title: Heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion at the physical working capacity at the heart rate threshold.
abstract: The purpose of this investigation was to examine the heart rate (HR) responses and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during continuous work bouts at 80, 100, and 120% of the physical working capacity at the heart rate threshold (PWCHRT). Ten men (mean age +/- SD = 23.3 +/- 2.9 years) performed a maximal cycle ergometer test and four, 8-minute submaximal work bouts for the determination of PWCHRT. Each subject then performed 3 continuous 1-hour work bouts at 80, 100, and 120% of the power output corresponding to PWCHRT. The results of the 1-hour work bouts showed that slope coefficients for the mean HR vs. time relationships for all 3 power outputs were significantly (p < 0.05) greater than zero and 0.1 bpm x min(-1). In addition, the slope coefficients for mean RPE vs. time relationships for all 3 power outputs were significantly (p < 0.05) greater than zero. The mean slope coefficients for the HR and RPE vs. time relationships indicated that the PWCHRT test overestimated the maximal power output associated with steady-state HR and RPE responses. The mean HR slope coefficient suggested, however, that the PWCHRT could be maintained for over 4 hours.
authors.affiliation: Center for Youth Fitness and Sports Research, University of Nebraska, Lincoln 68588, USA.
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Perry
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Housh
authors.forename: G O
authors.initials: GO
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: K T
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Ebersole
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Bull
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005080:Exercise Test; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*