Accuracy of exercise prescription methods compared to the ventilatory threshold

Abstract

Many exercise professionals use non-invasive methods to determine exercise prescription. These methods have the risk of prescribing exercise intensities that are below and above the ventilatory threshold (VT). This study compared the ACSM recommended exercise prescription percentages to variables (HR, V02) at VT. Twenty healthy volunteers (n = 20) performed a maximal exercise test to determine VT, peak V02, HRmax. The variables at VT were compared to the percentages (40,60,80% V02peak, 55,70,90% peak HR, and 40,85% HRR) that were widely used to prescribe exercise. There was a statistically significant difference (p < .05) between the variables at VT and numerous recommended percentages; however, there were no significant correlations between the percentages and variables at VT. The authors concluded that intensities of 60% VOzpeak, and 75% HRrnax were associated with intensities that are equivalent to the VT.