Influence of Body Composition on Response Normalized Omni Rpe at the Ventilatory Breakpoint

Abstract

Response normalized ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) corresponding to the ventilatory breakpoint (Vpt) have been identified in children and adults using the OMNI Scale of Perceived Exertion. The influence of body composition variables including body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat (%BF) on the RPE-Vpt has not been examined in adults undergoing graded treadmill exercise PURPOSE: To determine the influence of BMI and %BF on the response normalized RPE-Overall (O), RPE-Legs (L), and RPE-Chest/Breathing (C) at the Vpt. METHODS: A randomly selected sample of 10 males (29.1 ±1.1 yrs) and ten females (29.3 ±0.8 yrs) completed a graded treadmill protocol to measure maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). The Vpt was %VO2max at which Ve:VO2 increased without an accompanying increase in Ve:VCO2. Subjects were dichotomized into low and high body composition using the median for each variable as the cut-point. RPE-O, L, and C were measured at the last 30 seconds of each stage using the OMNI Scale. RESULTS: Mean (±SD) BMI (kg·m2) was 26.57(±5.49) for males and 27.85(±4.06) for females. Mean (± SD) %BF was 22.72(±9.25) for males and 34.93(±7.24) for females. Gender specific body composition comparisons revealed no significant differences in RPE O, L, and C at Vpt (p>0.05; Table 1).Table 1CONCLUSION: OMNI RPE-Vpt was not influenced by BMI or %BF in males or females. A normalized RPE-Vpt (1) reduces the need for pre-participation testing to prescribe exercise intensity (i.e. Vpt) that provides an overload stimulus for cardiorespiratory training; and (2) facilitates exercise intensity self-regulation. This may have a health-fitness application for adults of various levels of body composition who undertake a physical activity program. Supported by NCI (RO1CA109895)