The primary purpose of this investigation was to determine if college age males and females (18 to 25 year old) can self-regulate exercise intensity during a 20 minute intermittent bout of aerobic exercise on the treadmill using the OMNI RPE scale. All subjects completed an estimation trial (EST) graded exercise test using the Bruce protocol to measure heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO2), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) every minute until exhaustion. Using data from the EST, target RPEs corresponding to 50% and 70% of VO2R were determined via regression analysis. A production trial (PROD) was then performed in which subjects titrated speed and grade on the treadmill to elicit the target RPEs corresponding to 50% and 70% of VO2R in counterbalance order. At an RPE corresponding to 50% of VO2R, HR and VO2 were significantly higher in the PROD compared to the EST for counterbalance order I (70% - 50%) (p less .001). However, there was no significant difference in HR and VO2 between the EST and PROD for counterbalance order II (50% - 70%) (p greater .05). When subjects exercised at an RPE corresponding to 70% of VO2R, the HR was significantly higher in the PROD compared to the EST for counterbalance order I (70% - 50%), (p less .05). However, there was no significant difference in HR between the EST and PROD trials for counterbalance order II (50% - 70%), (p greater.05). At an RPE corresponding to 70% of VO2R, there was no significant difference in the VO2 between the EST and PROD trials (p greater .05). Subjects were also able to perceptually differentiate between the two target RPEs corresponding to 50% and 70% of VO2R as indicated by the significant difference in HR (p less .05) and VO2 (p less .05) between the two prescribed PROD RPE intensities. The present investigation indicates that subjects were able to use RPE to self-regulate exercise intensity during 20 min of exercise at varying intensity when starting the exercise bout at the RPE corresponding to 50% of VO2R.

Behavioral weight loss interventions are the standard approach to weight loss for overweight adults; however, adherence to the components of these programs is a challenge and an area of extensive interest in the field of obesity prevention and treatment. Purpose: This study examined whether perceived importance of and willingness to engage in weight loss behaviors predicted weight loss in overweight, previously sedentary adult men and women. In addition, these variables were examined in relation to actual engagement in weight loss behaviors, namely self-monitoring and attendance. Methods: Data from 30 overweight (body mass index (BMI) = 32.4 + 2.7 kg/m2) men and women (age = 42.5 + 8.1 years) who participated in a standard behavioral weight loss intervention that included behavioral modification strategies, moderate caloric restriction, and progressive exercise prescriptions. Body weight, perceived importance, and willingness were assessed at 0 and 12 weeks. Results: The intervention resulted in a decrease in body weight, body mass index, caloric intake, and fat intake (p < 0.05) and an increase in energy expenditure (kcal/week) (p < 0.05). Individuals reported lower total perceived importance and willingness scores at week 12 (p < 0.05). Perceived importance and willingness for self-monitoring, eating, and exercise behaviors were correlated at both baseline and week 12. However, neither perceived importance of or willingness to engage in self-monitoring and eating behaviors at baseline were found to be predictive of weight loss. Willingness to self-monitor at week 12 was positively correlated with weight loss (r = 0.40, p = 0.03). In addition, negative correlations were found for perceived importance of exercise behaviors at week 12 and weight loss and willingness to engage in exercise behaviors at baseline and weight loss. Conclusion: The present study provides preliminary support for the relationship between perceived importance of and willingness to engage in weight loss behaviors; however, the ability of these two variables to predict weight loss is unclear. Further understanding of perceived importance of and willingness to engage in behavioral weight loss strategies among adults participating in weight reduction programs may allow for personalized interventions. More tailored approaches to behavioral modification may result in improved adherence to behavioral change strategies ultimately leading to more successful weight losses in overweight adults.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine if components of body composition differ between elite competitive older athletes and community-dwelling ambulatory controls and to examine the relationships between the components of body composition and the relationship between the components and strength. Methods: One-hundred Senior Athletes from the 2005 National Senior Games and 86 healthy controls participated. Body composition was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The DXA scans provided measures of bone mineral density (BMD), bone mass, mineral free lean mass percentage (MFLP), and fat mass percentage (FMP) including regional measures (trunk, legs and arms) of body composition. Isometric strength of the quadriceps and hamstrings was measured. Results: One factor ANOVAs (á=.05) were performed to assess regional FMP and regional MFLP. Controls had a significantly higher FMP in every body region than athletes. Athletes had a significantly higher MFLP of the arm and leg than controls. Correlational analyses (á=.05) were also performed to examine the relationship between MFLP and strength, MFLP and BMD, and FMP and BMD. Athletes had a stronger correlation between flexion strength values and MFLP of the leg and Controls showed a stronger correlation between extension strength values and MFLP of the leg. Significant correlations were found for the relationship between MFLP and BMD, with stronger correlations in the athlete group. Significant correlations between BMD and FMP were found in all regions except the trunk for all groups. Discussion: Our predominant findings were that, as expected, all regional measures of body fat were higher in control subjects than in athletes. This study showed that all regional measures of lean muscle mass were greater in athletes than in control subjects. This indicates that physical activity may help to prevent the decrements associated with the aging process even well in to the 7th decade of life.

