in the descending, as compared to the ascending or random modes of presentation. The sauna bath increased fc at a given exercise intensity, but left perceived exertion and [Ia]b unchanged. It was concluded that at least under the present experimental conditions, fc and venous [Ia]b do not play a major role as determinants of perceived exertion.
Bloem
P J
PJ
Department of Exercise Physiology and Health Science, Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, Free University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Goessens
L M
LM
Zamparo
P
P
Sacher
M
M
Paviotti
R
R
di Prampero
P E
PE
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D005082:Physical Exertion; D010827:Physiology / Q000379:methods; D012420:Running; D029002:Steam Bath