Abstract
BackgroundThe heart rate method, based on the linear relation between heart rate and oxygen uptake, is potentially valuable to monitor intensity levels of physical activities. However, this depends not least on its reproducibility under standard conditions. This study aims, therefore, to evaluate the reproducibility of the heart rate method in the laboratory using a range of heart rates associated with walking commuting.MethodsOn two different days, heart rate and oxygen uptake measurements were made during three submaximal (model 1) and a maximal exercise intensity (model 2) on a cycle ergometer in the laboratory. 14 habitual walking commuters participated. The reproducibility, based on the regression equations from test and retest and using three levels of heart rate from the walking commuting, was analyzed. Differences between the two models were also analyzed.ResultsFor both models, there were no significant differences between test and retest in the constituents of the regression equations (y intercept, slope and r value). Neither were there any systematic differences in estimated absolute levels of VO2 between test and retest for either model. However, some rather large individual differences were seen in both models. Furthermore, no significant differences were seen between the two models in slopes, intercepts and r values of the regression equations or in the estimated VO2.ConclusionThe heart rate method shows good reproducibility on the group level in estimating oxygen consumption from heart rate–oxygen uptake relations in the laboratory, and based on three levels of heart rate which are representative for walking commuting.
Highlights
To monitor metabolic demands and physiological work intensities of physical activities in free-living field conditions is of great value in both physical and health education, promotion, surveillance and research
The aim of this study was, to evaluate day-to-day reproducibility of HR–VO2 regression equations and the estimated oxygen uptakes based on three levels of heart rates representative for everyday walking commuting
An important feature of this study is that we have developed a transparent framework for analyses of the reproducibility of the HR method in laboratory conditions
Summary
To monitor metabolic demands and physiological work intensities of physical activities in free-living field conditions is of great value in both physical and health education, promotion, surveillance and research. HR recordings from various physical activities have since been used in numerous studies as a basis for interpreting energy requirements and exercise intensities in humans (e.g., Bradfield 1971; Åstrand 1971; cf Montoye et al 1996; Achten and Jeukendrup 2003; Shephard and Aoyagi 2012) as well as in animals (cf Green 2011) The value of such measurements is greater if individual HR–VO2 relations are established The heart rate method, based on the linear relation between heart rate and oxygen uptake, is potentially valuable to monitor intensity levels of physical activities This depends not least on its reproducibility under standard conditions. Conclusion The heart rate method shows good reproducibility on the group level in estimating oxygen consumption from heart rate–oxygen uptake relations in the laboratory, and based on three levels of heart rate which are representative for walking commuting
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