Subjective Responses to Interval and Continuous Exercise in Adults With Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction

Area of Science:

• Exercise Science
• Sports Medicine
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Background:

• Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIBC) can cause asthma symptoms, potentially reducing physical activity in affected adults.
• Understanding the physiological and affective responses to different exercise intensities and types is crucial for managing EIBC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate perceived exertion (RPE), breathlessness (RPD), affect (FS), and enjoyment during and after high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE), moderate-intensity interval exercise (MIIE), and moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) in adults with EIBC.

Main Methods:

• Eleven adults with EIBC participated in HIIE, MIIE, and MICE protocols.
• Perceived RPE, RPD, and FS were recorded every minute during exercise.
• Enjoyment was assessed post-exercise for each protocol.

Main Results:

• Moderate-intensity interval exercise (MIIE) resulted in lower RPE compared to moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE).
• RPD was lowest during MIIE, with no significant differences between HIIE and MICE.
• Affect was higher during MIIE compared to MICE, and higher during HIIE than MICE in the final minute.
• Enjoyment levels were comparable across all exercise protocols.

Conclusions:

• Interval exercise, including MIIE and HIIE, is associated with reduced perceived exertion and dyspnea in adults with EIBC.
• Interval training positively impacts affect during exercise compared to continuous exercise.
• These findings suggest interval exercise may be a more tolerable and enjoyable option for individuals with EIBC, potentially promoting greater adherence to physical activity.