Comparison between American College of Sport Medicine Recommendations for Performing Aerobic Exercise and Self-selected Practice by Women

Abstract

Introduction: The practice of physical activity is self-selected by women. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) indicates that the energy expenditure of 1000 kilocalories per week of moderate physical activity reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Objective: To establish self-selected patterns of physical activity by women during walking, running and trotting and to verify that they meet the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines for their practice.

Materials and Methods: Eighty women participated in the study, being divided into four age groups (G1 = 20-29 years; G2 = 30-39 years; G3 = 40-49 years; G4 = 50-59 years). In the first stage, anthropometric procedures were performed. The second stage consisted of evaluating an exercise session (walking and / or running) outdoors, under self-selected intensity through a cardiac monitor and effort perception index.

Results: When analyzing the effort perception index score, it was found that 43.8% of the sample (n= 80, G1: n= 30; G2: n= 30; G3: n= 10; G4: n= 10) was within the intensity “Vigorous” and 26.3% “moderate”, both being within the recommendations of the American College of Sports Medicine. In relation to the average percentage of HR (% HR), all groups were in accordance with the guidelines. As for the total session time and weekly frequency, all groups reached the minimum recommendations.

Conclusion: Most people self-selected intensities within the recommended by ACSM, when analyzing the average% HR, effort perception index, training time and weekly frequency.