Effect of pedal rate and power output on rating of perceived exertion during cycle ergometry exercise.
This study examined differentiated rating of perceived exertion (RPE), heart rate, and heart-rate variability during light cycle ergometry exercise at two different pedal rates. 30 healthy men (22.6 +/- 0.9 yr.) were recruited from a student population and completed a continuous 20-min. cycle ergometry exercise protocol, consisting of a 4-min. warm-up (60 rev./min., 30 Watts), followed by four bouts of 4 min. at different combinations of pedal rate (40 or 80 rev./min.) and power output (40 or 80 Watts). The order of the four combinations was counterbalanced across participants. Heart rate was measured using a polar heart-rate monitor, and parasympathetic balance was assessed through time series analysis of heart-rate variability. Measures were compared using a 2 (pedal rate) x 2 (power output) repeated-measures analysis of variance. RPE was significantly greater (p<.05) at 80 versus 40 rev./min. at 40 W. For both power outputs heart rate was significantly increased, and the high frequency component of heart-rate variability was significantly reduced at 80 compared with 40 rev./min. These findings indicate the RPE was greater at higher than at lower pedalling rates for a light absolute power output which contrasts with previous findings based on use of higher power output. Also, pedal rate had a significant effect on heart rate and heart-rate variability at constant power output.
Hamer
Mark
M
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Psychobiology Group, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 6BT, UK. m.hamer@ucl.ac.uk
Boutcher
Yati N
YN
Boutcher
Stephen H
SH
D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D001143:Arousal; D004562:Electrocardiography; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D005082:Physical Exertion