Perceived and Heart Rate-based Intensities during Self-paced Walking: Magnitudes and Comparison

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Physical Activity Guidelines

Background:

• Self-paced walking is a common physical activity.
• Limited research exists on whether self-paced walking achieves recommended moderate-intensity exercise.
• Understanding intensity markers like perceived exertion and heart rate is crucial for public health recommendations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate (HR) measures indicate equivalent intensities during self-paced walking.
• To determine if these intensities meet the established moderate-intensity exercise threshold.
• To assess the relationship between RPE and HR during self-paced walking in healthy adults.

Main Methods:

• Thirty healthy participants engaged in a 15-minute self-paced walking session.
• Perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate (HR) were recorded every two minutes.
• Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon matched pairs tests, Spearman's rho correlation, and one-sample t-tests.

Main Results:

• No significant difference was found between mean ranked RPE and %HRmax (p = 0.365).
• Only 37.5% of time-matched RPE and %HRmax measures indicated the same intensity.
• Both RPE and %HRmax measures failed to reach the moderate-intensity threshold (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Self-paced walking may not consistently achieve moderate-intensity exercise for healthy individuals.
• RPE and HR are not always equivalent indicators of intensity during self-paced walks.
• Current physical activity guidelines may need to consider these discrepancies for self-paced activities.