PURPOSE: The primary purposes of this investigation were to examine the validity of the Physical Activity Index (PAI) as, (a) a measure of total activity load (intensity of exercise x volume of exercise) and (b) as an estimate of total kilocalorie (kcal) expenditure during submaximal treadmill walking. A secondary purpose was to compare estimated kcal expenditure determined by the PAI prediction model to the estimated kcal expenditure determined by the SenseWear Pro Armband. METHODS: Thirty-two recreationally active females (20.36 &#xB1; 1.27 years) participated in this study. Subjects participated in three counterbalanced submaximal walking bouts: low intensity (4.02 km&#x22C5;hr⁻¹, 0% grade), moderate intensity (5.63 km&#x22C5;hr⁻¹, 2.5% grade), and high intensity (7.24 km&#x22C5;hr⁻¹, 5% grade). Each bout was separated by five min of rest. During each of the three exercise bouts, oxygen consumption (VO₂), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), pedometer step count, and kcal expenditure were measured. The PAI was calculated as the product of RPE and pedometer step count for each of the three, 10 minute bouts of treadmill walking. RESULTS: Concurrent validation of the PAI was established using VO₂ and heart rate (HR) as the criterion variables. Multiple regression analyses revealed a strong, positive relation between PAI score and VO₂ (r = 0.92) and HR (r = 0.84). Data were then used to develop a statistical model to estimate kcal expenditure using the PAI score as the predictor variable. Walking kcal expenditure predicted by Model III was highly correlated with measured kcal expenditure (r = 0.85). Similarly, kcal expenditure estimated by the SenseWear Pro Armband™ evidenced a strong, positive correlation with measured kcal expenditure (r = 0.83) when calculated across the three walking intensities. CONCLUSION: The development of a PAI using RPE and pedometer step count to estimate kcal expenditure may have significant public health implications. The PAI was found to be more accurate then the Armband method of estimating kcal expenditure and is a simple, unobtrusive and inexpensive tool which may be used to assess kcal expenditure in public health, clinical, and/or rehabilitation settings.

Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEAS) is thought to offset hypercortisolemia, which is found in individuals with bipolar disorder. While the cause of bipolar disorder remains unknown, previous studies have linked elevated cortisol levels with various mental health illnesses, including bipolar disorder. Previous studies suggest that exercise increases DHEAS levels in healthy subjects, however no studies have tested clinically diagnosed bipolar patients. It is hypothesized that the interaction between DHEAS and cortisol may be a contributing factor to the improvements in mood seen with exercise (McEwen 2002). PURPOSE: To determine the effect of an acute bout of aerobic exercise on DHEAS levels and perceptions of well-being in clinically diagnosed bipolar disorder patients. METHODS: Clinically diagnosed male (n=13) and female (n=13) bipolar patients (mean age 42.4 + 11.4 years) participated in this study. Ten ml of blood were drawn prior to the exercise session. Subjects walked on a treadmill for 20 min. at individualized intensities corresponding to 70% of age predicted maximum heart rate (APMHR). The exercise session finished with a 5 min. cool down. Within five min. post- completion of the cool down, a second blood draw, identical to the first, occured. Blood samples were spun and serum frozen until all samples could be collected and analyzed. A 7-point Likert questionnaire was administered pre and post exercise to assess perceptions of well-being. RESULTS: A two way ANOVA revealed a significant increase in DHEAS (p=0.01) after the acute bout of aerobic exercise. A dependant T-test also revealed a significant improvement in perception of global well-being following exercise (p<0.05). A non-significant (p=0.38) correlation of r=0.18 was found between DHEAS and perceptions of well-being. CONCLUSION: Treadmill exercise performed at of 70% of APMHR for 20 min. significantly increased DHEAS in clinically diagnosed bipolar subjects. Significant post exercise perceptions of well being improved. No relationship between well-being and DHEAS was revealed. Exercise appears to be responsible for an increase in DHEAS in bipolar patients; however, it appears that this increase may not be solely responsible for improvements in well-being.

