Effect of Prescribing Exercise through Verbal Commands on Psychophysiological Responses in Walkers or Runners

Abstract

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of prescribing exercise intensity through verbal commands on physiological, perceptual and affective responses in habitual walkers or runners. METHODS: Fifteen walkers or runners (11 men, 4 women; age: 39.9 ± 9.9 years; height: 172.0 ± 6.1 cm; body mass: 72.6 ± 9.5 kg; BMI: 24.5 ± 2.5 kg.m-2; VO2max: 46.3 ± 7.4 ml.kg-1.min-1; HRmax: 177.2 ± 11.5 bpm) were submitted to four trials of walking or running at self-selected intensities corresponding to the following verbal commands: Preferred, Low, Moderate and High. All trials were performed in a randomized order. Heart rate (%HRmax), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE 0-10, OMNI-Walk/run scale) and feelings of pleasure/displeasure (-5 to +5, Feeling Scale) were recorded at the end of each trial. RESULTS: Walking or running based on the Preferred-intensity verbal command elicited similar speed, %HRmax and RPE values, and pleasant feelings compared to the Moderate trial. The High trial was the most effortful and the least pleasant one. All trials elicited %HRmax values that are within the range proposed by the ACSM to promote health-related outcomes.CONCLUSION: Prescribing walking or running through verbal commands seems highly attractive due to its effectiveness and simplicity. Walking or running at the Preferred-intensity verbal command may promote health-related outcomes and elicit a positive affective experience, which might influence exercise adherence.