The Influence of Psychological Characteristic and Exercise Habit on Perception of Exercise Intensity during Self-selected Aerobic Exercise

Abstract

　The goal of this study was to investigate the correlation between cognition levels for the exercise intensity during the exercise using the self-selected (SS) intensity. We compared ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) score during the exercise using a SS intensity in a group 9 active men and a group 9 sedentary men (24.9±2.0 and 22.9±1.5 yr) at three self-selected protocols during 20 min of cycling. During the first protocol, the subjects performed 20 min of cycling at a SS exercise intensity. The other two protocols consisted of 5 min fixed-load cycling at 50% or 70% of maximal oxygen uptake followed by 15 min cycling at a self-selected intensity (SSFL50% or SSFL70%). The intensity selected by the active group during SSFL70% was significantly correlated with the state anxiety before the exercise, while the RPE in the sedentary group during SSFL70% was interrelated with the trait and the state anxiety. These data suggest that the cognition level for the exercise intensity during the SS method was affected by the exercise habit and the anxiety of individuals.