Relationship between Perceived Exertion and Anthropometric Indices in Older Adults during Circuit Training
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (% BF), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) in older women during a circuit training session (CTS). Twenty-one women participated, with a mean age of 64.8±3.5 years, BMI of 29.1±5.2 kg/m², and %BF of 44.2±6.6 %. The protocol consisted of a 45-minute CTS session, comprising six bodyweight exercises, performed in an outdoor environment (25 °C; 70 % humidity). RPE was recorded using the OMNI scale at 15 minutes (4.5±2.0), 30 minutes (5.3±2.2), and at the end of the session (5.6±2.7). Statistical analysis was conducted using Pearson’s correlation, with a significance level set at 5 %. Results showed a progressive increase in RPE throughout the session, indicating moderate exercise intensity. A strong positive correlation was observed between BMI and % BF (r=0.97; p<0.001), but no significant correlations were identified between these indices and RPE at the different time points assessed. However, there was a trend toward a moderate negative correlation between % BF and RPE at 30 minutes (r=-0.42; p=0.053), suggesting that participants with higher adiposity perceived less exertion at this stage. It is concluded that, although no direct relationship was found between anthropometric indices and perceived exertion, contextual factors such as age, protocol, and exercise environment may influence perceptual responses. These findings reinforce the importance of using RPE as a complementary tool in exercise prescription for older women.
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