35 Does additional stimuli using weights affect perception of e=workload in land and water based exercising?

<h3>Background</h3> Rating of Perceived Exertion is determined by a number of internal and external stimuli however it may be affected by additional stimuli. <h3>Aim</h3> To determine if using sports equipment alters the perception of workload and accuracy of RPE in Cardiac Rehabilitation Phase IV (CRIV) land and water-based environments. <h3>Methods</h3> Twenty-four males (age 60 years ±SD 3.2, height 148.5 cm ±SD 17.4) and 24 females (age 59 years ±SD 3.0, height 136.5 cm ±SD 13.8) were allocated to Land, Water, and Equipment groups (Land-Based Exercise, CRIV, n=8 Male, n=8 Female; Water-Based Exercise, age-matched n=8 Male, n=8 Female, Land-Based Exercise (Equipment), CR IV n=8 Male, n=8 Female). Participants completed two classes per week in a 4-week standardised exercise program in Land or Water-based environment. Sports equipment 0.5kg handheld weights were used in Land-based Equipment group only. <h3>Results</h3> Correlations between HR and RPE was low in all conditions (P≤0.05) however, visual examination of data showed that the relationship was generally accurate. There were more significant correlations in the Equipment group (P≤0.05). Overall, HR was higher in Land and Water groups compared to those in the Equipment group (P≤0.05). HR was higher in Land and Water compared to Equipment more frequently in females than males. RPE tended to be higher in the Land and Equipment groups compared to the Water group (P≤0.05). More females than males perceived workload to be highest in the Equipment group compared to the Land and Water groups. <h3>Conclusion</h3> RPE was higher in the Equipment group, whilst HR was lower, compared to the Land and Water groups. Females were more accurate than males in perceiving HR and workload when using equipment, demonstrated by more significant correlations.