Reliability and Validity of a Flume-Based Maximal Oxygen Uptake Swimming Test.

A mode-specific swimming protocol to assess maximal aerobic uptake (VO2maxsw) is vital to accurately evaluate swimming performance. A need exists for reliable and valid swimming protocols that assess VO2maxsw in a flume environment. The purpose was to assess: (a) reliability and (b) "performance" validity of a VO2maxsw flume protocol using the 457-m freestyle pool performance swim (PS) test as the criterion. Nineteen males (n = 9) and females (n = 10) (age, 28.5 ± 8.3 years.; height, 174.7 ± 8.2 cm; mass, 72.9 ± 12.5 kg; %body fat, 21.4 ± 5.9) performed two flume VO2maxsw tests (VO2maxswA and VO2maxswB) and one PS test [457 m (469.4 ± 94.7 s)]. For test-retest reliability (Trials A vs. B), moderately strong relationships were established for VO2maxsw (mL·kg-1·min-1)(r= 0.628, p = 0.002), O2pulse (mL O2·beat-1)(r = 0.502, p = 0.014), VEmax (L·min-1) (r = 0.671, p = 0.001), final test time (sec) (0.608, p = 0.004), and immediate post-test blood lactate (IPE (BLa)) (0.716, p = 0.001). For performance validity, moderately strong relationships (p < 0.05) were found between VO2maxswA (r =-0.648, p = 0.005), O2pulse (r= -0.623, p = 0.008), VEmax (r = -0.509 p = 0.037), and 457-m swim times. The swimming flume protocol examined is a reliable and valid assessment of VO2maxsw., and offers an alternative for military, open water, or those seeking complementary forms of training to improve swimming performance.

Gender Differences and the Influence of Body Composition on Land and Pool-Based Assessments of Anaerobic Power and Capacity.

Consistent differences between males and females have been shown in land-based measurements of anaerobic power and capacity. However, these differences have not been investigated for a tethered 30-s maximal swimming test (TST). The purpose of this study is to explore gender differences in land and pool-based assessments of anaerobic power (Fpeak) and capacity (Fmean), as well as the influence of body composition. Thirteen males and fifteen females completed land (Wingate (WAnT)) and pool-based (TST) measures of anaerobic power and capacity previously described in the literature. Additionally, the subjects completed assessments of body composition via air displacement plethysmography. The males produced higher force than the females for Fpeak (p < 0.001) and Fmean (p = 0.008) during the TST. However, linear regression analysis determined that lean mass significantly predicted Fpeak (p = 0.002) and Fmean (p < 0.001) during the TST, while gender was no longer significant (p = 0.694 and p = 0.136, respectively). In conclusion, increases in anaerobic power and capacity (Fpeak and Fmean) may be a function of increased lean mass in males and females, warranting future research on the impact of resistance training programs on force production and swimming performance.

Tethered Swimming Test: Reliability and the Association With Swimming Performance and Land-Based Anaerobic Performance.

ABSTRACT: Nagle Zera, J, Nagle, EF, Nagai, T, Lovalekar, M, Abt, JP, and Lephart, SM. Tethered swimming test: reliability and the association with swimming performance and land-based anaerobic performance. J Strength Cond Res 35(1): 212-220, 2021-The purpose of this study was 3-fold: (a) to examine the test-retest reliability of a 30-second maximal tethered freestyle swimming test (TST), (b) to assess the validity of the TST by examining the association with sprint swimming performance, and (c) to examine the associations between a swim-specific and land-based measure of anaerobic performance. A total of 29 male and female swimmers were recruited to participate in the study. Each subject completed a Wingate Anaerobic cycling test (WAnT), 2 or 4 TST, and a 22.9 m (25 yd), 45.7 m (50 yd), and 91.4 m (100 yd) maximal freestyle performance swims (PS). Mean and peak force (Fmean and Fpeak) were recorded for both the WAnT and TST, and average swimming velocity and time were recorded for the PS. In addition, physiological and perceptual measures were recorded immediately postexercise for all tests. The results of the present investigation showed strong intersession and intrasession reliability (R = 0.821-0.975; p < 0.001) for force parameters of the TST. Moderate correlations were found between Fmean and PS time and velocity of all distances, with slightly weaker correlations between Fpeak and the 22.9 m (time and velocity) and 45.7 m (velocity) PS. Finally, moderate correlations were found for Fmean and Fpeak of the TST and WAnT. This study demonstrated that the TST is a reliable measure, with moderate association with swimming performance, producing similar physiological responses compared with free swimming. Therefore, future research should focus on investigating the potential benefits of using the TST as a regular assessment tool as a part of a competitive swimming training program to track adaptations and inform training decisions.

