INTRODUCTION:
Feelings of pleasure/displeasure are modulated according to prescribed exercise intensities, where the more intense the stimulus, the higher the perception of effort.
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the differences between perceptual and affective responses to different intensities of acute resistance training in elderly women.
METHODS:
Fourteen women aged between 65 and 75 years old, previously sedentary and overweight were subjected to three different intensities of resistance training: 35% and 70% 1-RM, and self-selected. Affect and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed. Session rate of perceived exertion (RPE-S) was assessed 30 minutes after the conclusion of the session. One way ANOVA test for repeated measures was used for the dependent variables (RPE-S, RPE and affect), followed by Tukey's post hock.
RESULTS:
RPE-S showed a significant difference (F (7.99) = 15.358; p = 0.001) between the intensities as well as RPE between each exercise. RPE-S of 35% 1-RM was lower when compared to RPE-S for 70% 1-RM, and self-selected intensity. The intensity of 70% 1-RM, compared with the self-selected intensity, showed no significant difference. Regarding RPE during the exercises, significantly more effort (p<0.001) was observed for the 70% 1-RM when compared with the self-selection of the load. The affect revealed a significant difference for the intensity of 35% 1-RM, showing a more pleasant response when compared to the load of 70% 1-RM, and self-selection of the load.
CONCLUSION:
Results showed that low intensities are perceived as less effort and this fact contributed to the production of more pleasurable affective responses. Moreover, inter-individual factors between subjects can modulate these responses, enabling the reduction of perceived exertion in more vigorous intensities.
exercise; affect; physical exertion