Evaluation of the talk test as a method to estimate exercise intensity in healthy children

Abstract

Introduction: Heart rate (HR) has traditionally been used to regulate the intensity of exercise; however, its measurement is limited in the absence of a heart rate device. Consequently, indirect methods, such as the Talk Test (TT), have been validated in adults, yet not in children. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between TT and objective methods to quantify the intensity of exercise in healthy Chilean children. Methods: Healthy children of both genders aged between 8 and 12 years old were considered for the study. The participants performed two incremental step exercise tests separated by 7 days. The TT was incorporated in one of the two tests randomly. The HR, effort perception (EP) and workload were measured every one minute during the test. HR, EP and workload were compared by positive (TT + / +), equivocal (TT +/-), and negative (TT - / -) response of the TT. Additionally, the reliability of cardiorespiratory parameters during TT was determined. A value of p <0.05 was considered significant. Results: 48 participants aged 9.7 ± 1.1 years old were selected. There was a significant difference in cardiorespiratory parameters between the TT responses (p