Reliability and Validity of a Pool-Based Maximal Oxygen Uptake Test to Examine High-Intensity Short-Duration Freestyle Swimming Performance.

Nagle, EF, Nagai, T, Beethe, AZ, Lovalekar, MT, Zera, JN, Connaboy, C, Abt, JP, Beals, K, Nindl, BC, Robertson, RJ, and Lephart, SM. Reliability and validity of a pool-based maximal oxygen uptake test to examine high-intensity short-duration freestyle swimming performance. J Strength Cond Res 33(5): 1208-1215, 2019-A modality-specific swimming protocol to assess maximal oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2maxsw) is essential to accurately prescribe and monitor swimming conditioning programs. Consequently, there is a need for a reliable and valid graded intensity swimming pool test to accurately assess V[Combining Dot Above]O2maxsw using indirect calorimetry. The purpose of this study was to assess (a) reliability of an intensity self-regulated swimming pool test of V[Combining Dot Above]O2maxsw and (b) validity of a V[Combining Dot Above]O2maxsw test using performance swim (PS) time as the criterion. Twenty-nine men (n = 15) and women (n = 14) (age, 23 ± 6.4 years; body mass index, 23.5 ± 3.0 kg·m) performed 2 swimming pool V[Combining Dot Above]O2maxsw trials (V[Combining Dot Above]O2maxsw A and V[Combining Dot Above]O2maxsw B), and 2 PS tests (45.7 m [31.20 ± 4.5 seconds] and 182 m [159.2 ± 25.5 seconds]). For test-retest reliability (trials A vs. B), strong correlations (p < 0.05) were found for V[Combining Dot Above]O2maxsw (ml·kg·min) (r = 0.899), O2 pulse (ml O2·beat) (r = 0.833), and maximum expired ventilatory volume (L·min) (r = 0.785). For performance validity, moderately strong correlations (p < 0.05) were found between V[Combining Dot Above]O2maxsw A and 45.7-m (r = -0.543) and 182-m (r = -0.486) swim times. The self-regulated graded intensity swimming pool protocol examined presently is a reliable and valid test of V[Combining Dot Above]O2maxsw. Studies should consider the suitability of a V[Combining Dot Above]O2maxsw test for military personnel, clinical populations, and injured athletes.

Affective and metabolic responses to self-selected intensity cycle exercise in young men.

Self-selected intensity exercise has resulted in greater affective responses (AR) compared to prescribed exercise of similar intensity and many individuals self-select intensity at a moderate level identified by metabolic analysis. As such, self-selected intensity may be an effective alternative for exercise prescription designed to promote adherence and result in health and fitness benefits. Self-selected intensity has not been well described for many subject populations and exercise modes. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to measure affective and metabolic responses during self-selected intensity cycle exercise in college-aged men. Thirty-three men (22.4 ±â€¯2.2 yr) performed a peak oxygen consumption test and a 20 min self-selected trial on a cycle ergometer on separate days. Oxygen consumption (VO2) was measured continuously throughout both exercise sessions. AR were measured using the Feeling Scale and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) using the OMNI Scale every 5 min during the self-selected trial. χ2 analysis was used to determine if a significant proportion of subjects self-selected intensity above 50% VO2 reserve (VO2R), defined as a threshold for moderate-intensity exercise and potential cardiorespiratory fitness benefits by American College of Sports Medicine. Mean self-selected intensity was 57.6 ±â€¯11.1%VO2peak and 89.3 ±â€¯20.2% of ventilatory threshold. Twenty eight of 33 subjects self-selected intensity above 50% VO2R (p < .05). Self-selected intensity was associated with positive AR (1.8 ±â€¯1.4) and mean RPE of 4.0 ±â€¯1.5. In college-aged men, self-selected intensity cycle exercise was performed at a moderate intensity level and elicited positive AR for most subjects. Therefore, self-selected intensity could be an effective component of an exercise prescription for this population.

Improvement of Flutter-Kick Performance in Novice Surface Combat Swimmers With Increased Hip Strength.

