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18-12-2023 | Original Article

Application and performance of heart-rate-based methods to estimate oxygen consumption at different exercise intensities in postmenopausal women

Authors: Alessandro L. Colosio, Massimo Teso, Jan Boone, Silvia Pogliaghi

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 5/2024

Abstract

Purpose

Heart rate (HR) is a widespread method to estimate oxygen consumption (\(\dot{V}\)O₂), exercise intensity, volume, and energy expenditure. Still, accuracy depends on lab tests or using indexes like HR_net and HR_index. This study addresses HR indexes’ applicability in postmenopausal women (PMW), who constitute over 50% of the aging population and may have unique characteristics (e.g., heart size) affecting HR use.

Methods

Fourteen PMW underwent a cycling ramp incremental test to establish the relationships between \(\dot{V}\)O2 (in MET) and absolute HR, HR_net, and HR_index. In a second group of ten PMW, population-specific and general equations were tested to predict MET and energy expenditure during six constant work exercises at various intensities. Pulmonary gas exchange and HR were continuously measured using a metabolic cart. Correlations, Bland–Altman analysis, and two-way RM-ANOVA were used to compare estimated and measured values.

Results

Strong linear relationships between the three HR indexes and MET were found in Group 1. In Group 2, population-specific equations showed medium-to-high correlations, precision, and no significant biases when estimating MET and energy expenditure. HR_net and HR_index outperformed absolute HR in accuracy. General HR equations had similar correlations but exhibited larger biases and imprecision. Statistical differences between measured and estimated values were observed at all intensities with general equations.

Conclusion

This investigation confirms the suitability of HR for estimating aerobic metabolism in one of the most significant aging populations. However, it emphasizes the importance of considering individual variability and developing population-specific models when utilizing HR to infer metabolism.

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Title: Application and performance of heart-rate-based methods to estimate oxygen consumption at different exercise intensities in postmenopausal women
Authors: Alessandro L. Colosio
Massimo Teso
Jan Boone
Silvia Pogliaghi
Publication date: 18-12-2023
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 5/2024
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-023-05374-2

2024 ESC Congress

Springer Medicine

Application and performance of heart-rate-based methods to estimate oxygen consumption at different exercise intensities in postmenopausal women

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

2024 ESC Congress

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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