HR, V̇o2, and RPE Relationships in an Aquatic Incremental Maximum Test Performed by Young Women

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to verify the relationship between oxygen uptake (V̇o2), heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and cadence (CAD) in an aquatic incremental maximum test performed during a water-based stationary running exercise. The study also verified the best adjustments for these relationships (linear or polynomial). Thirteen young college women (mean ± SD: 23.15 ± 1.72 years, 21.43 ± 2.09 body mass index) participated in the study. They performed an aquatic incremental maximum test during a water-based stationary running exercise. The experimental protocol started at an initial CAD of 80 b·min−1, and it was followed by increases of 10 b·min−1 every minute until exhaustion. V̇o2, HR, and RPE were measured along the test. Linear and polynomial regression analysis were performed to determine the relationship among the percentage of peak V̇o2 (%V̇o2peak), percentage of maximal HR (%HRmax), RPE, and CAD to determine the best adjustment for each analysis (α = 0.05). The polynomial regression showed the best adjustments for all analysis. Data revealed a significant relationship (p < 0.001) between %V̇o2peak and %HRmax (r = 0.858), %HRmax and RPE (r = 0.823), and %V̇o2peak and RPE (r = 0.871). Regarding the relationship between these above-mentioned variables and CAD, all of them were significant (p < 0.001), with r = 0.848 for CAD and %HRmax, r = 0.877 for CAD and %V̇o2peak and r = 0.878 for CAD and RPE. It was concluded that all analyzed variables are associated and their relationships are in a polynomial quadratic form. Based on the findings, instructors may use the positive relationships between %V̇o2peak, %HRmax, and RPE to efficiently prescribe water-based training sessions.