PURPOSE: To examine strength, range of motion, anthropometric, and physiological contributions to novice surface-combat-swimming (sCS) performance and establish differences from freestyle-swimming (FS) performance to further understand the transition of FS to sCS performance. METHODS: A total of 13 competitive swimmers (7 male and 6 female; 27.7 [2.3] y; 176.2 [2.6] cm; 75.4 [3.9] kg) completed 8 testing sessions consisting of the following: physiological land-based measurements for maximal anaerobic and aerobic capacity and upper- and lower-extremity strength and range of motion, an sCS anaerobic capacity swim test measuring peak and mean force and fatigue index, 2 aerobic capacity tests measuring maximal aerobic capacity for both FS and sCS, and four 500-m performance swims for time, 1 FS, and 3 sCS. Separate multiple linear-regression analysis was used to analyze predictors of both sCS and FS performance models. RESULTS: FS performance was predicted by the final FS maximal oxygen uptake with an R2 of 42.03% (F1,10 = 7.25; P = .0226), whereas sCS performance was predicted by isometric hip-extension peak strength with an R2 of 41.46% (F1,11 = 7.79; P = .0176). CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrate that different physiological characteristics predict performance, suggesting that an altered strategy is used for novice sCS than FS. It is suggested that this may be due to the added constraints as mandated by mission requirements including boots, weighted gear, and clandestine requirements with hips lowered beneath the surface. Further research should examine the kinematics of the sCS flutter kick to improve performance by developing training strategies specific for the task.

Evaluating Energy Expenditure Estimated by Wearable Technology During Variable Intensity Activity on Female Collegiate Athletes.

Monitoring an athlete's energy intake and energy expenditure (EE) is an important consideration of nutritional planning for sport conditioning and peak performance. In order to provide appropriate recommendations regarding nutritional requirements and caloric needs, an accurate determination of energy requirements is necessary. By knowing an individual's EE, a coach, athletic performance staff or trainer can effectively determine training loads and volumes necessary for periodization and seasonal planning for a particular sport. The purpose of this study is to examine the accuracy of the BodyMedia Mini armband while measuring EE in female basketball players during various-intensity game-like conditions. This investigation required three testing sessions: an orientation session, and two randomized experimental trials. Trials included a maximal multistage 20-m shuttle run (Trial I) and 30-minute basketball skills session (Trial II). The independent variable for this investigation was EE estimated by the Mini armband. The dependent variable was EE determined by the Cosmed K4b2 indirect calorimetry (IC) method. EE assessed with the Mini and EE measured with the IC method was significantly correlated for both Trial I (r= 0.839) and Trial II (r= 0.833). EE calculated by the Mini was significantly underestimated in both Trial I (9.41 ± 26.1 total kcals) and Trial II (56.71 ± 14.1 total kcals). During Trial I the underestimation of EE increased with a rise in test level and intensity (p<.05). Due to the underestimation of EE by the Mini, the development of exercise specific algorithms to improve the estimation of EE during intermittent exercise in basketball players is warranted.

Reliability and Accuracy of a Standardized Shallow Water Running Test to Determine Cardiorespiratory Fitness.

A standardized fitness assessment is critical for the development of an individualized exercise prescription. Although the benefits of aquatic exercise have been well established, there remains the need for a standardized nonswimming protocol to accurately assess cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in shallow water. The present investigation was designed to assess (a) the reliability of a standardized shallow water run (SWR) test of CRF and (b) the accuracy of a standardized SWR compared with a land-based treadmill (LTM) test. Twenty-three healthy women (20 ± 3 years), with body mass index (23.5 ± 3 kg·m), performed 2 shallow water peak oxygen consumption (V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak) running tests (SWRa and SWRb), and 1 V[Combining Dot Above]O2max LTM. Intraclass correlation coefficients indicated moderately strong reliability for V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak (ml·kg·min) (r = 0.73, p < 0.01), HRpeak (b·min) (r = 0.82; p < 0.01), and O2pulse (V[Combining Dot Above]O2 [ml·kg·min]·HR [b·min]) (r = 0.77, p < 0.01). Using paired t-tests and Pearson's correlations, SWR V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak and HRpeak were significantly lower than during LTM (p ≤ 0.05) and showed moderate correlations of 0.60 and 0.58 (p < 0.001) to LTM. O2pulse was similar (p > 0.05) for the SWR and LTM tests with a moderate correlation of 0.63. A standardized SWR test as a measure of CRF is a reliable, and to some degree, valid alternative to conventional protocols and may be used by strength and conditioning professionals to measure program outcomes and monitor training progress. Furthermore, this protocol provides a water-based option for CRF assessment among healthy women and offers insight toward the development of an effective protocol that can accommodate individuals with limited mobility, or those seeking less musculoskeletal impact from traditional land-based types of training.

