Vicarious Experience to Affect Physical Activity in Women: A Randomized Control Trial.

People compare themselves to others for self-evaluation, practical information, and motivation for healthy behaviors. The effect of active peer models on comparative thinking is unknown. The purpose of this 12-week, randomized, two-group pilot study was to evaluate the effect of a workplace peer modeling intervention on self-efficacy, motivation, and comparative thinking. The attention control group (ACG; n = 24) received general health information. The intervention group (n = 26) met with active peer models, received an exercise prescription and information. No significant group by time interaction effects were found. Comparisons on ability (how well am I doing), opinions (what should I think or believe), future self (think about my future), and modeling (be like someone else) all increased in the intervention group (n = 21) but decreased in the ACG (n = 22). Active peer models may support physical activity behavior change through specific lines of comparative thinking.

Perceptions of a Peer Modeling Workplace Physical Activity Intervention for Women.

A workplace physical activity (PA) study tested a novel use of peers to deliver the intervention. Peer models provided vicarious experience for living physically active lifestyles to a group of inactive women. The purpose of this study was to describe participants' perceptions of the peer modeling intervention. Nine women from the intervention group ( n = 26) participated in a 90-minute focus group. Qualitative description using thematic analysis was used to identify themes from the focus group transcript. Two themes about the intervention were "I am left wanting more" and "focus on food." Two themes about the peer models were "real people" and "it is doable." Focus group participants perceived the peer modeling PA intervention favorably; however, they desired more attention to healthy eating and more time with peer models. Replication of the study accounting for themes identified by focus group participants is needed to strengthen the peer modeling intervention.

Feasibility and Effect of a Peer Modeling Workplace Physical Activity Intervention for Women.

Most working women do not meet current guidelines for physical activity (PA). A 12-week pilot study tested a workplace, peer modeling PA intervention. Inactive female employees from a health system were randomized to an attention control group (ACG; n = 26) or an intervention group (IG; n = 26). The ACG received health information. The IG participated in six group sessions with an active peer model and received an exercise prescription and PA information. Pre and post measures were PA (ActiGraph), Estimated VO2max (cycle ergometer), resting heart rate (HR), glucose and lipids, and cardiovascular risk. Using hierarchical linear modeling, no significant group by time effects were found. Although PA increased in both groups, F( df = 1) = 11.4, p = .002, the IG had greater improvements in fitness (VO2max, HR) and cardiovascular risk (total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein [LDL], calculated risk score) compared with ACG. Results support repeating this intervention in a fully powered study.

Exercise for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus: factors to consider with current guidelines.

It has long been established that exercise is powerful medicine for those with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), such that it should represent a priority in the treatment and management of that condition. In spite of this, exercise adherence among those with T2DM is low, with lack of time and fear of doing harm commonly cited as reasons for not being more active. Published guidelines for aerobic exercise in those with T2DM recommend only moderate intensity, due to the elevated risk of untoward outcomes with more vigorous exercise in persons with chronic disease. However, considerable research evidence has appeared in the literature since the publication of those guidelines in 2010 addressing the safety and efficacy of more vigorous forms of exercise (i.e., interval training) in those with T2DM. Many such studies have reported improvements in glucose control as great as or greater than those associated with moderate intensity exercise, with significantly reduced time requirements, and mechanisms of improved glucose control via interval training may be unique to this mode of exercise. Resistance training, too, appears to confer significant improvements in glucose control in those with T2DM through unique mechanisms. These recent findings may be of interest to physicians and exercise practitioners, as they may provide for greater adherence to more optimal exercise prescriptions that are better suited to each patient's time availability and motivational level.

The Relationship Between Parental and Child Physical Activity in a Rural Community.

This study examined the relationship between parental and child physical activity (PA) in a rural community. Forty-one children and at least 1 parent wore pedometers to measure step count over the course of 4 days. Parents also completed a PA survey assessing parental support for PA, parental enjoyment for PA, perceived importance of PA, and their own PA levels. Parental PA level and mothers' support for PA were moderately associated with their child's PA levels. Thus, future PA promotion efforts could focus on encouraging parents, primarily mothers, to be more active to help improve their child's PA levels.

Oxygen cost and physiological responses of recreational badminton match play.

