Reproducibility of an effort protocol during deep-water running

Abstract

The aim of this study was to verify the inter-assessment reproducibility of heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) in exercise with different cadences during deep water running. In a comparative and correlational study, twenty physically active college students (aged 21.10 ± 1.68 yr, body mass 68.90 ± 7.24 kg, height 174.60 ± 5.35 cm, Σ7SF 106.80 ± 28.63 mm) were assessed twice by two different evaluators in a 12-stage sub maximal protocol of deep water running at initial intensity of 100 cycles per minute with an increment of four cycle per minute (E1 – E12). HR and RPE measures were registered at each stage. Reproducibility was analyzed by Pearson linear coefficient (r) and intraclass correlation (ICC), and Wilcoxon test. No significant differences were found among evaluators’ measures for the resting (p > .05), basal (p > .05) and recovery (p > .05) heart rate. Significant differences (p < .05) were found for RPE in E1, E5, E7, E8 and E9 stages. Inter-assessment correlations were significant (r > .60, ICC95% > .60). The results show good intra-assessment reproducibility for HR and RPE at different cadences, indicating that the protocol has professional application.