Aquatic High Intensity Interval Training for Cardiometabolic Health: Benefits and Training Design.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has emerged as an attractive alternative to traditional continuous exercise training (CT) programs for clinical and healthy populations who find that they can achieve equal or greater fitness benefits in less time. Land-based HIIT may not be an appropriate choice for some participants. Few studies have explored the acute responses and chronic adaptations of HIIT in an aquatic environment, and no study has compared the cardiometabolic responses of an aquatic-based program to a land-based HIIT program. Shallow-water aquatic exercise (AE) programs utilizing HIIT have elicited comparable and, in some cases, greater physiological responses compared with constant-intensity or continuous AE regimens. Factors that may explain why HIIT routines evoke greater cardiometabolic responses than CT protocols may be based on the types of exercises and how they are cued to effectively manipulate hydrodynamic properties for greater intensities. Favorable aquatic HIIT protocols such as the S.W.E.A.T. system may serve as a beneficial alternative to land-based HIIT programs for clinical, and athletic populations, potentially reducing the likelihood of associated musculoskeletal and orthopedic complications. Hence, the purpose of this review is to examine the role of AE as an alternative safe and effective HIIT modality.

Exertional Observation in Adults Performing Intermittent Treadmill Walking and Running.

The present investigation examined the Adult OMNI Walk-Run Scale for use by an independent observer to rate an individual's perception of exertion during intermittent treadmill walking and running. Forty (22.4 ± 2.9 yrs) recreationally active males (n = 18) and females (n = 22) completed three 5-min intermittent bouts of treadmill exercise. The exercise bouts were a level walk (LW; 4.0 km·hr-1, 0% grade), hill walk (HW; 5.6 km·hr-1, 5% grade), and run (R; 8 km·hr-1, 2.5% grade). Each bout was separated by a 5-min recovery period. RPE responses were simultaneously estimated by an observer and self-estimated by the participant during each bout using the Adult OMNI Walk-Run Scale. Session RPE responses were simultaneously estimated by the same observer and self-estimated by the participant 5-min post-exercise session. Analysis of variance indicated no significant mean differences between observer RPE and participant RPE (p > 0.05) except for males during the running bout (p < 0.05). Additionally, there were no significant mean differences between the observer RPE and the participant RPE for the session ratings (p > 0.05). Finally, strong positive correlations were found between observer and participant RPE ranging from 0.79-0.84 for exercise bouts and moderate-strong positive correlations ranging from 0.58-0.64 for the exercise session. Results support the use of the OMNI RPE Scale in a direct observation procedure to estimate exertion in female and male young adults performing intermittent treadmill walking and running. This observation-based procedure provides the practitioner with an opportunity to independently evaluate the perceptual intensity of individuals involved in aerobic exercise.

Energy Drinks Improve Five-Kilometer Running Performance in Recreational Endurance Runners.

Prins, PJ, Goss, FL, Nagle, EF, Beals, K, Robertson, RJ, Lovalekar, MT, and Welton, GL. Energy drinks improve five-kilometer running performance in recreational endurance runners. J Strength Cond Res 30(11): 2979-2990, 2016-The purpose of this study was to evaluate exercise performance time and related physiological and perceptual responses of recreational endurance runners after they had ingested a commercially available energy drink (Red Bull, Red Bull GmbH, Fuschl am See, Austria) containing caffeine, glucose, and taurine. Recreational endurance runners (n = 18; 13 men and 5 women; age: 20.39 ± 3.27 years; weight: 71.25 ± 17.17 kg; height: 178.00 ± 7.57 cm; V[Combining Dot Above]O2max: 55.94 ± 7.66 ml·kg·min) participated in a double-blind, crossover, repeated-measures study where they were randomized to supplement with 500 ml of the commercially available energy drink Red Bull and a noncaffeinated, sugar-free placebo (PLA) 60 minutes before completing a 5-km time trial on a treadmill, separated by 7 days. Heart rate, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) (RPE-Overall; RPE-Chest; RPE-Legs), and affect were recorded at rest, 1 hour before ingestion, at 5-minute intervals during the 5-km time trial, and immediately after exercise. Session RPE and session affect were obtained 5 minutes after completion of the 5-km time trial. The distance covered at each 5-minute interval during the 5-km time trial was recorded. Performance improved with the energy drink compared with placebo (Red Bull: 1,413.2 ± 169.7 vs. PLA: 1,443.6 ± 179.2 seconds; p = 0.016), but there were no differences in RPE, affect, session RPE, session affect, or the distance covered at 5-minute splits between the two 5-km time trials (p > 0.05). These results demonstrate that consuming a commercially available energy drink before exercise can improve 5-km performance. These results may have application for altering pre-exercise nutritional strategies in recreational runners.

