Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 24, 2026
A Real-World High-Intensity Interval Training Protocol for Cardiorespiratory Fitness Improvement
Published on: February 22, 2022
Validation of the Italian Version of the Talk Test for Determining Exercise Intensity
Emanuel Festino1,2, Olga Papale1,2, Francesca Di Rocco1,3
1Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health,University of Cassino and Lazio Meridionale, Cassino, Italy.
Purpose:
To validate the Italian version of the Talk Test (TT) for determining exercise intensity.
Methods:
Fourteen recreational-level athletes performed 2 graded exercise tests: one in which respiratory gas exchange was measured to determine ventilatory (VT) and respiratory compensation thresholds (RCT), and one incorporating the Italian version of the TT. In TT, subjects read the Italian Olympic Oath during the final 30 seconds of each stage, while heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and speed were recorded. The last stage at which subjects could speak comfortably was defined as the last positive stage (LP), uncertainty about speaking comfortably as the equivocal stage (EQ), and inability to speak comfortably as the negative stage (NEG). Repeated-measures analysis of variance compared HR, RPE, speed at LP, EQ, and NEG, VT, and RCT. Pearson correlation coefficient (r) and Bland-Altman plots analyzed the relationship and agreement between Italian version of the TT and test variables.
Results:
No differences emerged between LP and VT for HR, RPE, and speed. Significant correlations between VT and LP were found in HR (r = .736, P = .003) and speed (r = .921, P < .001). NEG values did not differ from RCT and showed significant correlations with HR (r = .732, P = .003), RPE (r = .842, P < .001), and speed (r = .986, P < .001).
Conclusions:
The Italian version of the TT provides valid estimates of VT and RCT, particularly at LP and NEG stages in recreational-level athletes.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:25Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
01:23Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
01:25Assessment of the Cardiovascular System IV: Auscultation
Normal Heart Sounds
S1 (First Heart Sound)-
S1 is made by the closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves (atrioventricular valves), marking the beginning of systole.
S2 (Second Heart Sound)-
S2 is made by the closure of the aortic and pulmonic valves (semilunar valves), marking the end of the systole.
01:26Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes