A Comparison of Ratings of Perceived Exertion During Deep Water Running and Treadmill Running: Considerations in the Prescription of Exercise Intensity

Deep water running (DWR) is a form a aquatic exercise that simulates the action of land based running (LBR), but appears to cause less musculo-skeletal stress. Consequently, it has become a popular training modality for athletes recovering from injury. The psychophysical effects of DWR and LBR respectively were investigated at three exercise intensities. Maximum heart rate (HR max ) was established using a Cooper 1.5 mile run test and the Karvonen Heart Rate Reserve (HRR) method was used to calculate exercise intensity at 60%, 70%, and 80% HRR, respectively. Six males and four females with a mean age (‐SD) of 28.1 ‐ 4.9 years and unfamiliar with DWR undertook a 30-minute test in both DWR and LBR conditions. Each test consisted of 3 x 10 minute periods at 60%, 70%, and 80% HRR respectively. Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) was recorded during the last minute of each period. A difference in RPE was found between LBR and DWR at 60% (11.4 Vs 12.8, p < 0.001), 70% (12.9 Vs 15.2, p < 0.001), and 80% HRR (14.5 Vs 17.7, p < 0.001). A significant difference in RPE was attributed to localized fatigue associated with the unfamiliarity of the task, reflected by increased cardiovascular stress at any given heart rate. Athletes and trainers should exhibit caution when prescribing a specific DWR exercise intensity based on HR max date obtained from a land based test. A downward adjustment of 12n17 beats per minute is considered prudent to ensure that exercise intensity is appropriate to the goal of the training program and to the traineeis current ability.