Physiological, Perceptual And Affective Responses During Community-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation: 1473 Board #148 June 1 9

Physiological, perceptual, and affective responses during community-based cardiac rehabilitation Nicola R. Hurley1, Cliona Barrett1, Piotr Pryzbylski1, Hannah Smith2, Kathleen Field3, Bróna Furlong1, Noel McCaffrey1, Niall Moyna1 1 School of Health & Human, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland, 2Cornell University, Ithaca, USA, 3 The College at Brockport, State University of New York, USA BACKGROUND: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a multifaceted intervention that aims to optimise cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction. International guidelines identify exercise as an integral component of CR and recommend that CR participants exercise at an intensity corresponding to 50- 80% VO2max to achieve maximal health benefits. PURPOSE: To characterize the physiological, perceptual, and affective responses during self-regulated exercise in a community-based CR (CBCR) program. METHODS: Twenty-six men (mean ± SD; age 67.6 ± 6.2 years, BMI 28.8 ± 3.2 kg·m2; VO2peak 25.3 ± 5.8 ml·kg-1·min-1) with stable CVD, who were attending a community based CR program for at least 6 months, were recruited. Participants performed a graded treadmill exercise test with a 12-lead ECG to measure VO2peak and heart rate (HR)peak. Participants subsequently undertook two CR classes, separated by ≥ 7 days, during which expiratory gases and HR were continuously measured using a portable open circuit spirometry and telemetry system, respectively. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded during and affective state (AS) recorded after the 60min exercise class. Classes involved a combination of aerobic exercises and resistance training. Exercise intensity was self-regulated during each CR class. RESULTS: During the CR class participants exercised at an exercise intensity corresponding to 62.6 ± 8.4% VO2peak and 75.8 ± 10.5% HRpeak. The mean affect score was +3 (good) and the mean RPE was 13 (somewhat hard). CONCLUSION: When allowed to self-regulate their exercise intensity during CBCR, participants select an intensity that they perceive to be somewhat hard and that provides a high level of positive affect. The self-regulated exercise intensity is within the physiological range considered safe and effective to optimise CVD risk reduction.