Physiological and perceptual indicators of physical stress in 41-to 60-year-old men who vary in conditioning level and in body fatness

Abstract

Perceived exertion during exercise was studied in 51 physically active and in 19 sedentary men, 41–60 years old, by the use of a numerical scale for rating of perceived exertion (RPE). The subjects, who varied in degree of adiposity, each had two or more characteristics associated with the possible development of coronary heart disease. Each man was given a graded bicycle ride and a graded treadmill walk, up to a heart rate (HR) of 150 beats/min. HR, systolic blood pressure, and RPE were determined at each load. The work levels at which HR was 150 and 130 were calculated, as well as the load preferred by each subject for a hypothetical 15 min exercise bout, and the anticipated HR at this load. The following conclusions are suggested: (1) RPE is closely related to the submaximal HR, and therefore to the relative work load, irrespective of conditioning or adiposity. (2) The treadmill has some advantages over the bicycle as an ergometer for perceptual, as well as physiological studies, when direct comparisons of subjects of different body weights and composition are to be done. (3) 41–60 year old men of the type studied prefer to cycle or walk at about 50 percent of their estimated maximal work capacity.