Physical activity recall questionnaires are important tools to quantify physical activity patterns and relating these patterns to disease risk. However, of the movement components that comprise physical activity, intensity is the most difficult to directly and objectively measure. PURPOSE: The present investigation examined the validity of a post-event recall questionnaire to measure the perception of physical exertion during a circuit exercise program. METHODS: Forty (21.1 ±2.7 yrs) recreationally active females (n=22) and males (n=18), with no prior knowledge of OMNI RPE, underwent a circuit program consisting of in counterbalanced order: (I) cycle ergometry at 50% and 75% VO2peak, and (II) bicep curls at 65% and 90% 1-RM. Seven days later, subjects rated their perceived exertion associated with each exercise bout using the Exertional Recall Questionnaire. The subjects reported OMNI RPEs for the overall body (O), legs (L), and chest/breathing (C) for the cycle exercises, and OMNI RPEs for the overall body (O) and arm (A) for the bicep curl exercises. Following completion of the Exertional Recall Questionnaire, subjects were given standardized instructions for the OMNI RPE Cycle and Resistance Scales and repeated the circuit program. OMNI RPEs were then measured during the exercise bouts (the Criterion). RESULTS: Three-factor analyses of variance indicated that Recall and Criterion RPE-O, and L did not differ significantly at both cycle exercise intensities (p=0.064 and 0.169). Recall RPE-C was significantly lower than Criterion RPE-C at both cycle exercise intensities (p=0.010). Three-factor analyses of variance indicated that the RPE-O and A for the Recall procedure were significantly less than the Criterion procedure (p<0.001) for both the lighter and heavier resistances. CONCLUSIONS: Recreationally active females and males with no prior knowledge of OMNI RPE were able to recall their perceived exertion (overall body and legs) experienced during non-weight bearing (cycle) aerobic exercise performed seven days previously. The Recall procedure is valid for non-weight bearing aerobic exercise. However, subjects under-estimated Recall RPE-O and A for upper body resistance exercise. These responses question validity of the Recall RPE procedure for single joint arm resistance exercise.

Purpose: This cross-sectional study examined potential differences in reported past-year leisure time, occupational, total (leisure plus occupational), vigorous and usual household physical activity among 737 women who self-identified as lesbian (n = 405) or heterosexual (n = 332), were 35-55 years of age (Mean = 45.2 ± 5.5), reported their race as either Black (n = 80, 11%) or White (n = 657, 89%), and were recruited for participation in the Epidemiologic STudy of HEalth Risk in women (ESTHER) project at the University of Pittsburgh, PA. Potential differences in predictors of past-year leisure time physical activity between the groups were also examined. Methods: Physical activity was assessed through verbal interview using the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire (MAQ) and a composite questionnaire for usual household physical activity. Physical activity, sociodemographic, behavioral and lifestyle variables were compared by sexual orientation using median, Chi-Square and independent t-tests. Predictors of past-year leisure time physical activity were determined using multivariate step-wise logistic regression. Results: The groups did not differ by age, race, education, income, employment, or marital or partner status. More heterosexuals (49%) reported children age <18 yrs living in the household compared to lesbians (15%) (p <.001). Body mass index (BMI), cigarette smoking and alcohol use were higher among lesbians (p <.05). There were no differences in reported time (hrs/wk) spent in past-year leisure time, occupational, total, or vigorous physical activity. Usual household physical activity (hrs/wk) was higher among heterosexuals than among lesbians (20.8 vs. 15.7 hrs/wk)(p< .001). Predictors of past-year leisure time physical activity included BMI for both groups. Additional predictors for lesbians were smoking status, educational attainment, and current committed marital or partner relationship status. Conclusions: Although time (hrs/wk) spent in past-year leisure time, occupational, vigorous and total physical activity were not different between lesbians and heterosexual women, time spent in usual household physical activity was higher among heterosexuals. Lesbians had four predictors of past-year leisure time physical activity while heterosexuals had only one. Therefore, although many aspects of physical activity are similar between lesbians and heterosexuals, some differences in physical activity exist among women based upon sexual orientation.

