Reliability and comparison of RPE during variable and constant exercise protocols performed by older women

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Gerontology
• Perception Science

Background:

• Assessing exercise intensity perception in older women is crucial for effective and safe training.
• Understanding reliability of perceived exertion aids in exercise prescription for this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if women aged 60-75 perceive different exercise intensities within a series distinctly.
• To identify if a specific exercise intensity is perceived more reliably by this age group.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-four women (mean age 65 years) underwent a graded exercise test to determine peak oxygen uptake (VO2max).
• Participants were assigned to either a variable, randomized protocol (GP1) or constant intensity protocols (Gps2-4).
• Subjects performed exercise at 30%, 50%, and 70% of VO2max across three test days, with ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) recorded.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in RPE were observed between all tested intensities and between protocols (p < 0.05).
• Women in the variable protocol (GP1) reported higher RPE than those in constant intensity protocols.
• The 50% VO2max intensity demonstrated the highest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients R=0.97 for GP1, r=0.94 for GP3).

Conclusions:

• Older women perceive exercise intensities differently depending on whether the protocol is variable or constant.
• The 50% relative exercise intensity is a reliable perceptual marker for exertion in women aged 60-75.
• Exercise prescription for older women should incorporate a range of intensities, highlighting the 50% intensity for reliable exertion monitoring.