2025, Vol. 12, Issue 1, Part D

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the perception of effort, enjoyment, and heart rate during three different durations and speeds of walking protocols in middle-aged women.

Methods: Ten women (mean ±SD = 55±4 years) completed three randomized counterbalanced walking protocols: Continuous Walking (CW), Intermittent Walking (IW), and Intermittent Interval Walking (IIW). Rating of perceived exertion (RPE), enjoyment, and heart rate (HR) were assessed during exercise at six even increments; RPE and enjoyment were measured during rest periods.

Results: Average exercising RPE was significantly higher (p<0.0020 for all) in IIW (13.0±2.5) compared with CW (11.7±2.1) and IIW compared with IW (11.3±1.9). RPE was significantly higher (p<0.034 for all) post-exercise at 0 minutes in IIW (13.2±2.8) compared to IW (10.9±2.3). RPE was significantly greater (p<0.009 for all) post-exercise at 10 minutes in IIW (13.4±2.6) compared with CW (11.8±2.3), and IIW compared with IW (10.7±2.6). There were no significant differences (p≥ 0.549 for all) in enjoyment of exercise for any condition. IIW (112.0±16.0 bpm) elicited a significantly higher (p = 0.01) exercising heart rate than IW (105.0±14.0 bpm). HR during CW (107.0±14.0 bpm) was not different (p>0.05) from the other treatments.

Conclusion: Enjoyment levels remained the same across protocols. IIW may be a viable exercise strategy for middle-aged women to achieve health benefits and address barriers.