Physiological and psychophysical aspects of shallow water exercise

Abstract

This study investigated the cardiorespiratory responses to perceptually selfregulated shallow water exercise (SR-SWE) efforts. Females (26 ± 6 years) performed a series of SWE bouts prescribed at rating of perceived exertion (RPE) 9, 11, 13, 15, and 17 (Borg scale) and an incremental, SR-SWE bout to a max of RPE 20. Oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate (HR), and blood lactate (BLa) were monitored. VO2, HR, and BLa ranged from 0.68 ± 0.13 l·min-1, 90 ± 16 bpm, 2.0 ± 0.7 mM (RPE 9) to 2.21 ± 0.21 l·min-1, 162 ± 11 bpm, and 3.9 ± 1.6 mM (RPE 17), respectively. Peak VO2, HR, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and BLa were 2.72 ± 0.33 l·min-1, 181 ± 7 bpm, 1.05 ± 0.05, and 8.1 ± 1.7 mM, respectively. The group linear regression equation was as follows: VO2 = -0.97 ± 0.189 (RPE), R2 = .89 (p < .0001). The regression model predicted VO2 peak of 2.81 ± 0.28 l·min-1 equivalent to the measured value of 2.72 ± 0.33 l·min-1 (p = .33). Findings suggest that self-regulation of intensity based on prescribed RPE is a viable way of regulating intensity while exercising in a shallow water medium.