[Comparison between the prescription of physical training intensity based on the standard ergometric test and on the ergospirometric test].
OBJECTIVE
To compare the lower (LL) and upper limits (UL) of exercise intensity prescription based on standard exercise test (60-70% of estimated VO2max or 70-85% of HRmax measured) with exercise intensity prescription based on cardiopulmonary exercise test [anaerobic threshold (AT) and respiratory compensation point (RCP)].


METHODS
Fourty seven men (30 +/- 5 years) who were submitted to a progressive cardiopulmonary exercise test until exhaustion were divided in subgroups according to treadmill speed during exercise test (4 or 5 mph) and the physical capacity [lower (LPC) and moderate physical capacity (MPC)].


RESULTS
The LL of the indirect exercise intensity prescription showed VO2 and HR values significantly higher than VO2 and HR values measured at AT (4 mph = 34.4 +/- 4.5 vs 19.6 +/- 4.6 and 5 mph = 28.9 +/- 2 vs 18.9 +/- 5.4, and LPC = 32.0 +/- 4.1 vs 17.2 +/- 2.8 and MPC = 31.6 +/- 4.9 vs 21.1 +/- 5.7 mlO2.kg-1.min-1) and (4 mph = 128.9 +/- 7.8 vs 113.1 +/- 15.6 and 5 mph = 130.3 +/- 5.2 vs 114.1 +/- 18.9, and LPC = 127.6 +/- 7.2 vs 109.3 +/- 13.2 and MPC = 131.2 +/- 5.7 vs 117.4 +/- 19.2 bpm) The UL of the indirect exercise intensity prescription in 4 mph and LPC group showed VO2 values significantly higher than those measured at RCP (40.1 +/- 5.3 vs 32.2 +/- 4.3 and 37.4 +/- 4.8 vs 30.6 +/- 2.5 mlO2.kg-1.min-1, respectively), but similar HR values to those obtained at RCP.


CONCLUSIONS
The LL of prescription based on standard exercise test overestimate the AT, whereas the UL seem adequate only for subjects with moderate physical capacity.
Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas, FMUSP.
M U
MU
Rondon
C L
CL
Forjaz
N
N
Nunes
S L
SL
do Amaral
A C
AC
Barretto
C E
CE
Negrão
D000328:Adult; D016552:Ergometry; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008448:Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate / Q000502:physiology; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D013147:Spirometry