BACKGROUND: Badminton, as an Olympic sport, is popular worldwide. However, the benefits of recreational badminton match play are not well known. The purpose of the study was to determine the oxygen cost of recreational badminton match play. Heart rate (HR), blood lactate (BL), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), step count and energy expenditure were also assessed. METHODS: Fourteen male recreational badminton players aged 35.9±6.62 years participated in test sessions to assess oxygen uptake (VO2) and the related physiological responses of match play. During the match play sessions, participants played singles badminton matches for 30 min while wearing a portable metabolic system. VO2 and HR were continuously recorded while blood lactate and RPE were determined following warm-up, at 15 minutes and 30 minutes of match play. Step count was recorded at 15 minutes and 30 minutes of play. RESULTS: VO2 over 30 minutes was 34.4±5.8 mL/kg/min which was 76.1% of maximal oxygen uptake. Across three 10-minute periods of play, VO2 was not significantly different while HR was higher in the third 10-minute period than the first and second 10-minute periods (P=0.001). Mean HR over 30 minutes was 167.9±9.4 bpm. BL was significantly higher at 15 and 30 minutes than following warm-up while RPE of 17.57±1.91 after 30 minutes was significantly higher (P=0.009) than RPE of 15.79±1.63 at 15 minutes. Step count did not vary between the two 15-minute periods of play with a total of 2404±360 steps while energy expenditure over 30 minutes of play was 391.7±66 kcal. CONCLUSIONS: Recreational badminton match play can be categorized as vigorous intensity suggesting that it can be a viable means of achieving recommended physical activity and improving aerobic fitness.

Concurrent Validity of Wearable Activity Trackers Under Free-Living Conditions.

Brooke, SM, An, H-S, Kang, S-K, Noble, JM, Berg, KE, and Lee, J-M. Concurrent validity of wearable activity trackers under free-living conditions. J Strength Cond Res 31(4): 1097-1106, 2017-The purpose of this study is to evaluate the concurrent validity of wearable activity trackers in energy expenditure (EE) and sleep period time (SPT) under free-living conditions. Ninety-five (28.5 ± 9.8 years) healthy men (n = 34) and women (n = 61) participated in this study. The total EE and SPT were measured using 8 monitors: Nike+ FuelBand SE (NFB), Garmin VivoFit (VF), Misfit Shine (MF), Fitbit Flex (FF), Jawbone UP (JU), Polar Loop (PL), Fitbit Charge HR (FC), and SenseWear Armband Mini (SWA) (criterion measures: SWA for EE and a sleep log for SPT). The mean absolute percent error (MAPE) for EE was 13.0, 15.2, 15.5, 16.1, 16.2, 22.8, and 24.5% for PL, MF, FF, NFB, FC, JU, and VF, respectively. Mean absolute percent errors were calculated for SPT to be 4.0, 8.8, 10.2, 11.5, 12.9, 13.6, 17.5, and 21.61% for VF, FF, JU, FC, MF, SWA laying down, PL, and SWA, respectively. Concurrent validity was examined using equivalence testing on EE (equivalence zone: 2,889.7-3,531.9 kcal); 2 trackers fell short of falling in the zone: PL (2,714.4-3,164.8 kcal) and FC (2,473.8-3,066.5 kcal). For SPT (equivalence zone: 420.6-514.0 minutes), several monitors fell in the zone: PL (448.3-485.6 minutes), MS (442.8-492.2 minutes), and FF (427.7-486.7 minutes). This study suggests that the PL and FC provide a reasonable estimate of EE under free-living conditions. The PL, FC, and MF were the most valid monitors used for measuring SPT.

