Can cardiac patients use only the talk test to self-monitor appropriate exercise intensity levels?

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if cardiac patients could use only the talk test to monitor exercise intensity and stay within appropriate intensity ranges. This study tested 16 phase II cardiac rehabilitation patients and had them complete three treadmill tests. The .tirst was a submaximal exercise test used to detennine ventilatory threshold stages. The second test was a 20-minute exercise bout where patients adjusted their intensity based on their talk test responses. The third test was a maximal exercise test used to determine maximal heart rate. The values from the 20 minute exercise bout and maximal test were compared. Subjects where within the ACSM intensity guidelines for percent heart rate reserve, steady state MET levels/percent of maximal MET, and rate of perceived exertion when compared to maximal values. This study supports the notion that cardiac patients can use only the talk test to self-monitor exercise intensity levels and remain in appropriate intensity ranges.