Prediction of VO2 peak using OMNI Ratings of Perceived Exertion from a submaximal cycle exercise test.

The primary aim of this study was to develop statistical models to predict peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak) using OMNI Ratings of Perceived Exertion measured during submaximal cycle ergometry. Male (M = 20.9 yr., SE = 0.4) and female (M = 21.6 yr., SE = 0.5) participants (N = 81) completed a load-incremented maximal cycle ergometer exercise test. Simultaneous multiple linear regression was used to develop separate VO2 peak statistical models using submaximal ratings of perceived exertion for the overall body, legs, and chest/breathing as predictor variables. VO2 peak (L·min(-1)) predicted for men and women from ratings of perceived exertion for the overall body (3.02 ± 0.06; 2.03 ± 0.04), legs (3.02 ± 0.06; 2.04 ± 0.04), and chest/breathing (3.02 ± 0.05; 2.03 ± 0.03) were similar to measured VO2 peak (3.02 ± 0.10; 2.03 ± 0.06, ps > .05). Statistical models based on submaximal OMNI Ratings of Perceived Exertion provide an easily administered and accurate method to predict VO2 peak.

Energy expenditure, cardiorespiratory, and perceptual responses to shallow-water aquatic exercise in young adult women.

INTRODUCTION: Aquatic exercise (AE) is a popular form of physical activity, yet few studies have assessed the individual's energy expenditure (EE) associated with a continuous bout of AE. Studies using indirect calorimetry to measure EE have reported limitations associated with test methodology and the ability to control individual's exercise intensity or tempo. PURPOSE: To evaluate EE and cardiorespiratory (CR) responses during a 40-minute shallow-water AE session in young adult women. METHODS: Twenty-one healthy women (aged 21.7 ± 3.4 years) completed an orientation practice session and a 40-minute shallow-water AE session using a traditional exercise class format and the SWEAT video-based instructional cuing program. The high-intensity interval format included the following segments: 1) warm-up (3 minutes); 2) CR segment ( 22 minutes); 3) muscular endurance segment (ME; 10 minutes); and 4) cool-down (5 minutes). Subject oxygen consumption (VO2; mL/kg/min), heart rate (HR) and OMNI overall ratings of perceived exertion (RPE-O) were assessed each minute. Average kcal/min1, metabolic equivalents (METs; 1 MET = 3.5 mL/kg/min), and total kcals per segment and for the overall session were calculated. RESULTS: The total subject EE throughout the 40-minute trial (including warm-up and cool-down segments) was 264 kcals, with an overall average of 6.3 kcals/min (5.6 METs).The average kcals/min expended throughout CR segments 2 through 6 was 8.05 (7.1 METs), with the Hoverjog segment producing the greatest average kcals/min at 8.3 (7.3 METs). The CR portion (22 min) contributed 65% of the total EE (171 kcals) of the 40-minute AE trial. For the overall AE trial, the highest and average subject VO2 achieved were 33.3 and 19.7 mL/kg/min, respectively. The average highest subject heart rate achieved was 177 beats per minute (bpm), equivalent to 90% of the participant's age-predicted HRmax. CONCLUSION: Energy expenditure during a 40-minute AE session met national recommendations for a daily moderate-to-vigorous bout of physical activity offering a viable alternative to land-based exercise. Because AE serves as a partial-weight bearing modality, future studies are needed to clarify the EE of shallow-water AE in apparently healthy and clinical populations.