Protocol for a randomized controlled trial to compare bone-loading exercises with risedronate for preventing bone loss in osteopenic postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: In the United States, over 34 million American post-menopausal women have low bone mass (osteopenia) which increases their risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Calcium, vitamin D and exercise are recommended for prevention of osteoporosis, and bisphosphonates (BPs) are prescribed in women with osteoporosis. BPs may also be prescribed for women with low bone mass, but are more controversial due to the potential for adverse effects with long-term use. A bone loading exercise program (high-impact weight bearing and resistance training) promotes bone strength by preserving bone mineral density (BMD), improving bone structure, and by promoting bone formation at sites of mechanical stress. METHODS/DESIGN: The sample for this study will be 309 women with low bone mass who are within 5 years post-menopause. Subjects are stratified by exercise history (≥2 high intensity exercise sessions per week; < 2 sessions per week) and randomized to a control or one of two treatment groups: 1) calcium + vitamin D (CaD) alone (Control); 2) a BP plus CaD (Risedronate); or 3) a bone loading exercise program plus CaD (Exercise). After 12 months of treatment, changes in bone structure, BMD, and bone turnover will be compared in the 3 groups. Primary outcomes for the study are bone structure measures (Bone Strength Index [BSI] at the tibia and Hip Structural Analysis [HSA] scores). Secondary outcomes are BMD at the hip and spine and serum biomarkers of bone formation (alkaline phosphase, AlkphaseB) and resorption (Serum N-terminal telopeptide, NTx). Our central hypothesis is that improvements in bone strength will be greater in subjects randomized to the Exercise group compared to subjects in either Control or Risedronate groups. DISCUSSION: Our research aims to decrease the risk of osteoporotic fractures by improving bone strength in women with low bone mass (pre-osteoporotic) during their first 5 years' post-menopause, a time of rapid and significant bone loss. Results of this study could be used in developing a clinical management pathway for women with low bone mass at their peak period of bone loss that would involve lifestyle modifications such as exercises prior to medications such as BPs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02186600 . Initial registration: 7/7/2014.

Comparison of V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak and Achievement of V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak Criteria in Three Modes of Exercise in Female Triathletes.

Snoza, CT, Berg, KE, and Slivka, DR. Comparison of V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak and achievement of V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak criteria in three modes of exercise in female triathletes. J Strength Cond Res 30(10): 2816-2822, 2016-The purpose of this study was to compare peak aerobic capacity in female triathletes in 3 modes of exercise: treadmill, cycle, and arm ergometer. A second purpose was to determine the extent that physiologic criteria for achieving V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak were reached in each mode of exercise. Six criteria were examined: V[Combining Dot Above]O2 plateau, heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration (BLC), respiratory exchange ratio, oxygen saturation, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Twelve recreational level female triathletes completed maximal tests on the treadmill, stationary bike, and arm ergometer. Results indicated V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak (ml·kg·min) is highest on a treadmill (46.8 ± 2.1), intermediate in cycling (40.7 ± 5.0), and lowest in arm ergometry (28.2 ± 3.3) with mean differences being significant (p ≤ 0.05). Blood lactate concentration and RPE criteria were met by the highest number of subjects across the 3 modes of testing while the HR criterion was not achieved in any participant in arm ergometry and only 2 in cycling. It was concluded that in moderately trained recreational level triathletes, V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak is highest in running and lowest in arm ergometry. Criteria for achieving V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak most frequently were blood lactate level and RPE. Coaches and researchers should appreciate that V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak values of moderately trained triathletes differ considerably in contrast to elite triathletes and tend to be highest on the treadmill and lowest in arm ergometry. Also, criteria used to determine achievement of V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak should be carefully selected and seem to be best achieved using BLC and RPE.

A tutorial on oxidative stress and redox signaling with application to exercise and sedentariness.

Oxidative stress has been shown to play a role in the etiology of several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. Free radicals and, most prominently, the superoxide radical, result from oxidative metabolism and several enzyme-catalyzed reactions, and endogenous cellular antioxidants dismutate many reactive oxygen species (ROS). Under certain conditions, ROS production can outpace dismutation (e.g., long-term sedentariness and positive energy balance) and the result is oxidative stress, with proteins, lipids, and DNA the most common targets of radicals. However, the molecules that contribute to oxidative stress also appear to participate in vital cell signaling activity that supports health and stimulates favorable adaptations to exercise training, such that inhibiting ROS formation prevents common adaptations to training. Furthermore, researchers have recently suggested that some proteins are not as readily formed when the redox state of the cell is insufficiently oxidative. Exercise training appears to optimize the redox environment by dramatically enhancing the capacity of the cell to neutralize ROS while regularly creating oxidative environments in which membrane and secretory proteins can be synthesized. The role that exercise plays in enhancing management of ROS likely explains many of the associated health benefits.

Grunting in tennis increases ball velocity but not oxygen cost.