The aim of this study was to determine whether there was a relationship between level of fitness and the information processing components of attention, memory and decision making in children. Based on existing evidence from studies on adults, it was predicted that higher-fit children would perform better on attention, memory and decision making tasks than their low-fit counterparts. It was predicted that higher-fit subjects would perform better than their lower-fit counterparts on: i) attention (dual task-tracking and discrete simple reaction time tasks), ii) memory (numeric vigilance and probed memory tasks), iii) decision making (discrete-6 choice reaction time tasks, and iv) executive function (Tower of Hanoi). Forty-seven male children from a local middle school were selected for the study. Based upon a cycle ergometer test, the top twenty receiving the highest fitness scores and the twenty with the lowest scores were selected to complete the cognitive tests. Subjects were required to perform six cognitive tests on a computer. Fitness level (higher-fit and lower-fit) was the main independent variable while the dependent variables were VO² max, fat percentage, resting heart rate and the measures from the cognitive tests. First, a fitness level ANOVA with predicted VO² max indicated that the groups did differ on the level of fitness. A group x memory capacity (8, 10) with repeated measures on memory length and a group x duration (80,100) with repeated measures on time were computed. The remaining dependent variables were analyzed by a fitness group ANOVA. The fitness level did not differentiate the subjects on attention, memory or decision making. There was a trend for the higher-fit to perform better than the lower-fit on simple and choice movement times, memory capacity and duration tests. Thus, the effects of aerobic fitness level on attention and memory capacity displayed a trend for higher-fit children to be slightly better than lower-fit children; however, these differences were not significant. Further studies need to continue to explore whether aerobic fitness levels have an impact on the components of childrens information processing.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to use a match-mismatch paradigm to examine three psychological constructs that potentially influence childrens beliefs about participation in an aerobic physical activity: exercise discomfort, self-efficacy, and enjoyment. METHODS: Thirty-four middle school females (n =18) and males (n = 16) aged 11-14 years completed the: 1) Exercise Discomfort Index (Childrens OMNI Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale x Childrens OMNI Perceived Muscle Hurt (RMH) Scale; 2 Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale: Running; and, 3) Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale. Measurements were obtained prior to and following performance of the nationally standardized PACER (Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run) field test of aerobic fitness. RESULTS: Dependent t-tests for the total (p = .009) and female (p = .042) groups indicated that predicted was greater than actual exercise discomfort; while for the male (p = .057) group predicted and actual exercise discomfort did not differ. Idiographic analysis showed that overpredictors of discomfort reported less time engaged in recreational activity than underpredictors. Exercise self-efficacy was greater (p < .001) pre-, than post-exercise for both male and female children. Exercise enjoyment was the same (p = .400) pre-, and post-exercise for both male and female children. Pearson correlation coefficients for interrelations between exercise discomfort, self-efficacy and enjoyment were not significant with the exception of a significant relation (r = .302) between post-exercise self-efficacy and post-exercise enjoyment. A significant relation was observed between PACER laps completed and pre-, (r = .582) and post- (r = .703) exercise self-efficacy, but not between PACER laps completed and discomfort or enjoyment. CONCLUSION: Employing a match-mismatch experimental paradigm suggested that exercise discomfort, self-efficacy and enjoyment were psychological constructs that may influence childrens beliefs about an aerobic physical activity. It is possible that one or more of these psychological constructs plays an important role in the initiation and maintenance of aerobic exercise. Such findings can in turn inform physical activity interventions and/or innovative health-fitness components of Physical Education curricula intended to promote cardiovascular health and fitness through regular participation in aerobic physical activity.

It has been established that exercise-induced muscle damage occurs following exercise in individuals who are not accustomed to rigorous physical activity. The damage results in a dull aching pain, known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Other clinical signs associated with DOMS include a decreased range of motion, swelling, and strength loss; all of which can lead to an impaired ability to perform daily activities. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a continuous compression treatment protocol on the clinical signs and pain associated with DOMS. METHODS: Twenty male subjects, aged 18-35, were randomly assigned to a continuous compression treatment protocol (CC) or a no treatment protocol (N). The induction of DOMS was accomplished by having the subjects perform repetitive eccentric contractions of the quadriceps muscle group. Subjects completed three sets of knee extension repetitions. Immediately following the eccentric contractions, subjects in the (CC) group applied a compression garment over the involved thigh. The (CC) subjects wore the compression garment continuously during the 3-day recovery period. The subjects in the control group did not receive any treatment. All subjects reported at 24, 48, and 72-hour post exercise for measurement of the dependent variables of passive muscle soreness, active muscle pain, rating of perceived exertion associated with the active muscle, swelling, extension and flexion angles, and strength measures. RESULTS: The primary findings of this investigation were that continuous compression resulted in a significant difference in the overall perception of passive muscle soreness across time at 24 and 48-hours post exercise (F(3, 54) = 3.75, p < 0.05). In addition, regardless of treatment protocol, there were significant differences across time observed (p < 0.05) in active muscle pain, rating of perceived exertion associated with the active muscle, distal thigh circumference, supine knee flexion angle, and knee extension angle following the induction of DOMS. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that continuous compression is beneficial in reducing muscle soreness during the first 48-hours after unaccustomed eccentric exercise. By providing mechanical support to the tissues, a compression garment may decrease the detrimental effects associated with DOMS.