Combining perceptual regulation and exergaming for exercise prescription in low-active adults with and without cognitive impairment

A Physiological Anchor for the Perception of Effort

This is a two-part study to determine one or more reliable physiological anchors for perception of effort. The purpose of Study 1 was to compare ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) at the ventilatory threshold (VT) in running, cycling, and upper body exercise with the premise that if RPE at VT did not differ across exercise modes, VT might provide a unique set of physiological inputs for perception of effort. For 27 participants, values for VT and for RPE at VT (Borg 6 to 20 scale) averaged 9.4 km⋅h^-1 (SD = 0.7) and 11.9 km⋅h^-1 (SD = 1.4) respectively in running, 135 W (SD = 24) and 12.1 W (SD = 1.6) in cycling, and 46 W (SD = 5) and 12.0 W (SD = 1.7) in upper body exercise. RPE did not differ, suggesting that VT may anchor effort perception. In Study 2, 10 participants performed cycle ergometer exercise for 30 minutes at their VT (M = 101 W, SD = 21), at their maximal lactate steady state (M = 143 W, SD = 22), and at their critical power (CP; M = 167 W, SD = 23). Mean end-exercise RPE were 12.1 (SD = 2.1), 15.0 (SD = 1.9), and 19.0 (SD = 0.5), respectively. The very close clustering of RPE during exercise at CP hints that the confluence of physiological responses at CP may (also) serve as a determinant in perception of effort.

Low-volume cycling training improves body composition and functionality in older people with multimorbidity: a randomized controlled trial

Physical exercise, when practiced regularly and in adequate doses, is a proven nonpharmacological measure that helps to prevent and reverse noncommunicable diseases, as well as reduce mortality rates from any cause. In general, older adults perform insufficient physical activity and do not meet the doses recommended by the World Health Organization for the improvement of health through physical activity. However, there is little evidence on adequate doses of exercise in older people, especially in those with multimorbidity. Our main aim was to evaluate the effect of a 6-week intervention on health-related outcomes (body composition, hemodynamic and functionality changes) in 24 individuals aged 65 and older with multimorbidity in a randomized controlled trial. The intervention consisted of a very low volume (60 min per week) of low-to-moderate intensity exercise training (perception of effort from 3 to 6 on an 11-point scale). After the intervention, blood pressure was significantly (p = 0.038) reduced in the exercise group (EG), with a higher reduction in men. Furthermore, the EG decreased their waist circumference (p = 0.005), a proxy of abdominal adiposity, and demonstrated an increased likelihood (73%) that a randomly selected change in muscle mass score from the EG would be greater than a randomly selected change score from the control group. The exercise intervention was particularly effective in enhancing the functionality of older adults with multimorbidity, especially in walking speed and balance skills. Perceptually regulated intensity during exercise training seemed to be a very interesting strategy to train individuals with low physical fitness and comorbidities. This study is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04842396).

Effects of Interactive Videogames on Postural Control and Risk of Fall Outcomes in Frail and Pre-frail Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Interactive videogames (IVGs) have been used to reduce risk of falls in the older adult and improve postural control (PC) outcomes. Objective: To systematically review trials that examine whether IVGs training is effective in improving PC and managing falls in frail and pre-frail older adults. Data Sources: Four databases were searched, Scopus, Web of science, PubMed, and MEDLINE, from January 2007 to March 2019. Eligibility Criteria: Frail and pre-frail older adults aged 65+. Interventions were any Nintendo^® Wii™ training. The outcome measures were PC and risk of falls as measured by any validated outcome measure. Studies Appraisal Method: The PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) scale and Cochrane risk-of-bias tool were used by two independent authors. Results: Eleven papers were included, involving 388 participants, with a mean age of 79 ± 5.7 years. The mean duration of IVGs sessions was 8.8 ± 3.8 weeks, the mean total number of sessions was 20 ± 11.1 session, and the mean length of training was 44 ± 15.7 minutes. Meta-Analysis: IVGs achieved better results compared with traditional exercises and control on the Berg Balance Scale (mean difference [MD] 2.80; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21 to 4.39; P < 0.001; I² = 16%), as well as in the short term on Timed Up and Go (MD -1.23; 95% CI -2.37 to -0.09; P = 0.03; I² = 0%). Limitation: Definitive judgement could not be made due to the variability in training, training duration and outcomes measurement. Conclusion: IVGs is a promising modality that has a positive effect on PC but not on the outcome of falls, so it should be prescribed with caution among frail older adults. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019129611.

Competencies for rating perceived exertion in amateur soccer players with and without intellectual disabilities

BACKGROUND

Perception of exertion is essential for self-regulation in sports. The ability to rate perceived exertion (RPE) is regarded as psychophysiological competence, although cognitive components of RPE are largely unknown. The present study tested the hypothesis that cognitive processing speed, perseveration and figural fluency correlate with RPE.

METHODS

The present study tested relationships between the performance in neuropsychological tests and the competence for RPE assessed during soccer training in 30 adults with and 22 adults without intellectual disabilities.

RESULTS

Mean correlation coefficients for RPE and heart rate differed significantly between participants with intellectual disabilities (r = .41) and participants without intellectual disabilities (r = .71). The variance of RPE could be partially explained by neuropsychological performance measures reflecting cognitive processing speed and perseveration and by age.

CONCLUSIONS

The results point to an impaired perception of exertion in people with intellectual disabilities, which can be partially explained by individual neuropsychological competencies.