Grunting is widely used by professional tennis players, but no research has been done to verify enhanced performance with grunting. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if grunting enhanced ball velocity in groundstrokes and secondly, to determine if grunting increased the physiological cost of hitting (VO2, HR, VE/VO2, and RPE). Participants were 10 members of the men's (n = 5) and women's (n = 5) tennis teams at a Division I university who had just completed their indoor competitive season. Two hitting sessions were used as players repetitively hit forehand and backhand shots while either grunting or not grunting. Each hitting session consisted of five 2-minute periods with a 1-minute break in between each period. Ball velocity was measured with a radar gun. During each hitting session, players wore a portable metabolic measuring unit. HR was monitored using a Polar monitor, and RPE was assessed using Borg's 6-20 scale. Grunting increased ball velocity (kph) 3.8% compared with non-grunting condition (p < 0.034) with the mean ± SD being 83.4 ± 0.6.1 and 80.3 ± 0.8.7, respectively. The physiological responses (VO2, HR, VE/VO2, and RPE) for the 2 hitting conditions were not significantly different for any variable. When averaged across both hitting conditions, HR over the 5-time periods was higher in periods 3-5 than period (p < 0.018) 1, whereas VE/VO2 and RPE were greater in periods 2-5 than period 1 (p = 0.001). RPE significantly increased over time with periods 2-5 being greater than period 1 (p = 0.001). It was concluded that grunting increased ball velocity without increasing VO2 or VE/VO2 or RPE in comparison with not grunting. It may be worthwhile for players and coaches in tennis and other sports to experiment with grunting to determine possible improvement in performance.

The effect of cadence on cycling efficiency and local tissue oxygenation.

The purpose of this study was to compare 3 cycling cadences in efficiency/economy, local tissue oxygen saturation, heart rate, blood lactate, and global and local rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Subjects were 14 trained cyclists/triathletes (mean age 30.1 ± 5.3 years; VO(2) peak 60.2 ± 5.0 ml·kg(-1)·min(-1)) who performed three 8-minute cadence trials (60, 80, and 100 rpm) at 75% of previously measured peak power. Oxygen consumption and respiratory exchange ratio were used to calculate efficiency and economy. Results indicated that both efficiency and economy were higher at the lower cadences. Tissue oxygen saturation was greater at 80 rpm than at 60 or 100 rpm at minute 4, but at minute 8, tissue oxygen saturation at 80 rpm (57 ± 9%) was higher than 100 rpm (54 ± 9%, p = 0.017) but not at 60 rpm (55 ± 11%, p = 0.255). Heart rate and lactate significantly increased from minute 4 and minute 8 (p < 0.05) of submaximal cycling. Local RPE at 80 rpm was lower than at 60 or 100 rpm (p < 0.05). It was concluded that (a) Trained cyclists and triathletes are more efficient and economical when cycling at 60 rpm than 80 or 100 rpm. (b); Local tissue oxygen saturation levels are higher at 80 rpm than 60 and 100 rpm; (c). Heart rate and blood lactate levels are higher with cadences of 80 and 100 than 60 rpm; and (d). Local and global RPE is lower when cycling at 80 rpm than at 60 rpm and 100 rpm. A practical application of these findings is that a cadence of 60 rpm may be advantageous for performance in moderately trained athletes in contrast to higher cadences currently popular among elite cyclists.

Physiological responses during interval training with different intensities and duration of exercise.

The purpose of this study was to compare 4 interval training (IT) sessions with different intensities and durations of exercise to determine the effect on mean VO2, total VO2, and duration of exertion ≥95% maximum power output (MPO), and the effects on biomarkers of fatigue such as blood-lactate concentration (BLC) and rating of perceived exertion. The subjects were 12 recreationally competitive male (n = 7, mean ± SD age = 26.2 ± 3.9 years) and female (n = 5, mean ± SD age = 27.6 ± 4.3 years) triathletes. These subjects performed 4 IT sessions on a cycle ergometer varying in intensity (90 and 100% MPO) and duration of exercise (30 seconds and 3 minutes). This study revealed that IT using 30-second duration intervals (30-30 seconds) allows the athlete to perform a longer session, with a higher total and mean VO2 HR and lower BLC than 3-minute durations. Similarly, submaximal exertion at 90% of MPO also allows performing longer sessions with a higher total VO2 than 100% intensity. Thus, the results of the present study suggested that to increase the total time at high intensity of exercise and total VO2 of a single exercise session performed by the athlete, IT protocols of short durations (i.e., 30 seconds) and submaximal intensities (i.e., 90% MPO) should be selected. Furthermore, performing short-duration intervals may allow the athlete to complete a longer IT session with greater metabolic demands (VO2) and lower BLC than longer (i.e., 3 minutes) intervals.

Interleukin-6 and delayed onset muscle soreness do not vary during the menstrual cycle.

