Self-Selected Exercise Intensity Using Two Fitness Apps

Abstract

PURPOSE: An increasingly common mode of daily exercise is the use of exercise applications via smartphone or portable tablets. Differentiation of exercise intensity among applications is important to ensure that an individual’s goals are achieved through appropriate selection based on their current level of fitness and health status. The purpose of this study was to determine the self-selected exercise intensity of two free fitness apps, 7 Minutes to Health (7MH) and Cardio Free (CF). METHODS: Eleven participants (9 men and 2 women, 19-27 years old) were recruited to participate in this study. Study participants were healthy and had no limitations to exercise. On the first visit, participants completed a VO2max test to determine exercise capacity. On the second visit, participants completed two exercise bouts using the free exercise apps. The order of the exercise bouts was randomly determined. 7MH included 12 exercises performed for 30 seconds with 10 seconds rest. CF included 10 exercises performed for 45 seconds with 3 seconds rest. Oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate (HR) were used to determine the intensity of exercise during the exercise apps. Paired t-tests were performed to compare VO2 and HR during CF compared to 7MH. RESULTS: The range of VO2max values was 37 to 68 ml/kg/min. Percent VO2max was significantly higher during CF vs. 7MH (61±8% versus 42±8%, mean± SD, p<0.001), as was %HRmax (84±7% versus 78±7%, p<0.05). During the CF app, average heart rates of five participants were in the range for moderate intensity exercise (65-85%), while four were in the range of high intensity exercise (85-100%). During the 7MH app, average heart rates of seven participants were in the range for moderate intensity exercise, while two were in the range for high intensity exercise. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that some individuals using these exercise apps may need to either increase the intensity of exercise to meet the range for high intensity and/or perform exercises at least 2-3 times per day in order to meet the CDC recommendations for physical activity. Supported by UMASS Lowell College of Health Sciences Seed Grant