Use of a perceptually-regulated test to measure maximal oxygen uptake is valid and feels better.
A maximal, perceptually-regulated exercise test (PRETmax) whereby participants control the intensity according to preset ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) may induce more positive affective responses than a conventional 'experimenter controlled' incremental ramp test (Iramp). The authors aimed to assess (1) if a PRETmax could be used to measure VO(2max) and (2) if affective responses differed between the PRETmax and Iramp. Sixteen participants (age 20.5, s=1.2 y) completed a PRETmax which required them to adjust the resistance on a recumbent cycle ergometer to correspond to prescribed RPEs of 9, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 20 and an Iramp. Both tests ended with volitional exhaustion. Affect was recorded every minute throughout exercise using the Feeling Scale (FS). There was no difference (P>0.05) between VO(2max) measured by PRETmax (43.5, s=4.1 ml kg(-1) min(-1)) and Iramp (44.3, s=4.9 ml kg(-1) min(-1)). Participants reported feeling significantly less negative (P<0.001) throughout the PRETmax compared to Iramp (average mean difference FS = 1.4, s=0.1). The PRETmax has application in situations where the direct measurement of VO(2max) is required and the affective responses of the individual are considered to be important.
a Sansom Institute for Health Research, School of Health Sciences , University of South Australia , Adelaide , Australia.
Harrison
H
Evans
Gaynor
G
Parfitt
Roger
R
Eston
D000328:Adult; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000523:psychology / Q000592:standards*; D005221:Fatigue / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010100:Oxygen / Q000502:physiology*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010465:Perception; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D055815:Young Adult
D010100:Oxygen
Exercise tolerance; affect; exercise test; physical exertion