Effect of Exercise Intensity on Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption in Women.

Abstract

A study was conducted to examine the effects of exercise intensity on the duration and magnitude of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) in seven young women who were in the same phase of the menstrual cycle. The subjects exercised on separate days for 30 min at an intensity of 40%, 50% or 70% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) on a cycle ergometer. Oxygen uptake, respiratory exchange ratio, and heart rate were measured while the subjects rested in a sitting position for 4 h after exercise. The results were compared with those of an identical control experiment without exercise. EPOC lasted for 17.7±11.1 min (40% VO2 max) , 23.7±8.1 min (50%) , and 41.3±22.6 min (70%) , and the corresponding EPOC and excess energy expenditure were 1,336±838 ml and 6±4 kcal, 2,011±646 ml and 10±3 kcal, 3,564±1,627 ml and 17±8 kcal, respectively. These mean differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). The present results indicate that exercise intensity affects both the duration and magnitude of EPOC.