Perceived Exertion under Conditions of Sustained Work and Sleep Loss.
Abstract
The relationships of perceived exertion (RPE) to workload, heart rate, and psychological measures during repeated treadmill walking while carrying 22kg have been analyzed in 2 studies. Exercising subjects alternated 30 min walks with 30 min of tasks for 16 one hr sessions on each of 2 consecutive days. Study 1 used an initial treadmill grade and speed producing 40% maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max). This level was maintained until a subject could no longer complete a 30 min exercise session. Subsequently treadmill grade and then speed were reduced to a maintainable rate. Subjects got a 4 hr nap (Group 1) or rest (Group 2) between days. Study 2 used 30% VO2 max throughout and a 3 hr nap between days. One group started at midnight, the other at noon. Both studies showed a linear increase in RPE during each day (p < .05) and a drop in RPE from the end of Day 1 to the start of Day 2 (p < .001). Napping rather than just resting or starting at midnight rather than at noon did not change RPE. RPE was higher Day 2 than Day 1 in Study 2 (p < .05). RPE increased through the stages of the maximal treadmill tests but did not vary among the 3 tests in Study 2. RPE was significantly correlated with heart rate, speed, and elevation gained (r and/or p) during most of Day 1 in Study 1 but not in Study 2. Psychological measures showed correlations with RPE only during the third 4 hr period of Day 1 in Study 1 for fatigue, vigor and sleepiness while these relationships persisted through most of Day 1 in Study 2.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 25, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA182148
Entities
People
- C. E. Englund
- David H. Ryman
- P. Naitoh
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center