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The application of maximal heart rate predictive equations in hypoxic conditions

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Abstract

Purpose

Peak heart rate (HRpeak) is a common tool used in exercise prescription for groups in which maximal exercise intensity is contraindicated; however, the application of this method in normobaric hypoxia is unknown. Therefore, this study investigated the response of HRpeak and the application of predictive HRpeak equations to prescribe exercise intensity in acute normobaric hypoxia. Results were used to examine whether age-derived HRpeak predictive equations are valid in hypoxic conditions.

Methods

Fifteen untrained (eight men) volunteers (age 22 ± 2 years; peak rate of oxygen consumption 46.3 ± 7.0 ml kg−1 min−1) completed incremental cycle ergometer tests (randomised order) to measure HRpeak at sea-level (SL (ambient inspiratory oxygen fraction (FIO2) 0.209)) and four normobaric hypoxic conditions FIO2: 0.185, 0.165, 0.142, 0.125 (≈1,000–4,000 m).

Results

HRpeak was similar across all conditions (SL, 182 ± 13; 0.185, 178 ± 11; 0.165, 177 ± 9; 0.142, 178 ± 9; 0.125, 175 ± 10 b min−1) despite a reduction in oxygen saturation with increasing hypoxia (SL, 95 ± 5; 0.185, 95 ± 2; 0.165, 92 ± 2; 0.142, 88 ± 3; 0.125, 82 ± 4 %; P ≤ 0.05). The HRpeak was overestimated by all equations compared to the measured value (P < 0.05). Four equations overestimated HRpeak in all conditions (P < 0.01); two in four conditions (0.185, 0.165, 0.142, 0.125; P < 0.01); and two in three conditions (0.165, 0.142, 0.125; P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The overestimation of HRpeak by commonly used age-derived predictive equations in normobaric hypoxic conditions suggests that despite possible contraindications researchers should directly measure HRpeak whenever possible if it is to be used to prescribe exercise intensities.

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Abbreviations

ANOVA:

Analysis of variance

FIO2 :

Ambient inspiratory oxygen fraction

HRpeak :

Peak heart rate

O2 :

Oxygen

PHRpeak :

Predicted peak heart rate

RH:

Relative humidity

RPE:

Rating of perceived exertion

SL:

Sea level

SPO2 :

Arterial oxygen saturation

t amb :

Ambient temperature

v :

Velocity

\(\dot{V}_{E}\) :

Minute ventilation

\(\dot{V}\rm{O_{2}}\) :

Oxygen uptake

\(\dot{V}\rm{O_{2peak} }\) :

Peak rate of oxygen consumption

\(\dot{W}_{peak}\) :

Peak power output

Ω2 :

Omega squared

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Acknowledgments

There were no external funding sources used in the preparation of this article. C. A Gallagher is currently receiving financial support in the form of a bursary allowance from the University of Chichester.

Conflict of interest

There are no conflicts of interests concerning the preparation of this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Chichester, College Lane, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 6PE, UK

    Carla A. Gallagher, Mark E. T. Willems & Stephen D. Myers

  2. School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK

    Mark P. Lewis

Authors
  1. Carla A. Gallagher
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  2. Mark E. T. Willems
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  3. Mark P. Lewis
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  4. Stephen D. Myers
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Correspondence to Stephen D. Myers.

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Communicated by Massimo Pagani.

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Gallagher, C.A., Willems, M.E.T., Lewis, M.P. et al. The application of maximal heart rate predictive equations in hypoxic conditions. Eur J Appl Physiol 115, 277–284 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-014-3007-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-014-3007-6

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