Session perceived exertion and affective responses to self-selected and imposed cycle exercise of the same intensity in young men.

Session perceived exertion (S-RPE) and session affective responses (S-AR) are post-exercise estimates of the global responses experienced during exercise. To compare S-RPE and S-AR to acute RPE (A-RPE) and acute AR (A-AR) during self-selected (SS) and imposed (IMP) exercise of the same workload. Thirty-two males (22.3 ± 2.2 years) performed two, 20-min cycle exercise trials. In the SS trial, subjects adjusted SS workload every 5 min. In the IMP trial, workload was automatically adjusted to the SS workload. Experimental (EXP, n = 16) subjects were unaware that workload was the same between the trials. Control (CON, n = 16) subjects were aware that both trials were of the same workload. A-RPE and A-AR were measured every 5 min using the OMNI Scale and Feeling Scale, respectively. Fifteen minutes following a cool-down, subjects rated S-RPE and S-AR. Session and exercise values were compared between trials and groups using ANOVA. No between-group differences were observed. There were no differences between the SS and IMP trials for S-RPE, A-RPE, S-AR and A-AR. For SS and IMP trials, S-RPE was greater than A-RPE (4.6 ± 1.5 vs. 3.9 ± 1.4; 4.3 ± 1.6 vs. 3.7 ± 1.4, respectively, p < 0.05). S-AR was greater than A-AR for the SS trial (1.9 ± 1.3 vs. 2.3 ± 1.5, p < 0.05), but not the IMP trial (1.9 ± 1.5 vs. 2.2 ± 1.4). A mismatch exists between the session and acute exercise values for RPE and AR during the SS cycle exercise in young males.

Just noticeable difference in perception of physical exertion during cycle exercise in young adult men and women.

The purpose of this investigation was to describe the just noticeable difference (JND) in perceived exertion during cycle exercise. Males (n = 20) and females (n = 26) (21.4 ± 3.1 year) performed load-incremented cycle exercise to peak intensity. At the end of each minute, subjects rated their overall-body perceived exertion using the OMNI (0-10) rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale. Individual regression derived the power output (PO) corresponding to RPE 5. This PO served as the standard stimulus (SS). On a separate occasion, four 5-min cycling bouts were performed with 5 min rest between bouts. During bouts 1 and 3 subjects cycled at the SS. During bouts 2 and 4 subjects adjusted the resistance to achieve a level of exertion just noticeably above/below the SS. The difference in final 30-s oxygen consumption (VO2) and PO between each JND bout and the previous SS were the above (JND-A) and below (JND-B) perceived exertion JNDs. JND-A and JND-B were compared between genders and between subjects exhibiting lower versus higher ventilatory threshold (VT) and VO(2PEAK) within genders for VO2 (l · min(-1), %VO(2PEAK)) and PO (W, %SS). JND-B was significantly (P < 0.05) greater than JND-A for VO2 and PO, when expressed in absolute (l · min(-1), W) and relative units (%VO(2PEAK), %SS). Males exhibited greater JND values than females in absolute, but not relative, units. Subjects with lower and higher VT and VO(2)PEAK exhibited similar JND values. The JND can serve as an effective tool to measure perceptual acuity and to determine individual ability to self-regulate prescribed exercise intensities.

Self-efficacy and enjoyment of middle school children performing the progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run (PACER).

Self-efficacy and enjoyment were examined among 34 middle school children (M age = 12.5 yr.) performing the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER). Exercise self-efficacy (running) and physical activity enjoyment were measured after viewing a video illustrating the PACER, and subsequently following a PACER test. Significantly greater pre- than post-exercise self-efficacy was reported; enjoyment scores did not differ. Ratings of self-efficacy were higher before exercise than after, but enjoyment scores were not significantly different. A significant correlation was found between post-exercise self-efficacy and enjoyment, but not between pre-exercise self-efficacy and enjoyment. Although positive correlations were found between PACER laps and pre-/post-exercise self-efficacy, correlations with ratings of enjoyment were not significant. Exercise self-efficacy was associated with children's beliefs about the task-specific PACER aerobic exercise; however, exercise enjoyment was stable. Children's self-efficacy and enjoyment beliefs should be considered when developing interventional strategies to promote aerobic exercise participation.

Response normalized omni rating of perceived exertion at the ventilatory breakpoint in division I football players.

