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Prescribing exercise intensity for older women
W M Kohrt1, R J Spina, J O Holloszy
1Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|February 25, 1998
Summary
Heart rate (HR) as a percentage of maximal HR is suitable for prescribing exercise intensity in older women. The HR reserve method may lead to overexertion in this demographic.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Gerontology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines use perceived exertion and heart rate (HR) to prescribe exercise intensity.
- Maximal HR and VO2max decrease with age, potentially making current guidelines unsuitable for older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the relationships among common exercise intensity prescription methods in women aged 60-72 years.
- To determine the appropriateness of ACSM guidelines for older women.
Main Methods:
- 112 healthy, sedentary women (aged 66 ± 4 years) underwent treadmill walking at four speeds.
- Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and maximal HR were determined.
- HR, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and plasma lactate were measured at varying exercise intensities.
Main Results:
- Exercise intensity as a percentage of VO2max correlated with HR as a percentage of maximal HR within expected ranges.
- HR as a percentage of HR reserve was lower than anticipated.
- Lower RPE and plasma lactate levels suggested older women could tolerate higher VO2max percentages than recommended.
Conclusions:
- HR as a percentage of maximal HR is an appropriate method for prescribing exercise intensity in healthy, sedentary women aged 60-72.
- The HR reserve method is not recommended for this population due to the risk of exceeding target VO2max.