Abstract

The purpose of the study was to identify and compare validity parameters of different absolute intensity thresholds in METs, using relative intensity classification as criterion measure. Convenience sampling was used to recruit total of 112 adults. The participants carried out an incremental maximal cycle ergometer test and asked to perform nine free-living activities. The oxygen uptake was measured by a VO2000® gas analyser throughout the tests. The intensity thresholds were identified using Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, having relative intensity categories as criterion measure. A total of 103 participants attended the two visits. Among 54 men and 49 women, the mean (± SD) ages were 36.1 (± 11.1) and 33.9 (± 10.6) years, respectively. The intensity thresholds identified were 4.9 METs for moderate and 6.8 METs for vigorous physical activity. In conclusion, the physical activity thresholds, generated according to the entire sample, were higher and presented improved specificity when compared to thresholds currently recommended. Moreover, these parameters presented relatively high accuracy, even when applied to specific groups such as sex, age, nutritional status and physical fitness.

Highlights

  • Physical activity is defined as any body movement resulting in energy expenditure higher than resting [1]

  • The average age was 36.1 (SD ± 11.1) years, 46% were classified with overweight and 26% presented above average physical fitness

  • The present study evaluated validity parameters of thresholds based on absolute physical activity intensities according to the current guidelines [3], and original thresholds using relative intensities as criterion measure

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Summary

Introduction

Physical activity is defined as any body movement resulting in energy expenditure higher than resting [1]. It might be characterized as behaviour of complex assessment, considering its diversity regarding different body movements and dimensions such as frequency, intensity and duration. There are several health benefits associated with regular physical activity practice [2] and these positive effects are related to the total energy expenditure, and attributed to the intensities in which physical activity might be performed [3]. It is essential to precisely determine physical activity intensities. There are different proposals of thresholds based on relative intensities (considering individual characteristics) and absolute intensities

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