Article

The Talk Test (TT) is a submaximal, incremental exercise test that has
been shown to be useful in prescribing exercise training intensity. It is based
on a subject's ability to speak comfortably during exercise.
This study defined
the amount of reduction in absolute workload intensity from an incremental
exercise test using the TT to give appropriate absolute training intensity for
cardiac rehabilitation patients. METHODS: Patients in an outpatient
rehabilitation program (N = 30) performed an incremental exercise test with the
TT given every 2-minute stage. Patients rated their speech comfort after reciting
a standardized paragraph. Anything other than a "yes" response was considered the
"equivocal" stage, while all preceding stages were "positive" stages. The last
stage with the unequivocally positive ability to speak was the Last Positive
(LP), and the preceding stages were (LP-1 and LP-2). Subsequently, three
20-minute steady-state training bouts were performed in random order at the
absolute workload at the LP, LP-1, and LP-2 stages of the incremental test.
Speech comfort, heart rate (HR), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were
recorded every 5 minutes. RESULTS: The 20-minute exercise training bout was
completed fully by LP (n = 19), LP-1 (n = 28), and LP-2 (n = 30). Heart rate,
RPE, and speech comfort were similar through the LP-1 and LP-2 tests, but the LP
stage was markedly more difficult. CONCLUSION: Steady-state exercise training
intensity was easily and appropriately prescribed at intensity associated with
the LP-1 and LP-2 stages of the TT. The LP stage may be too difficult for
patients in a cardiac rehabilitation program.

Langue : ANGLAIS

Tiré à part : OUI