Author(s): Amanda Boyce , Kaci Baldwin , Taylor Nicholson , Sarah Johnson , Sophia Anxo , Michelle Flennoy , Matt Fultz , Melanie Garland , Hillary Holt , Reagan Sanford

Presentation: oral

Aerobic training programs are prescribed based on the Frequency, Intensity, Time and Type of the activity. Of these variables, the intensity of the exercise bout is the most critical to bring about an increase in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). The use of ventilatory parameters, the ventilatory threshold (VT) and the respiratory compensation point (RCP), can be used to identify aerobic training intensity. Exercise that is performed at an intensity that is less than the ventilatory threshold is defined as being low intensity. Exercise that is performed between the VT and the RCP is defined as moderate intensity. Aerobic exercise that is performed at or above the RCP is considered to be high intensity. The identification of these training zones would allow for a more accurate aerobic exercise prescription for improving cardiorespiratory fitness than prescribing aerobic exercise based on reported levels of physical activity. Therefore the primary purpose of this investigation is to compare the previous recommendations for prescribing aerobic training intensity based on the fitness status of the individual and the threshold levels of intensity based on identifying the VT and RCP.

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