The purpose of this study was to determine if a difference in interleukin-6 (IL-6) and delayed onset muscles soreness (DOMS) exists in two different phases of the menstrual cycle. Nine runners performed one 75-min high-intensity interval running session during the early follicular (EF) phase and once during the midluteal (ML) phase of the menstrual cycle. Estrogen and progesterone levels were significantly reduced in the EF phase when compared to the ML phase. IL-6 levels increased from pre- to postexercise in the EF and ML phases (p < .001). There was no relationship between the IL-6 level and DOMS. The results suggest that menstruating female runners need not vary training throughout the month to reduce DOMS.

An exercise intervention for breast cancer survivors with bone loss.

PURPOSE: (a) to determine if 110 postmenopausal breast cancer survivors (BCS) with bone loss who participated in 24 months of strength and weight training (ST) exercises had improved muscle strength and balance and had fewer falls compared to BCS who did not exercise; and (b) to describe type and frequency of ST exercises; adverse effects of exercises; and participants' adherence to exercises at home, at fitness centers, and at 36-month follow up. DESIGN: Findings reported are from a federally funded multicomponent intervention study of 223 postmenopausal BCS with either osteopenia or osteoporosis who were randomly assigned to an exercise (n=110) or comparison (n=113) group. METHODS: Time points for testing outcomes were baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months into intervention. Muscle strength was tested using Biodex Velocity Spectrum Evaluation, and dynamic balance using Timed Backward Tandem Walk. Adherence to exercises was measured using self-report of number of prescribed sessions attended and participants' reports of falls. FINDINGS: Mean adherence over 24 months was 69.4%. Using generalized estimating equation (GEE) analyses, compared to participants not exercising, participants who exercised for 24 months had significantly improved hip flexion (p=0.011), hip extension (p=0.0006), knee flexion (p<0.0001, knee extension (p=0.0018), wrist flexion (p=0.031), and balance (p=0.010). Gains in muscle strength were 9.5% and 28.5% for hip flexion and extension, 50.0% and 19.4% for wrist flexion and extension, and 21.1% and 11.6% for knee flexion and extension. Balance improved by 39.4%. Women who exercised had fewer falls, but difference in number of falls between the two groups was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Many postmenopausal BCS with bone loss can adhere to a 24 month ST exercise intervention, and exercises can result in meaningful gains in muscle strength and balance. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: More studies are needed for examining relationships between muscle strength and balance in postmenopausal BCS with bone loss and their incidence of falls and fractures.

The effect of resistive exercise rest interval on hormonal response, strength, and hypertrophy with training.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of different between-set rest periods (1 and 2.5 minutes) on changes in hormone response, strength, arm cross-sectional area (CSA), thigh muscular cross-sectional area (MCSA), and body composition during a 10-week training period. Twelve untrained males (24.8 +/- 5.9 years) engaged in resistance training using either 1 minute (short rest [SR], n = 6) or 2.5 minutes (long rest [LR], n = 6) of rest between sets, with a load that elicited failure on the third set of each exercise. Body composition, thigh MCSA, arm CSA, and five-repetition maximum (RM) squat and bench press were assessed before and after training. Blood samples were collected after exercise in weeks 1, 5, and 10. In week 1, postexercise plasma testosterone levels were greater in SR (0.41 +/- 0.17 mmolxL) than in LR (0.24 +/- 0.06 mmol x L, p < 0.05), and postexercise cortisol levels were greater in SR (963 +/- 313 mmol x L) than in LR (629 +/- 127 mmol x L, p < 0.05). Week 1 postexercise GH levels were not different (p = 0.28). The differences between hormone levels in weeks 5 and 10 were not significant. Arm CSA increased more with LR (12.3 +/- 7.2%) than with SR (5.1 +/- 2.9%, p < 0.05). There were no differences in strength increases. These results show that in healthy, recently untrained males, strength training with 1 minute of rest between sets elicits a greater hormonal response than 2.5-minute rest intervals in the first week of training, but these differences diminish by week 5 and disappear by week 10 of training. Furthermore, the hormonal response is highly variable and may not necessarily be predictive of strength and lean tissue gains in a 10-week training program.