This investigation identified an OMNI Scale rating of perceived exertion associated with the ventilatory breakpoint in Division I football players. This easily applied prescriptive reference may be used to self-regulate training intensity. The OMNI Scale format may facilitate estimation of exertional perceptions. 34 participants completed a maximal treadmill test. OMNI ratings of perceived exertion were estimated during the last 15 sec. of each workload. The rating corresponding to the ventilatory breakpoint was determined for each participant using linear regression analysis. The ventilatory breakpoint corresponded to 68.8% of VO2max (SD = 7.5% of VO2 max) and a heart rate of 158.9 beats min(-1) (SD = 11.9 beats min(-1)). The rating of perceived exertion associated with the ventilatory breakpoint was 5.1 (SD = 1.2). This perceptual reference point, not previously identified in Division I football players, could be used in field settings to self-select exercise intensity around the ventilatory threshold.

Use of ratings of perceived exertion to anticipate treadmill test termination in patients taking beta-blockers.

This investigation identified a perceptually-based "warning zone" that can be used to anticipate termination of treadmill tests administered to individuals taking beta-blockers. The use of ratings of perceived exertion to anticipate test termination may be valuable given the attenuation of heart rate associated with the use of this class of medication. Sixteen men with coronary artery disease participated in this investigation. Ratings of perceived exertion (Borg 6-20 Scale) were estimated during the last 15 sec. of each minute of a progressively incremented treadmill test. Tests were terminated when participants indicated they were too fatigued to continue. The time-to-test termination was determined from the point that participants estimated a rating of 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 in order to determine the rating that was less than or equal to the time associated with a single exercise stage. A rating of 14 was associated with impending termination, which can be used as a "warning zone." The time to termination corresponding to a rating of 14 was 153.1 sec. (SD = 27.0). Participants exercised for 153.1 sec. (SE = 27.0) after estimating a rating of 14. Once a rating of 14 is reached, volitional test termination will occur before the next exercise stage is completed.

Influence of marriage and parenthood on physical activity: a 2-year prospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) tends to decrease from adolescence to young adulthood, and factors that have been proposed to contribute to this decrease are life transitions. The focus of this study is to examine life transitions, such as marriage and parenthood, and the impact they may have on the physical activity levels of young adults. METHODS: This 2-year prospective analysis assessed physical activity (hrs/wk) and sociodemographics in young adults (n = 638, 48% male, 15% nonwhite, 24 ± 1.1 years old) via questionnaire. PA data were normalized through log transformations and examined using ANCOVAs, controlling for appropriate covariates. RESULTS: ANCOVA results showed that becoming married did not significantly change PA compared with individuals who stayed single [F(1,338) = 0.38, P = .54, d = 0.06]. Conversely, PA was significantly lower [F(1,517) = 6.7, P = .01, d = 0.41] after having a child, compared with individuals who stayed childless. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that marriage does not impact PA in young adults, but having a child significantly decreases PA in parents, and may offer an optimal period of intervention.

The effects of 12 weeks of step aerobics training on functional fitness of elderly women.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 12 weeks of step aerobics (SA) training on the functional fitness of apparently healthy older women. Thirteen previously sedentary elderly women (mean age 63.14 years) participated in this study. Subjects performed 3 training sessions per week for 30-60 minutes per session. All measurements were assessed at baseline, after 12 weeks of training (posttest), and after 1 month of detraining. Assessments included the evaluation of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), strength of the upper (arm-curl [AC] test) and lower body (30-second chair-stand test [CS]), dynamic balance and agility (8 foot up and go [8 ft]), flexibility (chair sit-and-reach [CSR]), and cardiorespiratory fitness (6-minute walk test [6MW]). Step aerobics significantly improved all functional fitness components except for BMI. The 12 weeks of SA promoted a large effect size in the following measurements: WC (d = 1.6); CSR (d = 1.51); CS (d = 1.49); AC (d = 1.41); 8 ft (d = 1.32); and 6MW (d = 1.06) (p < 0.05). These results indicate that 12 weeks of SA had a positive effect on the functional fitness components of these older women. Furthermore, these findings were confirmed by the reverse effect observed after 1 month of detraining, except for upper body strength (AC test). In conclusion, 12 weeks of SA training can promote improvements in the functional fitness of apparently healthy older women. Therefore, SA can be considered an effective exercise modality to prevent the loss of functional fitness and its associated consequences.