Frequency of Verbal Encouragement Effects Sub-Maximal Exertional Perceptions During Exercise Testing in Young Adult Women

Abstract

0915 PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of frequency of verbal encouragement on ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) at sub-maximal exercise test intensities in young (18 to 21 year old) healthy females. METHODS: Thirty-six healthy females were randomly assigned to either a control group (no verbal encouragement), a 20 second encouragement group (verbal encouragement every 20s) or a 60 second encouragement group (verbal encouragement every 60s). All subjects completed two maximal exercise tests, a baseline test (without verbal encouragement) and an experimental test, using the Bruce treadmill protocol. Subjects were oriented to the OMNI-Walk/Run Scale which was used to assess RPE during the last 20 seconds of each exercise stage. RESULTS: Groups did not differ in age, body composition or baseline maximal aerobic power. Sub-maximal RPE-Overall was significantly lower for the 20 second encouragement group during stages II and III than baseline response (2.2 ± .75 vs. 3.5 ± 1.24, P < 0.01; 4.6 ± 1.0 vs. 6.1 ± 1.37, P < 0.01, respectively). Sub-maximal RPE-Overall responses were also significantly lower for the 60 second encouragement group during stage II and stage III than the baseline condition (2.25 ± .86 vs. 3.4 ± 1.0, P < 0.01; 5.0 ± 1.13 vs. 6.2 ± 1.33, P < 0.05, respectively). Submaximal RPE-Leg responses were significantly lower for the 20 second encouragement group during stages II and III than baseline response (2.3 ± 1.07 vs. 3.5 ± 1.16, P < 0.05; 4.6 ± 1.37 vs. 6.1 ± 1.6, P < 0.05, respectively). In addition, verbal encouragement every 60 seconds resulted in a significantly lower RPE-Legs response during stage II than in the baseline condition (2.3 ± .77 vs. 3.5 ± 1.0, P < 0.01). No between group differences were observed for any sub-maximal VO2 and HR response. There were no between or within group differences in maximal oxygen consumption and treadmill performance time. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the mechanisms underlying the psychological impact of verbal encouragement during sub-maximal exercise are complex but may include a dampening of unpleasant stimuli as they travel to the sensory cortex for coding and ultimately conscious expression as an exertional estimate.