LAUSR

The prescription of self-selected intensity (SSI) exercise has shown promise as a method to increase physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness. SSI allows control over the exercise stimulus, promotes positive affect, and is often an intensity known to induce health-fitness benefits. PURPOSE: To compare SSI between Treadmill, Elliptical, Upright Cycle, and Recumbent Cycle exercise in sedentary adults (<90 min of aerobic activity per week). METHODS: Eight subjects (6 w, 2 m; 33 ± 10 yr, VO2max: 36 ± 7 ml·kg·min) completed five submaximal exercise trials on separate days. The first four, one trial per mode completed in random order, were 30-min each: 5 min warm-up, 20 min SSI, 5-min cool-down. Oxygen consumption (VO2; ParvoMedics) and heart rate (HR; Polar) were monitored continuously. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE; OMNI Scale) and affective responses (AR; Feeling Scale) were collected every 5 min. The fifth trial was a submaximal graded treadmill test to predict VO2max. The mean values from the 20-min SSI were compared between modes using repeatedmeasures ANOVA. Pairwise comparisons were performed using Bonferroni corrections for significant ANOVAs. RESULTS: ANOVAs were significant for VO2 (F3,21=12.81, p<.05), %VO2Reserve (F3,21=6.41, p<.05) and Kcal (F3,21=7.43, p<.05). For each, Treadmill was significantly greater than Recumbent Cycle.