Pacing pattern in a 30-minute maximal cycling test.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the pacing pattern and associated physiological effects in competitive cyclists who performed a 30-minute maximal cycling test. Measurements included oxygen uptake (V O2), heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration (BLC), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and work rate in watts. Twelve well-trained amateur cyclists (seven men and five women) whose mean age was 32.4 +/- 8.6 years participated in this study. They performed a 30-minute self-paced maximal cycling test using their own performance road bike attached to a CompuTrainer Pro, which allowed the assessment of work rate (W). During the test, work rate, V O2, and HR were measured every 30 seconds. Subjects' BLC and RPE were obtained every 5 minutes. Results indicate that no significant differences existed across three 10-minute periods for work rate, HR, or V O2. However, RPE at 30 minutes was significantly greater than RPE at 10 and 20 minutes (both p < 0.05). The RPE at 20 minutes was also greater than the RPE at 10 minutes (p < 0.01). Work rate remained relatively constant, with minimal fluctuations occurring throughout the test except for a surge during the final 30 seconds of the test. The associated V O2 was fairly constant over time, whereas HR rose linearly and gradually. It was concluded that pacing in a 30-minute maximal exercise bout performed in the laboratory in experienced cyclists varies minimally until the last 30 seconds. Knowledge of pacing strategy and the linked physiological responses may be helpful to exercise scientists in optimizing performance in the endurance athlete.

Pacing pattern and physiological responses to a 5-minute maximal exercise bout.

The purpose of this study was to describe the pacing strategy of experienced cyclists in a 5-minute maximal exercise bout and to describe selected physiological responses associated with this effort. Six experienced and well-trained competitive cyclists (five males, one female) with a mean (+/-SD) age, height, and mass of 27.0 +/- 4.77 years, 174.7 +/- 8.57 cm, and 71.0 +/- 6.45 kg, performed a 5-minute maximal exercise bout in a laboratory on a racing cycle. Subjects were free to determine their work rate throughout. During exercise, data were collected for work rate, heart rate (HR), [latin capital V with dot above]O2, electromyography of the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis, oxygen saturation, and rating of perceived exertion. All six subjects selected a pacing strategy characterized by a surge in work rate in the first minute followed by a gradual decline until the last minute, when a sprint to the end occurred. Values for HR, respiratory exchange ratio, and blood lactate concentration (182.8 +/- 2.8 bpm, 1.08 +/- 0.07, and 15.5 +/- 2.1 mmol x L-1, respectively) indicated that [latin capital V with dot above]O2 (3.6 +/- 0.4 L x min-1) was close to or at maximum from minutes 2 to 5. Oxygen saturation dropped continuously across time, reaching <94% in the last minute, and rating of perceived exertion was 19.5 +/- 0.8. Electromyographic activity of the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis was not significantly related to work rate during the bout (p > 0.05). It is concluded that work rate or pace is uneven in an all-out, 5-minute exercise bout in experienced cyclists, yet the physiological responses are near maximal in minutes 2-5. Cyclists seem to pace themselves in a common pattern in short-term stochastic exercise bouts. The possible benefits of including some stochastic exercise in the training programs of athletes might be worthy of examination.

Physical activity counseling for older women.

Physical inactivity is a major factor in increasing women's risk for chronic disease, disability, and premature mortality. This study compared the effectiveness of five behavioral counseling (BC) sessions with a comparison group receiving one BC session based on the five A's (ask, advise, assist, arrange, and agree) to increase moderate-intensity physical activity, muscle strengthening, and stretching activity. The health promotion model provided the framework for the intervention. A pretest/posttest comparison group design was used, with random assignment of 46 women recruited from an urban midwestern community. A significant group interaction was found only for cardiorespiratory fitness (p < .001). Significant time effects were found (p < .001) for both groups in increasing handgrip, leg strength, and flexibility. BC is a promising intervention to achieve physical activity behavior change with older women.

Ratings of perceived exertion of ACSM exercise guidelines in individuals varying in aerobic fitness.

The physiological responses of high (HF) and low fit (LF) individuals at given perceived exercise intensities were compared to ranges provided by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Participants were 7 LFand 8 HF men between the ages of 22 and 26 years. All participants performed a maximum oxygen uptake and lactate threshold test and two 15-min experimental runs in which they exercised at a constant perceived exercise intensity (RPE 13 and 17). The LF group exhibited significantly greater maximum oxygen uptake reserve ( % VO2R, p < .05) and velocity of lactate threshold (p < .01) values than HF at RPE 13 and 17. Both groups had significantly greater % VO2R and maximum heart rate values at RPE 13 in comparison with the ACSM ranges, using the highest value for the given range (p < or = .001).