This study examined the extent to which different high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and sprint interval training (SIT) protocols could influence psychophysiological responses in moderately active young men. Fourteen participants completed, in a randomized order, three cycling protocols (SIT: 4 × 30-second all-out sprints; Tabata: 7 × 20 seconds at 170% ⋮O; and HIIT: 10 × 60 seconds at 90% HR) and three running HIIT protocols (4 × 4 minutes at 90%-95% HR, 5 × at v⋮O, and 4 × 1,000 meters at a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of 8, from the OMNI-Walk/Run scale). Oxygen uptake (⋮O), heart rate, and RPE were recorded during each interval. Affective responses were assessed before and after each trial. The Tabata protocol elicited the highest ⋮O and RPE responses, and the least pleasant session-affect among the cycling trials. The v⋮O elicited the highest ⋮O and RPE responses and the lowest mean session-affect among the running trials. Findings highlight the limited application of SIT and some HIIT protocols to individuals with low fitness levels.

Tai Chi, yoga, and stretching regimens are gaining popularity as alternatives to more traditional exercise, but there is scant research regarding participants’ perceived exertion and affective responses to these practices. We compared experienced states of perceived exertion, feelings of pleasure/displeasure, and arousal in 70 elderly women enrolled in groups of Tai Chi ( n = 26), yoga ( n = 25), or stretching ( n = 19) classes. Mean rates of perceived exertion, feelings of pleasure, and arousal responses were significantly higher over the time course of all three groups, while the overall mean perceived exertion ( Somewhat Hard on the Borg CR-10 scale) and pleasure responses (∼ Very Good on the Feeling Scale) were similar between them. The circumplex model of affect showed that changes occurred in the high-activation pleasure quadrant (energy on the Felt Arousal Scale). From a practical perspective, the exercise intensity and affective responses elicited during these classes made participants feel good and infused with energy, likely creating a positive memory and reinforcing continued physical activity participation.

RESUMOIntrodução: Sensações de prazer/desprazer são moduladas de acordo com as intensidades prescritas para o exercício, demonstrando uma relação simples, onde quanto mais intenso o estímulo, maior o esforço percebido. Objetivo: Verificar as diferenças entre as respostas perceptuais e afetivas agudas em diferentes intensidades de exercícios com pesos em mulheres idosas. Métodos: Quatorze mulheres com idade entre 65 e 75 anos, previamente sedentárias, com sobrepeso, foram submetidas a três diferentes intensidades de treinamento com pesos: 35% e 70% de 1RM, e autosselecionada. Foram avaliados o afeto e a percepção subjetiva do esforço (PSE). Após 30 minutos do término da sessão, foi avaliada a percepção subjetiva do esforço da sessão (PSE-S). Foi utilizado o teste de variância One-way ANOVA de um fator de medidas repetidas para as variáveis dependentes PSE-S, PSE e afeto, seguido de post hock de Tukey. Resultados: A PSE-S demonstrou diferença significativa da testagem (F (7,99) =15,358; p=0,001) entre as intensidades, assim como para PSE entre cada exercício. A PSE-S, para 35% de 1RM, foi menor, quando comparada à PSE-S para 70% de 1RM, e à intensidade autosselecionada. A intensidade de 70% de 1RM, quando comparada com a intensidade autosselecionada, não apresentou diferença significativa. Em relação a PSE nos exercícios, foi observado um esforço significativamente maior (p < 0,001) para 70% de 1RM, quando comparados com a autosseleção da carga. O afeto revelou diferença significativa na intensidade de 35% de 1RM, mostrando uma resposta mais prazerosa, quando comparado à carga de 70% de 1RM, e à autosseleção da carga. Conclusão: Os resultados demonstraram que baixas intensidades são percebidas como menor esforço e este fato contribuiu para a produção de respostas afetivas mais prazerosas. Além disso, fatores interindividuais são capazes de modular estas respostas, possibilitando a diminuição da percepção do esforço em intensidades mais vigorosas. (F (7.99) = 15.358; p = 0.001) Palavras

[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to verify the rate of perceived exertion and feelings of pleasure/displeasure in elderly women, who did normally perform physical exercises, following eight weeks of strength training in a constant routine. [Subjects and Methods] Eleven sedentary women were subjected to anthropometric assessment. The maximum load (100%) for each used in this study was determined by performing a test to determined the 1RM for each of them according to the protocol of Fatouros et al. and the Feeling Scale and RPE scale were explained to the women. After these initial procedures, the subjects followed a routine for strength training, performing three sets of repetitions at 70% of the one-repetition maximum for each exercise (bench press, leg extension, pulldown, leg curl) without modifying the exercises and their execution order. The frequency of training was three days per week. ANOVA was used to analyze the behavior of the dependent variable, and the post hoc tests were used to identify significant differences. [Results] Strength increased only in the fifth week. The rate of perceived exertion showed a reduction only in the fifth week in the leg extension, pulldown, leg curl. [Conclusion] The percentage of 70% the one-repetition maximum recommended to increase the strength gains and hypertrophy of skeletal muscle does not provide feelings of displeasure when performing proposed exercise. However, it may be possible to modulate this percentage to obtain more pleasant feelings over two months.

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